This bill establishes new requirements for health plans in Washington State regarding coverage for biomarker testing, effective January 1, 2024. It mandates that health carriers, public employee health plans, and the authority administering medical assistance programs must provide coverage for biomarker testing when it is supported by medical and scientific evidence. The criteria for coverage include tests approved by the FDA, national coverage determinations from Medicare, nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines, and consensus statements. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that coverage should be provided in a way that minimizes disruptions in patient care, such as the need for multiple biopsies.

The bill also defines key terms related to biomarker testing, including "biomarker," which refers to measurable characteristics indicating biological or pharmacological processes, and "biomarker testing," which involves analyzing a patient's biospecimen for these indicators. The definitions aim to clarify the scope of the coverage required under the new law. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance patient care by ensuring access to necessary diagnostic and monitoring tools for various diseases and conditions.