The bill amends RCW 74.09.520 to include provisions for rapid whole genome sequencing for enrollees up to age one, effective January 1, 2024. The authority is required to establish provider payment for this service based on medical necessity criteria, which will be developed with consideration of standards from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and relevant hospitals in Washington that primarily serve children. The bill defines "rapid whole genome sequencing" as the unbiased sequencing of all DNA bases in a patient's genome, including analysis and interpretation of the results.

Additionally, the bill mandates that by January 1, 2024, the Washington State Health Care Authority must provide a summary to the legislature detailing the process for adopting the medical necessity criteria for rapid whole genome sequencing, along with the final criteria itself. This section of the bill is set to expire on the same date, January 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.09.520, 28B.20.830
Substitute Bill: 74.09.520