The "Keep Our Care Act" aims to enhance the governance and operational standards of healthcare entities in Washington State, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill introduces a requirement for the Attorney General to be notified of all material health care transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, with a 120-day notice period to assess their impact on competition and consumer access. It emphasizes the need for these transactions to maintain or improve access to quality care for low-income and underserved populations, and introduces new definitions such as "gender affirming care." Additionally, the bill mandates detailed documentation regarding charity care spending, service provision, and policies related to various healthcare services, ensuring that any anticipated changes do not adversely affect community access.

To ensure compliance, the bill establishes a review board appointed by the Attorney General and mandates annual reporting for ten years post-transaction to monitor adherence to the established conditions. The Attorney General is empowered to impose civil penalties for non-compliance and can take legal action to enforce the provisions of the bill. Furthermore, the legislation includes measures to protect sensitive information during the review process and requires the Attorney General to conduct studies on the effects of healthcare mergers and acquisitions. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, and aims to safeguard the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services for Washington residents.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.390.010, 19.390.020, 19.390.030, 19.390.040, 19.390.050, 19.390.080, 19.390.070
Engrossed Bill: 19.390.010, 19.390.020, 19.390.030, 19.390.040, 19.390.050, 19.390.080, 19.390.070