This bill aims to address health care workforce shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by mandating that health carriers reimburse advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) and physician assistants (PAs) at the same rate as physicians for the same services. The legislation recognizes the critical need for equitable reimbursement to support health care providers, particularly in underserved and rural areas, thereby ensuring access to necessary health care services.

Specifically, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW, which stipulates that for health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2024, health carriers cannot reimburse ARNPs or PAs less than what they would pay physicians for the same service in the same service area. Additionally, it prohibits health carriers from reducing physician reimbursement rates to comply with this requirement. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner is tasked with collecting data on the implementation of this act and reporting back to the legislature by January 1, 2025, detailing the impact on reimbursement rates for ARNPs, PAs, and physicians. The bill also reenacts and amends existing law to incorporate these new provisions.