The bill aims to enhance diversity in clinical trials within Washington State by establishing a new program under the Washington State Review Board. It recognizes the importance of including diverse demographic groups in clinical trials to ensure that medical products are effective across different populations. The legislation outlines several key policies, including improving the quality of demographic data collected, identifying barriers to participation for underrepresented groups, and increasing the transparency of this data. The Review Board is tasked with developing a diversity program that includes collaboration with various stakeholders, maintaining a dedicated website for resources, and submitting biennial reports to the legislature starting in 2024.
Additionally, the bill mandates that any state entity receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health for clinical trials must adopt specific policies to enhance the recruitment of underrepresented demographic groups. These policies include collaborating with community organizations, providing multilingual information to participants, and ensuring access to translation services. The bill emphasizes the need for inclusivity in clinical trials by addressing underrepresentation based on race, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and age.