The bill establishes a regulatory framework for licensed acute care hospitals in Washington to provide "hospital at-home" services, allowing patients to receive acute care in their homes. This initiative aims to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, particularly in light of its successful implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Health is mandated to adopt rules by December 31, 2025, to govern these services in alignment with federal standards. Hospitals with an active federal program waiver can begin offering these services immediately while seeking departmental approval. The bill also clarifies that hospital at-home services will not be subject to certain existing regulations and will not count towards the hospital's licensed bed capacity.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to hospital licensing and certificate of need requirements, particularly benefiting rural hospitals and nursing homes. It allows rural hospitals to renew licenses without certain requirements if there is no increase in bed numbers and permits nursing homes that reduce their licensed beds to revert to their original capacity without needing a certificate of need under specific conditions. The bill introduces exemptions from certificate of need requirements for certain healthcare facilities, including hospice agencies and ambulatory surgical facilities, and explicitly states that hospital-at-home services are also exempt from this review. The changes are deemed urgent for public health and safety, taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.127.040, 70.38.111
Substitute Bill: 70.127.040, 70.38.111
Engrossed Substitute: 70.127.040, 70.38.111