The bill amends the health technology assessment program in Washington State, specifically updating RCW 70.14.100 and 70.14.110. It introduces new criteria for selecting health technologies for review, emphasizing those with established patient access under Medicare and those with concerns regarding safety, efficacy, or cost-effectiveness. The bill also mandates that technologies determined by the committee be reconsidered for review at least every eighteen months, taking into account new evidence that may affect previous decisions. Additionally, it allows for the selection of technologies for review based on petitions from interested parties and requires systematic evidence-based assessments of selected technologies.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the transparency and accountability of the review process by requiring the health care authority to publish submissions for new technology assessments and their outcomes on its website within specified timeframes. It stipulates that the committee must communicate its decisions regarding assessments within 180 days and provide written explanations for any adverse determinations. The amendments aim to ensure that health technologies are evaluated rigorously and that stakeholders are kept informed throughout the assessment process.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.14.100, 70.14.110
Substitute Bill: 70.14.100, 70.14.110