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 be reconsidered for review at least every eighteen months if new evidence arises. Additionally, it allows for the selection of technologies for review based on petitions from interested parties and requires systematic evidence-based assessments to be conducted for 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 within 180 days and provide written explanations for any adverse determinations. The amendments aim to ensure that health technologies are evaluated rigorously and that decisions align with federal Medicare guidelines and expert treatment recommendations, while also considering unique impacts on specific populations.

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