The bill seeks to modernize Washington State's all-payer claims database by updating reporting requirements, data disclosure standards, and the selection criteria for the lead organization managing the database. It allows the health care authority to either act as the lead organization or select one through a competitive procurement process, ensuring that the chosen organization possesses the necessary expertise in health care data management. The bill emphasizes data security and privacy, mandating compliance with regulations regarding the handling of direct and indirect patient identifiers. Additionally, it establishes a governance structure for the lead organization that includes diverse stakeholder representation and sets an expiration date for review on July 1, 2026.

Significant changes include the removal of the definition of "proprietary financial information," which streamlines the focus on data collection and reporting while enhancing the protection of patient identifiers. The bill introduces protocols for data quality, financial sustainability, and the establishment of advisory committees, requiring the lead organization to develop a fee structure for data access that aligns with other states. It also mandates a review of existing transparency programs related to health care pricing by December 31, 2025, and emphasizes the importance of online data access and responsiveness to research requests. Overall, the bill aims to improve transparency, accountability, and data security in managing health care claims data, with provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.371.010, 43.371.020, 43.371.050, 43.371.060, 43.371.070, 43.371.090
Engrossed Bill: 43.371.010, 43.371.020, 43.371.050, 43.371.060, 43.371.070, 43.371.090
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.371.010, 43.371.020, 43.371.050, 43.371.060, 43.371.070, 43.371.090
Session Law: 43.371.010, 43.371.020, 43.371.050, 43.371.060, 43.371.070, 43.371.090