This bill aims to address health care workforce shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by mandating that health carriers reimburse advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs) at the same rate as physicians for the same services. The legislation recognizes the critical need for health care providers, particularly in underserved and rural areas, and seeks to ensure equitable compensation for APRNs and PAs when they provide primary and behavioral health care services.

Specifically, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW, which prohibits health carriers from reimbursing APRNs and PAs less than what they would pay physicians for the same services starting January 1, 2026. It also stipulates that health carriers cannot reduce physician reimbursement rates to comply with this requirement. Additionally, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner is tasked with collecting data on the implementation of this section and reporting on the impact of these changes by July 1, 2027. Notably, the provisions do not apply to APRNs or PAs employed by health maintenance organizations.