The proposed bill aims to establish a comprehensive health care entity registry in Washington State to enhance transparency and oversight in the rapidly evolving health care landscape. The legislation recognizes significant changes in the market, including increased consolidation and the rise of for-profit entities, which have not adequately addressed access and affordability issues for residents. To address this, the bill mandates that registering entities report detailed information about their operations, ownership, and financial status to the Department of Health starting July 1, 2026. This includes data on affiliates, subsidiaries, and the services provided at various locations, with the goal of creating a complete and interactive registry of health care entities and providers.

Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for non-compliance, including civil fines for entities that fail to submit complete or accurate reports. The Department of Health is tasked with making the collected data publicly available and may conduct audits to ensure compliance. The legislation also emphasizes the need for collaboration with other state agencies to streamline reporting processes and fill existing data gaps. By October 1, 2026, the Department is required to report on the implementation of these requirements and any remaining challenges in developing the registry.