The bill seeks to codify emergency rules that safeguard the rights of pregnant individuals in Washington State to access treatment for emergency medical conditions in hospital emergency departments. It establishes a new section in chapter 70.41 RCW, mandating that hospitals provide necessary treatment to pregnant patients or transfer them to another facility with informed consent, while explicitly prohibiting the use of pregnancy status or the health of any embryo or fetus as a reason to deny care. The legislation reinforces hospitals' responsibilities regarding emergency care and charity care policies, ensuring that patients are not denied access based on their ability to pay and that they are informed of their rights and available assistance.

Additionally, the bill amends the definition of "hospital" to exclude certain facilities, such as hotels and clinics, and replaces "psychiatric hospitals" with "behavioral health hospitals" to better reflect the types of institutions involved in mental health care. It introduces new definitions for terms essential to the law's implementation, such as "immediate jeopardy" and "telemedicine." The bill also includes a provision ensuring that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining sections will remain effective. It emphasizes the urgency of the act for public health and safety, allowing for immediate enactment upon passage, and has received approval from both the Senate and House as well as the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.170.060
Substitute Bill: 70.170.060
Engrossed Substitute: 70.170.060
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70.170.060
Session Law: 70.170.060