The bill seeks to establish legal protections for pregnant individuals in Washington State, ensuring their right to access emergency medical treatment in hospital emergency departments. It introduces a new section to chapter 70.41 RCW, mandating that hospitals provide necessary treatment for pregnant patients experiencing emergency medical conditions or transfer them to another facility with informed consent. Importantly, the bill stipulates that the continuation of a pregnancy or the health of any embryo or fetus cannot be used as justification for withholding care from the pregnant individual.

Additionally, the legislation amends existing laws to reinforce non-discriminatory emergency care based on the ability to pay and introduces new definitions relevant to the context of emergency medical care for pregnant individuals. It clarifies the definition of "hospital" to exclude certain facilities and introduces terms such as "immediate jeopardy" and "lay caregiver." The bill also includes a provision ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining sections will still be effective, emphasizing its urgency for public health and safety, and allowing for immediate implementation upon passage.

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