The bill aims to update and modernize the Washington state health plan by amending several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and creating a new section. It emphasizes the need for a sustainable state health plan and resource strategy, which includes improving access to affordable health care, enhancing the quality of care, and controlling health care costs. The Office of Financial Management is tasked with developing a statewide health resources strategy that will guide health planning policies and goals, taking into account health equity and the needs of various geographic regions. The bill also mandates the Department of Health to analyze the certificate of need program and report its findings by June 30, 2025.

Key amendments include the replacement of "psychiatric" with "behavioral health" in the definition of health facilities, and the introduction of new provisions that enhance the Office of Financial Management's access to health care data, including all-payer claims databases and other relevant health authority data. The bill establishes a timeline for the submission of a preliminary report by July 1, 2026, and a completed health resources strategy report by December 31, 2027, with updates every four years thereafter. Additionally, it requires public hearings to gather input on the development of the health resources strategy, ensuring community involvement in the planning process.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.370.010, 43.370.020, 43.370.030
Substitute Bill: 43.370.010, 43.370.020, 43.370.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.370.010, 43.370.020, 43.370.030, 43.370.040
Session Law: 43.370.010, 43.370.020, 43.370.030, 43.370.040