The bill establishes a "physician well-being program" aimed at addressing career fatigue and well-being for licensed physicians and physician assistants in Washington. This program is defined to include peer-to-peer interactions, limited to three sessions per participant annually, and is designed to connect participants with health resources without evaluating specific patient care or misconduct. The program must be formally established in writing by employers or professional organizations and cannot include individuals with financial interests in the program. Additionally, it clarifies that quality improvement plans are not considered part of this well-being program.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding reporting requirements for health care professionals. It introduces confidentiality protections for records created by the physician well-being program, exempting them from public disclosure and discovery, while still allowing for the introduction of certain information in civil actions related to the license holder's participation in the program. However, if a license holder is deemed unable to practice safely or if a patient has been harmed, a report must be made to the appropriate disciplinary authority, which is not protected under the confidentiality provisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.130.020, 18.130.070
Substitute Bill: 18.130.020, 18.130.070
Engrossed Substitute: 18.130.020, 18.130.070