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 every 12 months, 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 an employer or a professional organization 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 also stipulating that reports must be made to the disciplining authority if a participant is unable to practice safely or if a patient has been harmed. The bill also emphasizes that any reports made under these provisions are not privileged and are subject to public records laws.

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
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.130.020, 18.130.070
Session Law: 18.130.020, 18.130.070