The bill establishes a new section in chapter 74.09 RCW that mandates the Washington State Health Care Authority to provide Medicaid coverage for all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without requiring prior authorization or step therapy. This coverage is applicable to Apple Health clients enrolled in both fee-for-service and managed care programs. Additionally, managed health care systems must also offer this coverage without prior authorization or step therapy upon initiating or renewing their contracts with the authority.

The bill includes an emergency clause that was ultimately vetoed by the Governor, who stated that the funding for these medications is already included in the Health Care Authority's base expenditures, thus negating the need for an emergency provision. The bill was passed by both the Senate and the House and received the Governor's approval, except for the vetoed section. The effective date for the provisions of the bill is set for July 1, 2025.