This bill seeks to regulate public communications regarding contract terminations between health carriers, facilities, and providers. It prohibits these entities from making public statements about contract expirations or terminations until 45 days before the termination date, with exceptions for disclosures required by law. The bill clarifies that communications with state officials are not considered public statements and does not mandate carriers or providers to notify enrollees of potential terminations unless legally required. Additionally, it requires the development of standard template language for notices to enrollees by December 1, 2025, which must include specific information about affected facilities and continuity of care rights. The bill also introduces enforcement provisions, allowing the commissioner to impose civil monetary penalties for violations and to report non-compliance to health authorities.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing regulations concerning oversight and enforcement actions against birthing centers and private establishments that fail to meet health and safety standards. It introduces a "limited stop service" or "stop placement" for facilities identified with immediate jeopardy, prohibiting them from admitting new patients or providing certain services until compliance is achieved. The Department is required to conduct follow-up inspections within five business days to verify corrections. The bill also outlines the adjudicative process for enforcement actions, including the right to a show cause hearing for licensees facing immediate suspension, and establishes criteria for denying, suspending, or revoking licenses, along with penalties for noncompliance.

Statutes affected:
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.130.180, 70.41.510, 70.42.162, 70.230.210, 18.46.050, 70.127.170, 71.24.910, 71.12.710
Session Law: 18.130.180, 70.41.510, 70.42.162, 70.230.210, 18.46.050, 70.127.170, 71.24.910, 71.12.710