The bill aims to enhance patient-centered access to anesthesia services and ensure fair reimbursement practices by health carriers and Medicaid managed care organizations in Washington State. It establishes that health carriers must provide coverage for necessary anesthesia services for any procedure, without imposing time limits or caps on reimbursement based on the duration of anesthesia care. The legislation prohibits health carriers from denying coverage or reimbursement solely due to the length of care, and mandates that reimbursement be determined based on necessity as assessed by the healthcare provider. Additionally, it ensures that both physicians and certified registered nurse anesthetists are equally authorized to deliver anesthesia care within their scope of practice.

To enforce these provisions, the bill grants the insurance commissioner the authority to impose penalties on health carriers that violate these requirements, including civil monetary penalties and the potential suspension or revocation of their operating licenses. It also allows affected individuals and healthcare providers to file complaints and seek restitution for financial losses incurred due to noncompliance. The act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of public health and safety, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.