The bill amends Washington state law to expand the scope of ambulance services, allowing them to transport patients to various facilities beyond traditional emergency departments, including urgent care clinics, mental health facilities, and substance use disorder programs. Specifically, RCW 18.73.280 is updated to reflect this change, and a new section is added to chapter 41.05, mandating that health plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2026, must cover ground ambulance transport to these alternative facilities. Additionally, RCW 48.43.121 is amended to ensure that health carriers provide coverage for such transports without requiring prior authorization in the presence of an emergency medical condition. The bill also outlines a reimbursement methodology for ambulance services transporting medical assistance enrollees to non-emergency facilities, as detailed in RCW 74.09.330.

Moreover, the legislation introduces new legal protections for entities and personnel involved in emergency medical services, extending liability protections for actions taken in good faith while rendering services under the direction of an approved medical program director. These protections also apply to those transporting patients to alternative facilities, provided they follow the appropriate procedures. However, the bill clarifies that these protections do not extend to cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, ensuring accountability for serious breaches of duty. Overall, the bill aims to enhance patient care by broadening transport options and ensuring coverage for these services while strengthening the legal framework surrounding emergency medical services.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.73.280, 74.09.330, 70.168.100