The bill seeks to revise the certificate of need requirements for Washington's cardiac care delivery system to improve its stability, efficiency, and equity. It directs the Department of Health to create rules for issuing certificates of need specifically for elective percutaneous coronary interventions, ensuring these rules align with existing exemptions in RCW 70.38.111(15) and adhere to national standards for patient safety and quality outcomes. Notably, the previous requirement for an independent evidence-based review prior to rule-making has been removed, which is intended to streamline the regulatory process.

Additionally, the bill reenacts and amends RCW 70.38.111, detailing exemptions from the certificate of need requirement for health maintenance organizations and healthcare facilities. It outlines specific conditions under which these organizations can provide tertiary health services without a certificate, including enrollment thresholds and accessibility criteria. The bill also clarifies that the Department cannot require a certificate of need for certain new bed additions, such as those in behavioral health hospitals with up to 16 beds for adults under involuntary commitment. Furthermore, it exempts accredited hospitals performing elective percutaneous coronary interventions from certificate of need requirements, provided they are recognized as comprehensive or primary heart attack centers, thereby enhancing access to essential cardiac services while ensuring quality care standards are upheld.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.38.128