The proposed bill mandates that, by January 1, 2027, all licensed hospitals in Washington must have at least one patient advocate physically present in the acute care setting each day to assist patients in navigating the healthcare system. This requirement, however, does not apply to certain exempt hospitals, including rural hospitals certified as independent sole community hospitals or critical access hospitals, hospitals located on islands in Skagit County, and specific hospitals on tribal land that meet certain criteria. For those exempt hospitals, they must still provide patients with access to a patient advocacy service, ensuring that the service is active and knowledgeable about Washington's health systems.

The bill outlines the duties of patient advocates, which include assisting patients in accessing their medical records, scheduling appointments, collaborating with healthcare teams to enhance patient understanding of their medical conditions and treatment options, and representing patients' interests in communications with healthcare providers and insurance companies. This initiative aims to improve patient support and navigation within the healthcare system, ensuring that patients have the necessary resources and assistance during their care.