The bill amends the health technology assessment program in Washington State, specifically updating RCW 70.14.100 and 70.14.110. It introduces new criteria for selecting health technologies for review, emphasizing technologies that have established patient access under Medicare or recognized treatment guidelines, and those with concerns regarding safety, efficacy, or cost-effectiveness. The bill also mandates that technologies determined by the committee must be reconsidered for review at least every eighteen months if new evidence arises. Additionally, it allows for the selection of technologies for review based on petitions from interested parties and requires systematic evidence-based assessments of selected technologies.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the transparency and accountability of the review process by requiring the health care authority to publish submissions for new technology assessments and their outcomes on its website within specified timeframes. It stipulates that the committee must communicate its decisions regarding assessments within 180 days and provide written explanations for any adverse determinations. These changes aim to ensure that health technologies are evaluated thoroughly and fairly, taking into account the latest evidence and expert opinions.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70.14.100, 70.14.110