The bill aims to enhance the emergency response system for time-sensitive medical emergencies, specifically focusing on cardiac and stroke care in Washington. It establishes a new statewide data repository for time-sensitive emergencies, which will include data on trauma, cardiac events, and stroke events. The repository is intended to analyze the incidence, severity, and causes of these emergencies, thereby improving the quality of care and patient outcomes. The Department of Health is tasked with overseeing this system, ensuring continuous quality improvement, and providing technical assistance to healthcare providers.

Key amendments to existing laws include the establishment of a timeline for the creation of the data repository by January 1, 2031, and the requirement for hospitals to submit relevant data to this repository. The bill also mandates the development of a quality assurance program for emergency medical services and trauma care, which will evaluate the delivery of care and compliance with established standards. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of public education regarding the signs of heart attacks and strokes, as well as the necessity of timely medical intervention.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70.168.090, 70.168.150