The bill amends existing laws related to the quality assurance fee for the ambulance transport fund in Washington State, aligning it with federal regulations. Key changes include the adjustment of reimbursement rates for emergency ambulance transports, which will now be calculated annually based on the available fee amount and the number of transports. The authority is tasked with determining these rates and ensuring that the increased payments are funded solely through the quality assurance fee and federal reimbursements. Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for assessing the quality assurance fee on ambulance transport providers, including a new calculation method for the fee rate that will be in effect until June 30, 2026, after which it will remain constant.

The bill also introduces provisions for managing overdue payments, including interest and penalties, and allows for the waiver of these charges under certain circumstances to prevent undue financial hardship for providers. It clarifies definitions related to the ambulance transport program, including terms like "aggregate fee schedule amount," "emergency ambulance transport," and "gross receipts." Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the financial sustainability of emergency ambulance services while ensuring compliance with federal standards.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 74.70.060, 74.70.050, 74.70.020
Bill as passed Legislature: 74.70.060, 74.70.050, 74.70.020
Session law: 74.70.060, 74.70.050, 74.70.020