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 health technologies determined by the committee must be reconsidered for review at least every eighteen months, taking into account new evidence that may affect previous determinations. Additionally, it allows for petitions from interested parties to select technologies for review that were not initially chosen by the administrator.

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 new technology assessments or rereviews within 180 days, providing written explanations for any adverse determinations. These changes aim to ensure that health technologies are evaluated thoroughly and fairly, with a focus on evidence-based practices and the needs of specific patient populations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.14.100, 70.14.110
Substitute Bill: 70.14.100, 70.14.110