Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB1812: Anesthesia services
Status: In committee, January 27, 2026
Concerning patient-centered equitable access to anesthesia services and reimbursement.
What the bill says
An act Relating to patient-centered equitable access to anesthesia services and reimbursement; reenacting and amending RCW 41.05.017; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 74.09 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to patient-centered equitable access to anesthesia services and reimbursement; reenacting and amending RCW 41.05.017; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 74.09 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that anesthesia providers give individualized care to every patient, carefully assessing the patient's health prior to the surgery, looking at existing diseases and medical conditions to determine the resources and medical expertise needed, attending to the patient during the entire procedure, resolving unexpected complications that may arise and/or extend the duration of the surgery, and working to ensure that the patient is comfortable during recovery. The legislature intends for this act to safeguard patient safety, uphold patient-centered care, and promote transparency and safety in anesthesia reimbursement practices by ensuring fair and ethical access to medically necessary anesthesia services. This act is critical to protecting patient safety and preventing the disturbing trend of commercial health insurers imposing time caps or physical status caps for anesthesia during surgery, leading to dangerous practices that could jeopardize lives. This year, insurers have targeted some of the most vulnerable patients receiving anesthesia care including those under the age of one, those over the age of 70, those in emergency conditions, and those with severe systemic diseases or …
Sponsors
- Alicia Rule (D) · primary sponsor
- Valdez, Michelle (R)
- April Berg (D)
- Liz Berry (D)
- Chipalo Street (D)
- Clyde Shavers (D)
- Lisa Parshley (D)
- Mike Steele (R)
- Carolyn Eslick (R)
- Gerry Pollet (D)
- Natasha Hill (D)
Latest actions
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM.
- : By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
- : First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
Subjects: PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, HEALTH INSURANCE
Common questions
- What is HB1812?
- HB1812 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Anesthesia services.
- What does HB1812 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to patient-centered equitable access to anesthesia services and reimbursement; reenacting and amending RCW 41.05.017; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 74.09 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB1812?
- In committee as of January 27, 2026. Latest action: Public hearing in the House Committee on Health Care & Wellness at 1:30 PM. (January 27, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1812?
- Alicia Rule (D), with 10 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1812?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1812&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.