title: RCW 41.05.011

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Authority" means the Washington state health care authority.
(2) "Board" means the public employees' benefits board established under RCW 41.05.055 and the school employees' benefits board established under RCW 41.05.740.
(3) "Dependent care assistance program" means a benefit plan whereby employees and school employees may pay for certain employment related dependent care with pretax dollars as provided in the salary reduction plan under this chapter pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Sec. 129 or other sections of the internal revenue code.
(4) "Director" means the director of the authority.
(5) "Emergency service personnel killed in the line of duty" means law enforcement officers and firefighters as defined in RCW 41.26.030, members of the Washington state patrol retirement fund as defined in RCW 43.43.120, and reserve officers and firefighters as defined in RCW 41.24.010 who die as a result of injuries sustained in the course of employment as determined consistent with Title 51 RCW by the department of labor and industries.
(6)(a) "Employee" for the public employees' benefits board program includes all employees of the state, whether or not covered by civil service; elected and appointed officials of the executive branch of government, including full-time members of boards, commissions, or committees; justices of the supreme court and judges of the court of appeals and the superior courts; and members of the state legislature. Pursuant to contractual agreement with the authority, "employee" may also include: (i) Employees of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state and members of the legislative authority of any county, city, or town who are elected to office after February 20, 1970, if the legislative authority of the county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state submits application materials to the authority to provide any of its insurance programs by contract with the authority, as provided in RCW 41.04.205 and 41.05.021(1)(g); (ii) employees of employee organizations representing state civil service employees, at the option of each such employee organization; (iii) through December 31, 2019, employees of a school district if the authority agrees to provide any of the school districts' insurance programs by contract with the authority as provided in RCW 28A.400.350; (iv) employees of a tribal government, if the governing body of the tribal government seeks and receives the approval of the authority to provide any of its insurance programs by contract with the authority, as provided in RCW 41.05.021(1) (f) and (g); (v) employees of the Washington health benefit exchange if the governing board of the exchange established in RCW 43.71.020 seeks and receives approval of the authority to provide any of its insurance programs by contract with the authority, as provided in RCW 41.05.021(1) (g) and (n); and (vi) through December 31, 2019, employees of a charter school established under chapter 28A.710 RCW. "Employee" does not include: Adult family home providers; unpaid volunteers; patients of state hospitals; inmates; students of institutions of higher education as determined by their institution; and any others not expressly defined as employees under this chapter or by the authority under this chapter.
(b) Effective January 1, 2020, "school employee" for the school employees' benefits board program includes:
(i) All employees of school districts and charter schools established under chapter 28A.710 RCW;
(ii) Represented employees of educational service districts;
(iii) Effective January 1, 2024, all employees of educational service districts; and
(iv) Effective January 1, 2024, pursuant to contractual agreement with the authority, "school employee" may also include: (A) Employees of employee organizations representing school employees, at the option of each such employee organization; and (B) employees of a tribal school as defined in RCW 28A.715.010, if the governing body of the tribal school seeks and receives the approval of the authority to provide any of its insurance programs by contract with the authority, as provided in RCW 41.05.021(1) (f) and (g).
(7) "Employee group" means employees of a similar employment type, such as administrative, represented classified, nonrepresented classified excluding such employees in educational service districts until December 31, 2023, confidential, represented certificated, or nonrepresented certificated excluding such employees in educational service districts until December 31, 2023, within a school employees' benefits board organization.
(8)(a) "Employer" for the public employees' benefits board program means the state of Washington.
(b) "Employer" for the school employees' benefits board program means school districts and educational service districts and charter schools established under chapter 28A.710 RCW.
(9)(a) "Employer group" for the public employees' benefits board program means those counties, municipalities, political subdivisions, the Washington health benefit exchange, tribal governments, and employee organizations representing state civil service employees obtaining employee benefits through a contractual agreement with the authority to participate in benefit plans developed by the public employees' benefits board.
(b) "Employer group" for the school employees' benefits board program means an employee organization representing school employees and a tribal school as defined in RCW 28A.715.010, obtaining employee benefits through a contractual agreement with the authority to participate in benefit plans developed by the school employees' benefits board.
(10)(a) "Employing agency" for the public employees' benefits board program means a division, department, or separate agency of state government, including an institution of higher education; a county, municipality, or other political subdivision; and a tribal government covered by this chapter.
(b) "Employing agency" for the school employees' benefits board program means school districts, educational service districts, and charter schools.
(11) "Faculty" means an academic employee of an institution of higher education whose workload is not defined by work hours but whose appointment, workload, and duties directly serve the institution's academic mission, as determined under the authority of its enabling statutes, its governing body, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
(12) "Flexible benefit plan" means a benefit plan that allows public employees to choose the level of health care coverage provided and the amount of employee or school employee contributions from among a range of choices offered by the authority.
(13) "Flexible spending arrangement" means a benefit plan whereby public employees may reduce their salary before taxes to pay for medical expenses not reimbursed by insurance as provided in the salary reduction plan under this chapter pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Sec. 125 or other sections of the internal revenue code.
(14) "Insuring entity" means an insurer as defined in chapter 48.01 RCW, a health care service contractor as defined in chapter 48.44 RCW, or a health maintenance organization as defined in chapter 48.46 RCW.
(15) "Participant" means an individual who fulfills the eligibility and enrollment requirements under the salary reduction plan.
(16) "Plan year" means the time period established by the authority.
(17) "Premium payment plan" means a benefit plan whereby public employees may pay their share of group health plan premiums with pretax dollars as provided in the salary reduction plan under this chapter pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Sec. 125 or other sections of the internal revenue code.
(18) "Public employee" has the same meaning as employee and school employee.
(19) "Retired or disabled school employee" means:
(a) Persons who separated from employment with a school district or educational service district and are receiving a retirement allowance under chapter 41.32 or 41.40 RCW as of September 30, 1993;
(b) Persons who separate from employment with a school district, educational service district, or charter school on or after October 1, 1993, and immediately upon separation receive a retirement allowance under chapter 41.32, 41.35, or 41.40 RCW;
(c) Persons who separate from employment with a school district, educational service district, or charter school due to a total and permanent disability, and are eligible to receive a deferred retirement allowance under chapter 41.32, 41.35, or 41.40 RCW.
(20) "Salary" means a public employee's monthly salary or wages.
(21) "Salary reduction plan" means a benefit plan whereby public employees may agree to a reduction of salary on a pretax basis to participate in the dependent care assistance program, flexible spending arrangement, or premium payment plan offered pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Sec. 125 or other sections of the internal revenue code.
(22) "School employees' benefits board organization" means a public school district or educational service district or charter school established under chapter 28A.710 RCW that is required to participate in benefit plans provided by the school employees' benefits board.
(23) "School year" means school year as defined in RCW 28A.150.203(11).
(24) "Seasonal employee" means a state employee hired to work during a recurring, annual season with a duration of three months or more, and anticipated to return each season to perform similar work.
(25) "Separated employees" means persons who separate from employment with an employer as defined in:
(a)(i) RCW 41.32.010(17) on or after July 1, 1996; or
(ii) RCW 41.35.010 on or after September 1, 2000; or
(iii) RCW 41.40.010 on or after March 1, 2002;
and who are at least age fifty-five and have at least ten years of service under the teachers' retirement system plan 3 as defined in RCW 41.32.010(33), the Washington school employees' retirement system plan 3 as defined in RCW 41.35.010, or the public employees' retirement system plan 3 as defined in RCW 41.40.010; or
(b) For the purposes of RCW 41.05.080:
(i) RCW 41.32.010 on or after January 1, 2024; or
(ii) RCW 41.35.010 on or after January 1, 2024; or
(iii) RCW 41.40.010 on or after January 1, 2024; and who are at least age 55 and have at least 20 years of service under the teachers' retirement system plan 2 as defined in RCW 41.32.010, the Washington school employees' retirement system plan 2 as defined in RCW 41.35.010, or the public employees' retirement system plan 2 as defined in RCW 41.40.010.
(26) "State purchased health care" or "health care" means medical and behavioral health care, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment purchased with state and federal funds by the department of social and health services, the department of health, the basic health plan, the state health care authority, the department of labor and industries, the department of corrections, the department of veterans affairs, and local school districts.
(27) "Tribal government" means an Indian tribal government as defined in section 3(32) of the employee retirement income security act of 1974, as amended, or an agency or instrumentality of the tribal government, that has government offices principally located in this state.
[ 2023 c 164 s 1; 2023 c 51 s 3; 2023 c 13 s 2; 2019 c 411 s 4; 2018 c 260 s 4; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 s 802. Prior: 2016 c 241 s 136; 2016 c 67 s 2; prior: 2015 c 116 s 2; 2013 c 2 s 306 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012); 2012 c 87 s 22; prior: 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 54; 2009 c 537 s 3; 2008 c 229 s 2; prior: 2007 c 488 s 2; 2007 c 114 s 2; 2005 c 143 s 1; 2001 c 165 s 2; prior: 2000 c 247 s 604; 2000 c 230 s 3; 1998 c 341 s 706; 1996 c 39 s 21; 1995 1st sp.s. c 6 s 2; 1994 c 153 s 2; prior: 1993 c 492 s 214; 1993 c 386 s 5; 1990 c 222 s 2; 1988 c 107 s 3.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: (1) The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).
(2) This section was amended by 2023 c 13 s 2, 2023 c 51 s 3, and by 2023 c 164 s 1, without reference to one another. All amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—2023 c 164: "This act takes effect January 1, 2024." [ 2023 c 164 s 2.]
Finding—Intent—2023 c 13: "The legislature finds that employees and employers are benefited by consistency and mobility in public employee health care.
Therefore it is the intent of the legislature to expand access to benefits provided by the school employees' benefits board to employees of tribal schools and employee organizations representing school employees." [ 2023 c 13 s 1.]
Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 28A.150.410.
Collective bargaining agreements not impaired—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 41.56.139.
Effective date—2016 c 241: See RCW 28A.710.901.
Effective date—2012 c 87 ss 4, 16, 18, and 19-23: See note following RCW 43.71.030.
Spiritual care services—2012 c 87: See RCW 43.71.901.
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.
Effective date—2009 c 537: See note following RCW 41.05.008.
Effective date—2008 c 229: See note following RCW 41.05.295.
Short title—2007 c 488: See note following RCW 43.43.285.
Intent—2007 c 114: "Consistent with the centennial accord, the new millennium agreement, related treaties, and federal and state law, it is the intent of the legislature to authorize tribal governments to participate in public employees' benefits board programs to the same extent that counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions of the state are authorized to do so." [ 2007 c 114 s 1.]
Effective date—2007 c 114: "This act takes effect January 1, 2009." [ 2007 c 114 s 8.]
Effective date—2001 c 165 s 2: "Section 2 of this act takes effect March 1, 2002." [ 2001 c 165 s 5.]
Effective date—Application—2001 c 165: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and except for section 2 of this act takes effect immediately [May 7, 2001]. This act applies to all surviving spouses and dependent children of (1) emergency service personnel and (2) members of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2, killed in the line of duty." [ 2006 c 345 s 2; 2001 c 165 s 6.]
Reviser's note: Contractual right not granted—2006 c 345: See note following RCW 41.26.510.
Effective date—2000 c 230: See note following RCW 41.35.630.
Effective date—1998 c 341: See RCW 41.35.901.
Effective dates—1996 c 39: See note following RCW 41.32.010.
Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 6: See note following RCW 28A.400.410.
Intent—1994 c 153: "It is the intent of the legislature to increase access to health insurance for retired and disabled state and school district employees and to increase equity between state and school employees and between state and school retirees." [ 1994 c 153 s 1.]
Effective dates—1994 c 153: "This act shall take effect January 1, 1995, except section 15 of this act, which takes effect October 1, 1995." [ 1994 c 153 s 16.]
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.
Intent—1993 c 386: See note following RCW 28A.400.391.
Effective date—1993 c 386 ss 1, 2, 4-6, 8-10, and 12-16: See note following RCW 28A.400.391.
PDF
RCW 41.05.011
Definitions. (Effective June 30, 2029.)
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Authority" means the Washington state health care authority.
(2) "Board" means the public employees' benefits board established under RCW 41.05.055 and the school employees' benefits board established under RCW 41.05.740.
(3) "Dependent care assistance program" means a benefit plan whereby employees and school employees may pay for certain employment related dependent care with pretax dollars as provided in the salary reduction plan under this chapter pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Sec. 129 or other sections of the internal revenue code.
(4) "Director" means the director of the authority.
(5) "Emergency service personnel killed in the line of duty" means law enforcement officers and firefighters as defined in RCW 41.26.030 or 41.26A.030, members of the Washington state patrol retirement fund as defined in RCW 43.43.120, and reserve officers and firefighters as defined in RCW 41.24.010 who die as a result of injuries sustained in the course of employment as determined consistent with Title 51 RCW by the department of labor and industries.
(6)(a) "Employee" for the public employees' benefits board program includes all employees of the state, whether or not covered by civil service; elected and appointed officials of the executive branch of government, including full-time members of boards, commissions, or committees; justices of the supreme court and judges of the court of appeals and the superior courts; and members of the state legislature. Pursuant to contractual agreement with the authority, "employee" may also include: (i) Employees of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state and members of the legislative authority of any county, city, or town who are elected to office after February 20, 1970, if the legislative authority of the county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state submits application materials to the authority to provide any of its insurance programs by contract with the authority, as provided in RCW 41.04.205 and 41.05.021(1)(g); (ii) employees of employee organizations representing state civil service employees, at the option of each such employee organization; (iii) through December 31, 2019, employees of a school district if the authority agrees to provide any of the school districts' insurance programs by contract with the authority as provided in RCW 28A.400.350; (iv) employees of a tribal government, if the governing body of the tribal government seeks and receives the approval of the authority to provide any of its insurance programs by contract with the authority, as provided in RCW 41.05.021(1) (f) and (g); (v) employees of the Washington health benefit exchange if the governing board of the exchange established in RCW 43.71.020 seeks and receives approval of the authority to provide any of its insurance programs by contract with the authority, as provided in RCW 41.05.021(1) (g) and (n); and (vi) through December 31, 2019, employees of a charter school established under chapter 28A.710 RCW. "Employee" does not include: Adult family home providers; unpaid volunteers; patients of state hospitals; inmates; students of institutions of higher education as determined by their institution; and any others not expressly defined as employees under this chapter or by the authority under this chapter.
(b) Effective January 1, 2020, "school employee" for the school employees' benefits board program includes:
(i) All employees of school districts and charter schools established under chapter 28A.710 RCW;
(ii) Represented employees of educational service districts;
(iii) Effective January 1, 2024, all employees of educational service districts; and
(iv) Effective January 1, 2024, pursuant to contractual agreement with the authority, "school employee" may also include: (A) Employees of employee organizations representing school employees, at the option of each such employee organization; and (B) employees of a tribal school as defined in RCW 28A.715.010, if the governing body of the tribal school seeks and receives the approval of the authority to provide any of its insurance programs by contract with the authority, as provided in RCW 41.05.021(1) (f) and (g).
(7) "Employee group" means employees of a similar employment type, such as administrative, represented classified, nonrepresented classified excluding such employees in educational service districts until December 31, 2023, confidential, represented certificated, or nonrepresented certificated excluding such employees in educational service districts until December 31, 2023, within a school employees' benefits board organization.
(8)(a) "Employer" for the public employees' benefits board program means the state of Washington.
(b) "Employer" for the school employees' benefits board program means school districts and educational service districts and charter schools established under chapter 28A.710 RCW.
(9)(a) "Employer group" for the public employees' benefits board program means those counties, municipalities, political subdivisions, the Washington health benefit exchange, tribal governments, and employee organizations representing state civil service employees obtaining employee benefits through a contractual agreement with the authority to participate in benefit plans developed by the public employees' benefits board.
(b) "Employer group" for the school employees' benefits board program means an employee organization representing school employees and a tribal school as defined in RCW 28A.715.010, obtaining employee benefits through a contractual agreement with the authority to participate in benefit plans developed by the school employees' benefits board.
(10)(a) "Employing agency" for the public employees' benefits board program means a division, department, or separate agency of state government, including an institution of higher education; a county, municipality, or other political subdivision; and a tribal government covered by this chapter.
(b) "Employing agency" for the school employees' benefits board program means school districts, educational service districts, and charter schools.
(11) "Faculty" means an academic employee of an institution of higher education whose workload is not defined by work hours but whose appointment, workload, and duties directly serve the institution's academic mission, as determined under the authority of its enabling statutes, its governing body, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
(12) "Flexible benefit plan" means a benefit plan that allows public employees to choose the level of health care coverage provided and the amount of employee or school employee contributions from among a range of choices offered by the authority.
(13) "Flexible spending arrangement" means a benefit plan whereby public employees may reduce their salary before taxes to pay for medical expenses not reimbursed by insurance as provided in the salary reduction plan under this chapter pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Sec. 125 or other sections of the internal revenue code.
(14) "Insuring entity" means an insurer as defined in chapter 48.01 RCW, a health care service contractor as defined in chapter 48.44 RCW, or a health maintenance organization as defined in chapter 48.46 RCW.
(15) "Participant" means an individual who fulfills the eligibility and enrollment requirements under the salary reduction plan.
(16) "Plan year" means the time period established by the authority.
(17) "Premium payment plan" means a benefit plan whereby public employees may pay their share of group health plan premiums with pretax dollars as provided in the salary reduction plan under this chapter pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Sec. 125 or other sections of the internal revenue code.
(18) "Public employee" has the same meaning as employee and school employee.
(19) "Retired or disabled school employee" means:
(a) Persons who separated from employment with a school district or educational service district and are receiving a retirement allowance under chapter 41.32 or 41.40 RCW as of September 30, 1993;
(b) Persons who separate from employment with a school district, educational service district, or charter school on or after October 1, 1993, and immediately upon separation receive a retirement allowance under chapter 41.32, 41.35, or 41.40 RCW;
(c) Persons who separate from employment with a school district, educational service district, or charter school due to a total and permanent disability, and are eligible to receive a deferred retirement allowance under chapter 41.32, 41.35, or 41.40 RCW.
(20) "Salary" means a public employee's monthly salary or wages.
(21) "Salary reduction plan" means a benefit plan whereby public employees may agree to a reduction of salary on a pretax basis to participate in the dependent care assistance program, flexible spending arrangement, or premium payment plan offered pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Sec. 125 or other sections of the internal revenue code.
(22) "School employees' benefits board organization" means a public school district or educational service district or charter school established under chapter 28A.710 RCW that is required to participate in benefit plans provided by the school employees' benefits board.
(23) "School year" means school year as defined in RCW 28A.150.203(11).
(24) "Seasonal employee" means a state employee hired to work during a recurring, annual season with a duration of three months or more, and anticipated to return each season to perform similar work.
(25) "Separated employees" means persons who separate from employment with an employer as defined in:
(a)(i) RCW 41.32.010(17) on or after July 1, 1996; or
(ii) RCW 41.35.010 on or after September 1, 2000; or
(iii) RCW 41.40.010 on or after March 1, 2002;
and who are at least age fifty-five and have at least ten years of service under the teachers' retirement system plan 3 as defined in RCW 41.32.010(33), the Washington school employees' retirement system plan 3 as defined in RCW 41.35.010, or the public employees' retirement system plan 3 as defined in RCW 41.40.010; or
(b) For the purposes of RCW 41.05.080:
(i) RCW 41.32.010 on or after January 1, 2024; or
(ii) RCW 41.35.010 on or after January 1, 2024; or
(iii) RCW 41.40.010 on or after January 1, 2024; and who are at least age 55 and have at least 20 years of service under the teachers' retirement system plan 2 as defined in RCW 41.32.010, the Washington school employees' retirement system plan 2 as defined in RCW 41.35.010, or the public employees' retirement system plan 2 as defined in RCW 41.40.010.
(26) "State purchased health care" or "health care" means medical and behavioral health care, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment purchased with state and federal funds by the department of social and health services, the department of health, the basic health plan, the state health care authority, the department of labor and industries, the department of corrections, the department of veterans affairs, and local school districts.
(27) "Tribal government" means an Indian tribal government as defined in section 3(32) of the employee retirement income security act of 1974, as amended, or an agency or instrumentality of the tribal government, that has government offices principally located in this state.
[ 2026 c 261 s 417. Prior: 2023 c 164 s 1; 2023 c 51 s 3; 2023 c 13 s 2; 2019 c 411 s 4; 2018 c 260 s 4; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 s 802; prior: 2016 c 241 s 136; 2016 c 67 s 2; prior: 2015 c 116 s 2; 2013 c 2 s 306 (Initiative Measure No. 1240, approved November 6, 2012); 2012 c 87 s 22; prior: 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 54; 2009 c 537 s 3; 2008 c 229 s 2; prior: 2007 c 488 s 2; 2007 c 114 s 2; 2005 c 143 s 1; 2001 c 165 s 2; prior: 2000 c 247 s 604; 2000 c 230 s 3; 1998 c 341 s 706; 1996 c 39 s 21; 1995 1st sp.s. c 6 s 2; 1994 c 153 s 2; prior: 1993 c 492 s 214; 1993 c 386 s 5; 1990 c 222 s 2; 1988 c 107 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2026 c 261: See note following RCW 41.26A.505.
Effective date—2023 c 164: "This act takes effect January 1, 2024." [ 2023 c 164 s 2.]
Finding—Intent—2023 c 13: "The legislature finds that employees and employers are benefited by consistency and mobility in public employee health care.
Therefore it is the intent of the legislature to expand access to benefits provided by the school employees' benefits board to employees of tribal schools and employee organizations representing school employees." [ 2023 c 13 s 1.]
Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 28A.150.410.
Collective bargaining agreements not impaired—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 41.56.139.
Effective date—2016 c 241: See RCW 28A.710.901.
Effective date—2012 c 87 ss 4, 16, 18, and 19-23: See note following RCW 43.71.030.
Spiritual care services—2012 c 87: See RCW 43.71.901.
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.
Effective date—2009 c 537: See note following RCW 41.05.008.
Effective date—2008 c 229: See note following RCW 41.05.295.
Short title—2007 c 488: See note following RCW 43.43.285.
Intent—2007 c 114: "Consistent with the centennial accord, the new millennium agreement, related treaties, and federal and state law, it is the intent of the legislature to authorize tribal governments to participate in public employees' benefits board programs to the same extent that counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions of the state are authorized to do so." [ 2007 c 114 s 1.]
Effective date—2007 c 114: "This act takes effect January 1, 2009." [ 2007 c 114 s 8.]
Effective date—2001 c 165 s 2: "Section 2 of this act takes effect March 1, 2002." [ 2001 c 165 s 5.]
Effective date—Application—2001 c 165: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and except for section 2 of this act takes effect immediately [May 7, 2001]. This act applies to all surviving spouses and dependent children of (1) emergency service personnel and (2) members of the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2, killed in the line of duty." [ 2006 c 345 s 2; 2001 c 165 s 6.]
Reviser's note: Contractual right not granted—2006 c 345: See note following RCW 41.26.510.
Effective date—2000 c 230: See note following RCW 41.35.630.
Effective date—1998 c 341: See RCW 41.35.901.
Effective dates—1996 c 39: See note following RCW 41.32.010.
Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 6: See note following RCW 28A.400.410.
Intent—1994 c 153: "It is the intent of the legislature to increase access to health insurance for retired and disabled state and school district employees and to increase equity between state and school employees and between state and school retirees." [ 1994 c 153 s 1.]
Effective dates—1994 c 153: "This act shall take effect January 1, 1995, except section 15 of this act, which takes effect October 1, 1995." [ 1994 c 153 s 16.]
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.
Intent—1993 c 386: See note following RCW 28A.400.391.
Effective date—1993 c 386 ss 1, 2, 4-6, 8-10, and 12-16: See note following RCW 28A.400.391.

catchline: Definitions. (Effective until June 30, 2029.)


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 41.05.013

text:
(1) The authority shall coordinate state agency efforts to develop and implement uniform policies across state purchased health care programs that will ensure prudent, cost-effective health services purchasing, maximize efficiencies in administration of state purchased health care programs, improve the quality of care provided through state purchased health care programs, and reduce administrative burdens on health care providers participating in state purchased health care programs. The policies adopted should be based, to the extent possible, upon the best available scientific and medical evidence and shall endeavor to address:
(a) Methods of formal assessment, such as a health technology assessment under RCW 70.14.080 through 70.14.130. Consideration of the best available scientific evidence does not preclude consideration of experimental or investigational treatment or services under a clinical investigation approved by an institutional review board;
(b) Monitoring of health outcomes, adverse events, quality, and cost-effectiveness of health services;
(c) Development of a common definition of medical necessity; and
(d) Exploration of common strategies for disease management and demand management programs, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and similar common chronic diseases. Strategies to be explored include individual asthma management plans.
(2) The director may invite health care provider organizations, carriers, other health care purchasers, and consumers to participate in efforts undertaken under this section.
(3) For the purposes of this section "best available scientific and medical evidence" means the best available clinical evidence derived from systematic research.
[ 2023 c 51 s 4; 2006 c 307 s 8; 2005 c 462 s 3; 2003 c 276 s 1.]
Notes:
Captions not law—Conflict with federal requirements—2006 c 307: See notes following RCW 70.14.080.
Findings—2005 c 462: See note following RCW 28A.210.370.
Rule making—2003 c 276: "Agencies administering state purchased health care programs shall cooperatively adopt rules necessary to implement this act." [ 2003 c 276 s 2.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: State purchased health care programs—Uniform policies.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 41.05.014

text:
(1) The director may require applications, enrollment forms, and eligibility certification documents for benefits that are administered by the authority under this chapter and chapter 70.47 RCW to be signed by the person submitting them. The director may accept electronic signatures.
(2) For the purpose of this section, "electronic signature" means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.
[ 2020 c 57 s 84; 2009 c 201 s 2.]

catchline: Applications, enrollment forms, and eligibility certification documents—Signatures.


title: RCW 41.05.015

text:
The director shall designate a medical director who is licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW. The director shall also appoint such professional personnel and other assistants and employees, including professional medical screeners, as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and chapters 74.09, 71.05, 71.24, and 71.34 RCW and other applicable law. The medical screeners must be supervised by one or more physicians whom the director or the director's designee shall appoint.
[ 2023 c 51 s 5; 2018 c 201 s 7001; 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 55; 2000 c 5 s 16.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.
Intent—Purpose—2000 c 5: See RCW 48.43.500.
Application—Short title—Captions not law—Construction—Severability—Application to contracts—Effective dates—2000 c 5: See notes following RCW 48.43.500.

catchline: Medical director—Appointment of personnel.


title: RCW 41.05.017

text:
Each health plan that provides medical insurance offered under this chapter, including plans created by insuring entities, plans not subject to the provisions of Title 48 RCW, and plans created under RCW 41.05.140, are subject to the provisions of RCW 48.43.500, 70.02.045, 48.43.505 through 48.43.535, 48.43.537, 48.43.545, 48.43.550, 70.02.110, 70.02.900, 48.43.190, 48.43.083, 48.43.0128, 48.43.780, 48.43.435, 48.43.815, 48.200.020 through 48.200.280, 48.200.300 through 48.200.320, 48.43.440, 48.43.845, 48.43.732, 48.43.850, 48.43.013, and chapter 48.49 RCW.
[ 2026 c 158 s 3; 2026 c 48 s 2. Prior: 2025 c 389 s 3; 2025 c 171 s 2; prior: 2024 c 251 s 5; 2024 c 242 s 10; prior: 2022 c 236 s 3; 2022 c 228 s 2; 2022 c 10 s 2; 2021 c 280 s 2; 2019 c 427 s 21; 2016 c 139 s 4; 2008 c 304 s 2; 2007 c 502 s 2; 2000 c 5 s 20.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2026 c 48 s 2 and by 2026 c 158 s 3, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Finding—Intent—2026 c 158: See note following RCW 48.43.013.
Finding—Intent—2025 c 389: See note following RCW 48.43.732.
Effective date—2024 c 251: See note following RCW 70.41.495.
Short title—2021 c 280: See note following RCW 49.60.178.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2019 c 427: See RCW 48.49.003 and 48.49.900.
Savings—Severability—Effective date—2007 c 502: See notes following RCW 48.43.083.
Intent—Purpose—2000 c 5: See RCW 48.43.500.
Application—Short title—Captions not law—Construction—Severability—Application to contracts—Effective dates—2000 c 5: See notes following RCW 48.43.500.

catchline: Provisions applicable to health plans offered under this chapter.


title: RCW 41.05.018

text:
(1) The powers, duties, and functions of the department of social and health services pertaining to the behavioral health system and purchasing function of the behavioral health administration, except for oversight and management of state-run mental health institutions and licensing and certification activities, are hereby transferred to the Washington state health care authority to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of chapter 201, Laws of 2018. All references to the secretary or the department of social and health services in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to mean the director of the health care authority or the health care authority when referring to the functions transferred in this section.
(2)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material in the possession of the department of social and health services pertaining to the powers, duties, and functions transferred shall be delivered to the custody of the health care authority. All cabinets, furniture, office equipment, motor vehicles, and other tangible property employed by the department of social and health services in carrying out the powers, duties, and functions transferred shall be made available to the health care authority. All funds, credits, or other assets held by the department of social and health services in connection with the powers, duties, and functions transferred shall be assigned to the health care authority.
(b) Any appropriations made to the department of social and health services for carrying out the powers, functions, and duties transferred shall, on July 1, 2018, be transferred and credited to the health care authority.
(c) Whenever any question arises as to the transfer of any personnel, funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the director of financial management shall make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned.
(3) All rules and all pending business before the department of social and health services pertaining to the powers, duties, and functions transferred shall be continued and acted upon by the health care authority. All existing contracts and obligations shall remain in full force and shall be performed by the health care authority.
(4) The transfer of the powers, duties, functions, and personnel of the department of social and health services shall not affect the validity of any act performed before July 1, 2018.
(5) If apportionments of budgeted funds are required because of the transfers directed by this section, the director of financial management shall certify the apportionments to the agencies affected, the state auditor, and the state treasurer. Each of these shall make the appropriate transfer and adjustments in funds and appropriation accounts and equipment records in accordance with the certification.
(6) On July 1, 2018, all employees of the department of social and health services engaged in performing the powers, functions, and duties transferred to the health care authority are transferred to the health care authority. All employees classified under chapter 41.06 RCW, the state civil service law, are assigned to the health care authority to perform their usual duties upon the same terms as formerly, without any loss of rights, subject to any action that may be appropriate thereafter in accordance with the laws and rules governing state civil service law.
(7) Positions in any bargaining unit within the health care authority existing on July 1, 2018, will not be removed from an existing bargaining unit as a result of this section unless and until the existing bargaining unit is modified by the public employment relations commission pursuant to Title 391 WAC. The portions of any bargaining units of employees at the department of social and health services existing on July 1, 2018, that are transferred to the health care authority shall be considered separate appropriate units within the health care authority unless and until modified by the public employment relations commission pursuant to Title 391 WAC. The exclusive bargaining representatives recognized as representing the portions of the bargaining units of employees at the department of social and health services existing on July 1, 2018, shall continue as the exclusive bargaining representatives of the transferred bargaining units without the necessity of an election.
(8) The public employment relations commission may review the appropriateness of the collective bargaining units that are a result of the transfer from the department of social and health services to the health care authority under chapter 201, Laws of 2018. The employer or the exclusive bargaining representative may petition the public employment relations commission to review the bargaining units in accordance with this section.
(9) On July 1, 2018, the health care authority must enter into an agreement with the department of health to ensure coordination of preventative behavioral health services or other necessary agreements to carry out the intent of chapter 201, Laws of 2018.
(10) The health care authority may enter into agreements as necessary with the department of social and health services to carry out the transfer of duties as set forth in chapter 201, Laws of 2018.
[ 2018 c 201 s 10001.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2018 c 201: "The legislature finds that:
(1) Washington state government must be organized to be efficient, cost-effective, and responsive to its residents.
(2) Pursuant to existing legislative direction, Washington state continues to transform how it delivers behavioral health services by integrating the financing and delivery of behavioral and physical health care by 2020. Integration will improve prevention and treatment of behavioral health conditions. Integration, leading to better whole person care, should also enable many individuals to avoid commitment at the state psychiatric hospitals or divert from jails, and support them in leading healthy, productive lives.
(3) The responsibility for oversight, purchasing, and management of Washington state's community behavioral health system is currently split between the department of social and health services, which is the state's behavioral health authority, and the health care authority, which is the single state medicaid agency responsible for state health care purchasing.
(4) The health care authority is the state's primary health care purchaser. Integrating and consolidating the oversight and purchasing of state behavioral health care into a single state agency at the health care authority will align core operations and provide better, coordinated, and more cost-effective services, with the ultimate goal of achieving whole person care.
(5) The legislature therefore intends to consolidate state behavioral health care purchasing and oversight within the health care authority, positioning the state to use its full purchasing power to get the greatest value for its investment. The department of social and health services will continue to operate the state mental health institutions, with the intent of further analyzing the future proper alignment of these services.
(6) Similar to the issues with our disparate purchasing programs, the responsibility for licensing and certification of behavioral health providers and facilities is currently spread across multiple agencies, with the department of social and health services regulating some behavioral health providers and the department of health regulating others.
(7) The department of health is responsible for the majority of licensing and certification of health care providers and facilities. The state will best be able to ensure patient safety and reduce administrative burdens of licensing and certification of behavioral health providers and facilities by consolidating those functions within a single agency at the department of health. This change will streamline processes leading to improved patient safety outcomes.
(8) The legislature therefore intends to integrate and consolidate the behavioral health licensing and certification functions within the department of health." [ 2018 c 201 s 1001.]
Effective date—2018 c 201: "Except as provided in section 11005 of this act, this act takes effect July 1, 2018." [ 2018 c 201 s 11006.]

catchline: Transfer of certain behavioral health-related powers, duties, and functions from the department of social and health services.


title: RCW 41.05.021

text:
(1) The Washington state health care authority is created within the executive branch. The authority shall have a director appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate. The director shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director may employ a deputy director, and such assistant directors and special assistants as may be needed to administer the authority, who shall be exempt from chapter 41.06 RCW, and any additional staff members as are necessary to administer this chapter. The director may delegate any power or duty vested in him or her by law, including authority to make final decisions and enter final orders in hearings conducted under chapter 34.05 RCW. The primary duties of the authority shall be to: Administer insurance benefits for employees, retired or disabled state and school employees, and school employees; administer the basic health plan pursuant to chapter 70.47 RCW; administer the children's health program pursuant to chapter 74.09 RCW; study state purchased health care programs in order to maximize cost containment in these programs while ensuring access to quality health care; implement state initiatives, joint purchasing strategies, and techniques for efficient administration that have potential application to all state-purchased health services; and administer grants that further the mission and goals of the authority. The authority's duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) To administer health care benefit programs for employees, retired or disabled state and school employees, and school employees as specifically authorized in RCW 41.05.065 and 41.05.740 and in accordance with the methods described in RCW 41.05.075, 41.05.140, and other provisions of this chapter;
(b) To analyze state purchased health care programs and to explore options for cost containment and delivery alternatives for those programs that are consistent with the purposes of those programs, including, but not limited to:
(i) Creation of economic incentives for the persons for whom the state purchases health care to appropriately utilize and purchase health care services, including the development of flexible benefit plans to offset increases in individual financial responsibility;
(ii) Utilization of provider arrangements that encourage cost containment, including but not limited to prepaid delivery systems, utilization review, and prospective payment methods, and that ensure access to quality care, including assuring reasonable access to local providers, especially for employees and school employees residing in rural areas;
(iii) Coordination of state agency efforts to purchase drugs effectively as provided in RCW 70.14.050;
(iv) Development of recommendations and methods for purchasing medical equipment and supporting services on a volume discount basis;
(v) Development of data systems to obtain utilization data from state purchased health care programs in order to identify cost centers, utilization patterns, provider and hospital practice patterns, and procedure costs, utilizing the information obtained pursuant to RCW 41.05.031; and
(vi) In collaboration with other state agencies that administer state purchased health care programs, private health care purchasers, health care facilities, providers, and carriers:
(A) Use evidence-based medicine principles to develop common performance measures and implement financial incentives in contracts with insuring entities, health care facilities, and providers that:
(I) Reward improvements in health outcomes for individuals with chronic diseases, increased utilization of appropriate preventive health services, and reductions in medical errors; and
(II) Increase, through appropriate incentives to insuring entities, health care facilities, and providers, the adoption and use of information technology that contributes to improved health outcomes, better coordination of care, and decreased medical errors;
(B) Through state health purchasing, reimbursement, or pilot strategies, promote and increase the adoption of health information technology systems, including electronic medical records, by hospitals as defined in RCW 70.41.020, integrated delivery systems, and providers that:
(I) Facilitate diagnosis or treatment;
(II) Reduce unnecessary duplication of medical tests;
(III) Promote efficient electronic physician order entry;
(IV) Increase access to health information for consumers and their providers; and
(V) Improve health outcomes;
(C) Coordinate a strategy for the adoption of health information technology systems;
(c) To analyze areas of public and private health care interaction;
(d) To provide information and technical and administrative assistance to the board;
(e) To review and approve or deny applications from counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions of the state to provide state-sponsored insurance or self-insurance programs to their employees in accordance with the provisions of RCW 41.04.205 and (g) of this subsection, setting the premium contribution for approved groups as outlined in RCW 41.05.050;
(f) To review and approve or deny the application when the governing body of a tribal government or tribal school applies to transfer their employees to an insurance or self-insurance program administered by the public employees' benefits board or by the school employees' benefits board. In the event of an employee transfer pursuant to this subsection (1)(f), members of the governing body are eligible to be included in such a transfer if the members are authorized by the tribal government or tribal school to participate in the insurance program being transferred from and subject to payment by the members of all costs of insurance for the members. The authority shall: (i) Establish the conditions for participation; (ii) have the sole right to reject the application; and (iii) set the premium contribution for approved groups as outlined in RCW 41.05.050. Approval of the application by the authority transfers the employees and dependents involved to the insurance, self-insurance, or health care program administered by the public employees' benefits board or the school employees' benefits board;
(g) To ensure the continued status of the employee insurance or self-insurance programs administered under this chapter as a governmental plan under section 3(32) of the employee retirement income security act of 1974, as amended, the authority shall limit the participation of employer groups, including providing for the participation of those employees whose services are substantially all in the performance of essential governmental functions, but not in the performance of commercial activities. Charter schools established under chapter 28A.710 RCW are employers and are school employees' benefits board organizations unless:
(i) The authority receives guidance from the internal revenue service or the United States department of labor that participation jeopardizes the status of plans offered under this chapter as governmental plans under the federal employees' retirement income security act or the internal revenue code; or
(ii) The charter schools are not in compliance with regulations issued by the internal revenue service and the United States treasury department pertaining to section 414(d) of the federal internal revenue code;
(h) To establish billing procedures and collect funds from school employees' benefits board organizations in a way that minimizes the administrative burden on districts;
(i) Through December 31, 2019, to publish and distribute to nonparticipating school districts and educational service districts by October 1st of each year a description of health care benefit plans available through the authority and the estimated cost if school districts and educational service district employees were enrolled;
(j) To apply for, receive, and accept grants, gifts, and other payments, including property and service, from any governmental or other public or private entity or person, and make arrangements as to the use of these receipts to implement initiatives and strategies developed under this section;
(k) To issue, distribute, and administer grants that further the mission and goals of the authority;
(l) To adopt rules consistent with this chapter as described in RCW 41.05.160 including, but not limited to:
(i) Setting forth the criteria established by the public employees' benefits board under RCW 41.05.065, and by the school employees' benefits board under RCW 41.05.740, for determining whether a public employee is eligible for benefits;
(ii) Establishing an appeal process in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW by which a public employee may appeal an eligibility determination;
(iii) Establishing a process to assure that the eligibility determinations of an employing agency comply with the criteria under this chapter, including the imposition of penalties as may be authorized by the board;
(m)(i) To administer the medical services programs established under chapter 74.09 RCW as the designated single state agency for purposes of Title XIX of the federal social security act;
(ii) To administer the state children's health insurance program under chapter 74.09 RCW for purposes of Title XXI of the federal social security act;
(iii) To enter into agreements with the department of social and health services for administration of medical care services programs under Titles XIX and XXI of the social security act and programs under chapters 71.05, 71.24, and 71.34 RCW. The agreements shall establish the division of responsibilities between the authority and the department with respect to mental health, substance use disorders, and long-term care services, including services for persons with developmental disabilities. The agreements shall be revised as necessary, to comply with the final implementation plan adopted under section 116, chapter 15, Laws of 2011 1st sp. sess.;
(iv) To adopt rules to carry out the purposes of chapter 74.09 RCW;
(v) To appoint such advisory committees or councils as may be required by any federal statute or regulation as a condition to the receipt of federal funds by the authority. The director may appoint statewide committees or councils in the following subject areas: (A) Health facilities; (B) children and youth services; (C) blind services; (D) medical and health care; (E) drug abuse and alcoholism; (F) rehabilitative services; and (G) such other subject matters as are or come within the authority's responsibilities. The statewide councils shall have representation from both major political parties and shall have substantial consumer representation. Such committees or councils shall be constituted as required by federal law or as the director in his or her discretion may determine. The members of the committees or councils shall hold office for three years except in the case of a vacancy, in which event appointment shall be only for the remainder of the unexpired term for which the vacancy occurs. No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms. Members of such state advisory committees or councils may be paid their travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended;
(n) To review and approve or deny the application from the governing board of the Washington health benefit exchange to provide public employees' benefits board state-sponsored insurance or self-insurance programs to employees of the exchange. The authority shall (i) establish the conditions for participation; (ii) have the sole right to reject an application; and (iii) set the premium contribution for approved groups as outlined in RCW 41.05.050.
(2) The public employees' benefits board and the school employees' benefits board may implement strategies to promote managed competition among employee and school employee health benefit plans. Strategies may include but are not limited to:
(a) Standardizing the benefit package;
(b) Soliciting competitive bids for the benefit package;
(c) Limiting the state's contribution to a percent of the lowest priced qualified plan within a geographical area;
(d) Monitoring the impact of the approach under this subsection with regards to: Efficiencies in health service delivery, cost shifts to subscribers, access to and choice of managed care plans statewide, and quality of health services. The health care authority shall also advise on the value of administering a benchmark employer-managed plan to promote competition among managed care plans.
[ 2023 c 51 s 6; 2023 c 13 s 3. Prior: 2018 c 260 s 6; 2018 c 201 s 7002; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 s 803; 2012 c 87 s 23; 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 56; 2009 c 537 s 4; prior: 2007 c 274 s 1; 2007 c 114 s 3; 2006 c 103 s 2; 2005 c 446 s 1; 2002 c 142 s 1; 1999 c 372 s 4; 1997 c 274 s 1; 1995 1st sp.s. c 6 s 7; 1994 c 309 s 1; prior: 1993 c 492 s 215; 1993 c 386 s 6; 1990 c 222 s 3; 1988 c 107 s 4.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2023 c 13 s 3 and by 2023 c 51 s 6, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Finding—Intent—2023 c 13: See note following RCW 41.05.011.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 28A.150.410.
Collective bargaining agreements not impaired—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 41.56.139.
Effective date—2012 c 87 ss 4, 16, 18, and 19-23: See note following RCW 43.71.030.
Spiritual care services—2012 c 87: See RCW 43.71.901.
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.
Effective date—2009 c 537: See note following RCW 41.05.008.
Intent—Effective date—2007 c 114: See notes following RCW 41.05.011.
Intent—2006 c 103: "(1) The legislature recognizes that improvements in the quality of health care lead to better health care outcomes for the residents of Washington state and contain health care costs. The improvements are facilitated by the adoption of electronic medical records and other health information technologies.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature to encourage all hospitals, integrated delivery systems, and providers in the state of Washington to adopt health information technologies by the year 2012." [ 2006 c 103 s 1.]
Effective date—1997 c 274: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 1997." [ 1997 c 274 s 10.]
Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 6: See note following RCW 28A.400.410.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.
Intent—1993 c 386: See note following RCW 28A.400.391.
Effective date—1993 c 386 ss 1, 2, 4-6, 8-10, and 12-16: See note following RCW 28A.400.391.

catchline: State health care authority—Director—Cost control and delivery strategies—Health information technology—Managed competition—Rules.


title: RCW 41.05.022

text:
(1) The health care authority is hereby designated as the single state agent for purchasing health services.
(2) On and after January 1, 1995, at least the following state-purchased health services programs shall be merged into a single, community-rated risk pool: Health benefits for groups of employees of school districts and educational service districts that voluntarily purchase health benefits as provided in RCW 41.05.011 through December 31, 2019; health benefits for employees; health benefits for eligible retired or disabled school employees not eligible for parts A and B of medicare; and health benefits for eligible state retirees not eligible for parts A and B of medicare.
(3) On and after January 1, 2020, health benefits for groups of school employees of school employees' benefits board organizations shall be merged into a single, community-rated risk pool separate and distinct from the pool described in subsection (2) of this section.
(4) By December 15, 2018, the health care authority, in consultation with the board, shall submit to the appropriate committees of the legislature a complete analysis of the most appropriate risk pool for the retired and disabled school employees, to include at a minimum an analysis of the size of the nonmedicare and medicare retiree enrollment pools, the impacts on cost for state and school district retirees of moving retirees from one pool to another, the need for and the amount of an ongoing retiree subsidy allocation from the active school employees, and the timing and suggested approach for a transition from one risk pool to another.
(5) At a minimum, and regardless of other legislative enactments, the state health services purchasing agent shall:
(a) Require that a public agency that provides subsidies for a substantial portion of services now covered under the basic health plan use uniform eligibility processes, insofar as may be possible, and ensure that multiple eligibility determinations are not required;
(b) Require that a health care provider or a health care facility that receives funds from a public program provide care to state residents receiving a state subsidy who may wish to receive care from them, and that an insuring entity that receives funds from a public program accept enrollment from state residents receiving a state subsidy who may wish to enroll with them;
(c) Strive to integrate purchasing for all publicly sponsored health services in order to maximize the cost control potential and promote the most efficient methods of financing and coordinating services;
(d) Consult regularly with the governor, the legislature, and state agency directors whose operations are affected by the implementation of this section; and
(e) Ensure the control of benefit costs under managed competition by adopting rules to prevent an employing agency from entering into an agreement with employees or employee organizations when the agreement would result in increased utilization in board plans or reduce the expected savings of managed competition.
[ 2018 c 260 s 7; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 s 804; 1995 1st sp.s. c 6 s 3; 1994 c 153 s 3; 1993 c 492 s 227.]
Notes:
Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 28A.150.410.
Collective bargaining agreements not impaired—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 41.56.139.
Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 6: See note following RCW 28A.400.410.
Intent—Effective dates—1994 c 153: See notes following RCW 41.05.011.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: State agent for purchasing health services—Single community-rated risk pool.


title: RCW 41.05.023

text:
(1) The health care authority, in collaboration with the department of health, shall design and implement a chronic care management program for employees and school employees enrolled in the state's self-insured uniform medical plan. Programs must be evidence based, facilitating the use of information technology to improve quality of care and must improve coordination of primary, acute, and long-term care for those enrollees with multiple chronic conditions. The authority shall consider expansion of existing medical home and chronic care management programs. The authority shall use best practices in identifying those employees and school employees best served under a chronic care management model using predictive modeling through claims or other health risk information.
(2) For purposes of this section:
(a) "Medical home" means a site of care that provides comprehensive preventive and coordinated care centered on the patient needs and assures high quality, accessible, and efficient care.
(b) "Chronic care management" means the authority's program that provides care management and coordination activities for health plan enrollees determined to be at risk for high medical costs. "Chronic care management" provides education and training and/or coordination that assist program participants in improving self-management skills to improve health outcomes and reduce medical costs by educating clients to better utilize services.
[ 2018 c 260 s 8; 2007 c 259 s 6.]
Notes:
Subheadings not law—2007 c 259: See note following RCW 7.70.060.

catchline: Chronic care management program—Uniform medical plan—Definitions.


title: RCW 41.05.026

text:
(1) When soliciting proposals for the purpose of awarding contracts for goods or services, the director shall, upon written request by the bidder, exempt from public inspection and copying such proprietary data, trade secrets, or other information contained in the bidder's proposal that relate to the bidder's unique methods of conducting business or of determining prices or premium rates to be charged for services under terms of the proposal.
(2) When soliciting information for the development, acquisition, or implementation of state purchased health care services, the director shall, upon written request by the respondent, exempt from public inspection and copying such proprietary data, trade secrets, or other information submitted by the respondent that relate to the respondent's unique methods of conducting business, data unique to the product or services of the respondent, or to determining prices or rates to be charged for services.
(3) Actuarial formulas, statistics, cost and utilization data, or other proprietary information submitted upon request of the director, board, or a technical review committee created to facilitate the development, acquisition, or implementation of state purchased health care under this chapter by a contracting insurer, health care service contractor, health maintenance organization, vendor, or other health services organization may be withheld at any time from public inspection when necessary to preserve trade secrets or prevent unfair competition.
(4) The board or a technical review committee created to facilitate the development, acquisition, or implementation of state purchased health care under this chapter, may hold an executive session in accordance with chapter 42.30 RCW during any regular or special meeting to discuss information submitted in accordance with subsections (1) through (3) of this section.
(5) A person who challenges a request for or designation of information as exempt under this section is entitled to seek judicial review pursuant to chapter 42.56 RCW.
[ 2018 c 260 s 9; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 s 805; 2005 c 274 s 277; 2003 c 277 s 2; 1991 c 79 s 1; 1990 c 222 s 6.]
Notes:
Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 28A.150.410.
Collective bargaining agreements not impaired—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 41.56.139.

catchline: Contracts—Proprietary data, trade secrets, actuarial formulas, statistics, cost and utilization data—Exemption from public inspection—Executive sessions.


title: RCW 41.05.028

text:
(1) For purposes of this section:
(a) "Contractor" means a health carrier that provides medical insurance offered to public employees and their covered dependents under this chapter, or a third-party administrator contracted by the authority to provide medical coverage to public employees under this chapter.
(b) "The total amount medicare would have reimbursed for the same or similar services" means the amount of reimbursement for a claim that would be paid as if the centers for medicare and medicaid services reimbursed the claim, including applicable postclaim settlements.
(2)(a) Claims submitted for reimbursement under this section must include all the current year centers for medicare and medicaid services required modifiers so that all rebates, incentives, or adjustments that would have applied if reimbursed by medicare apply.
(b) The authority shall adopt rules to determine the equivalent amount of reimbursement for services with a low volume of medicare experience or for which there is no applicable centers for medicare and medicaid services reimbursement for a service.
(3) Beginning January 1, 2027, each contractor, for its health plans that provide medical coverage offered to public employees and their covered dependents, must meet the following requirements:
(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, reimbursement to any in-network hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW located in Washington for inpatient and outpatient hospital services shall be the lesser of billed charges, the contractor's contracted rate for the hospital, or 200 percent of the total amount medicare would have reimbursed for the same or similar services;
(b) Reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient hospital services to any in-network hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW primarily engaged in the care and treatment of children located in:
(i) King county, shall be the lesser of billed charges, the contractor's contracted rate for the hospital, or 150 percent of the hospital-specific medicaid inpatient ratio of cost to charges as determined by the authority; and
(ii) Pierce county, shall be the lesser of billed charges, the contractor's contracted rate for the hospital, or 190 percent of the hospital-specific medicaid inpatient ratio of cost to charges as determined by the authority;
(c) Reimbursement for services provided by rural hospitals certified by the centers for medicare and medicaid services as critical access hospitals may not be less than 101 percent of allowable costs as defined by the United States centers for medicare and medicaid services for purposes of medicare cost reporting;
(d) Reimbursement for in-network primary care services, as defined by the authority, may not be less than 150 percent of the total amount medicare would have reimbursed for the same or similar services;
(e) Reimbursement for in-network nonfacility-based behavioral health services, as defined by the authority, may not be less than 150 percent of the total amount medicare would have reimbursed for the same or similar services;
(f) Except as provided in (g) of this subsection, reimbursement to any out-of-network hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW located in Washington for inpatient and outpatient hospital services shall be the lesser of billed charges or 185 percent of the total amount medicare would have reimbursed for the same or similar services;
(g) Reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient hospital services provided by a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW and located in Washington to any out-of-network hospital primarily engaged in the care and treatment of children located in:
(i) King county, shall be the lesser of billed charges or 135 percent of the hospital-specific medicaid inpatient ratio of cost to charges as determined by the authority; and
(ii) Pierce county, shall be the lesser of billed charges or 175 percent of the hospital-specific medicaid inpatient ratio of cost to charges as determined by the authority; and
(h) A provider who is reimbursed in accordance with (f) or (g) of this subsection may not charge to or collect from the patient or a person who is financially responsible for the patient an amount in addition to the reimbursement paid under (f) or (g) of this subsection other than cost-sharing amounts authorized by the terms of the health plan.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (3)(c) of this section, this section does not apply to:
(a) Rural hospitals certified by the centers for medicare and medicaid services as sole community hospitals or critical access hospitals except for hospitals that are owned or operated by a health system that owns or operates more than two acute care hospitals licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW;
(b) Hospitals located on an island operating within a public hospital district in Skagit county; or
(c) Hospitals that are not currently designated as a critical access hospital, do not meet current federal eligibility requirements for designation as a critical access hospital, have combined medicaid and medicare inpatient days greater than 60 percent of all hospital inpatient days, and are located on the land of a federally recognized Indian tribe.
(5) Nothing in this section prohibits a contractor from reimbursing a hospital through a nonfee-for-service payment methodology, so long as the payments incentivize higher quality or improved health outcomes and the contractor continues to comply with the reimbursement requirements in this section.
(6) Premiums must take into account changes in reimbursement for hospital, primary care, and behavioral health services anticipated to result from the application of this section.
(7) At the request of the authority for monitoring, enforcement, or program and quality improvement activities, a contractor must provide cost and quality of care information and data to the authority and may not enter into an agreement with a provider or third party that would restrict the contractor from providing this information or data.
(8)(a) By December 31, 2030, the authority, in consultation with the office of the insurance commissioner, shall provide a report to the governor's office and relevant committees of the legislature analyzing the initial impacts of this section on network access, enrollee premiums and cost sharing, and state expenditures for medical coverage offered to public employees under this chapter. The report may include recommendations for legislative changes to the policy established in this section.
(b) By December 31, 2034, the authority, in consultation with the office of the insurance commissioner, shall provide a second report to the governor's office and relevant committees of the legislature providing an updated analysis on the impacts of this section on network access, enrollee premiums and cost sharing, and state expenditures for medical coverage offered to public employees under this chapter. The report may include recommendations for legislative changes to the policy established in this section.
(9) For the purposes of this section, reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient services does not include charges for professional services.
(10) The authority may adopt rules to implement this section, including rules for levying fines and taking other contract actions it deems necessary to enforce compliance with this section.
[ 2025 c 373 s 1.]

catchline: Health plan reimbursement rates.


title: RCW 41.05.031

text:
The Washington state health information technology office is located within the authority. The following state agencies are directed to cooperate with the authority to establish appropriate health care information systems in their programs: The department of social and health services, the department of health, the department of labor and industries, the basic health plan, the department of veterans affairs, the department of corrections, the department of children, youth, and families, and the superintendent of public instruction.
The authority, in conjunction with these agencies and in collaboration with Washington technology solutions, shall determine:
(1) Definitions of health care services;
(2) Health care data elements common to all agencies;
(3) Health care data elements unique to each agency; and
(4) A mechanism for program and budget review of health care data.
[ 2024 c 54 s 34; 2023 c 51 s 7; 1990 c 222 s 4; 1988 c 107 s 5.]

catchline: Health information technology office—Agencies to establish health care information systems.


title: RCW 41.05.035

text:
(1) The director shall design, implement, and maintain a consumer-centric health information infrastructure and the state electronic health record repositories that will facilitate the secure exchange of health information when and where needed and shall:
(a) Complete the plan of initial implementation, including but not limited to determining the technical infrastructure for the state electronic health record repositories and the account locator service, setting criteria and standards for health record repositories, and determining oversight of the state health records service;
(b) Implement the first state health record repositories as funding allows;
(c) Involve health care consumers in meaningful ways in the design, implementation, oversight, and dissemination of information on the state health record repositories system; and
(d) Promote adoption of electronic medical records and health information exchange through continuation of the Washington health information collaborative, and by working with private payors and other organizations in restructuring reimbursement to provide incentives for providers to adopt electronic medical records in their practices.
(2) The director may establish an advisory board, a stakeholder committee, and subcommittees to assist in carrying out the duties under this section. The director may reappoint health information infrastructure advisory board members to assure continuity and shall appoint any additional representatives that may be required for their expertise and experience.
(a) The director shall appoint the chair of the advisory board, chairs, and cochairs of the stakeholder committee, if formed;
(b) Meetings of the board, stakeholder committee, and any advisory group are subject to chapter 42.30 RCW, the open public meetings act, including RCW 42.30.110(1)(l), which authorizes an executive session during a regular or special meeting to consider proprietary or confidential nonpublished information; and
(c) The members of the board, stakeholder committee, and any advisory group:
(i) Shall agree to the terms and conditions imposed by the director regarding conflicts of interest as a condition of appointment;
(ii) Are immune from civil liability for any official acts performed in good faith as members of the board, stakeholder committee, or any advisory group.
(3) Members of the board may be compensated for participation in accordance with a personal services contract to be executed after appointment and before commencement of activities related to the work of the board. Members of the stakeholder committee shall not receive compensation but shall be reimbursed under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
(4) The director may work with public and private entities to develop and encourage the use of personal health records which are portable, interoperable, secure, and respectful of patients' privacy.
(5) The director may enter into contracts to issue, distribute, and administer grants that are necessary or proper to carry out this section.
[ 2023 c 51 s 8; 2007 c 259 s 10.]
Notes:
Subheadings not law—2007 c 259: See note following RCW 7.70.060.

catchline: Exchange of health information—Advisory board, discretionary—Director's authority.


title: RCW 41.05.036

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 41.05.039 through 41.05.046 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Director" means the director of the state health care authority under this chapter.
(2) "Exchange" means the methods or medium by which health care information may be electronically and securely exchanged among authorized providers, payors, and patients within Washington state.
(3) "Health care provider" or "provider" has the same meaning as in RCW 48.43.005.
(4) "Health data provider" means an organization that is a primary source for health-related data for Washington residents, including but not limited to:
(a) The children's health immunizations linkages and development profile immunization registry provided by the department of health pursuant to chapter 43.70 RCW;
(b) Commercial laboratories providing medical laboratory testing results;
(c) Prescription drugs clearinghouses, such as the national patient health information network; and
(d) Diagnostic imaging centers.
(5) "Lead organization" means a private sector organization or organizations designated by the director to lead development of processes, guidelines, and standards under chapter 300, Laws of 2009.
(6) "Payor" means public purchasers, as defined in this section, carriers licensed under chapters 48.20, 48.21, 48.44, 48.46, and 48.62 RCW, and the Washington state health insurance pool established in chapter 48.41 RCW.
(7) "Public purchaser" means the department of social and health services, the department of labor and industries, and the health care authority.
(8) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 57; 2009 c 300 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.
Finding—2009 c 300: "The legislature finds that:
(1) The inability to securely share critical health information between practitioners inhibits the delivery of safe, efficient care, as evidenced by:
(a) Adverse drug events that result in an average of seven hundred seventy thousand injuries and deaths each year; and
(b) Duplicative services that add to costs and jeopardize patient well-being;
(2) Consumers are unable to act as fully informed participants in their care unless they have ready access to their own health information;
(3) The blue ribbon commission on health care costs and access found that the development of a system to provide electronic access to patient information anywhere in the state was a key to improving health care; and
(4) In 2005, the legislature established a health information infrastructure advisory board to develop a strategy for the adoption and use of health information technologies that are consistent with emerging national standards and promote interoperability of health information systems." [ 2009 c 300 s 1.]

catchline: Health information—Definitions.


title: RCW 41.05.037

text:
To the extent that funding is provided specifically for this purpose, the director shall provide all persons enrolled in health plans under this chapter and chapters 70.47 and 74.09 RCW with access to a twenty-four hour, seven day a week nurse hotline.
[ 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 58; 2007 c 259 s 15.]
Notes:
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.
Subheadings not law—2007 c 259: See note following RCW 7.70.060.

catchline: Nurse hotline, when funded.


title: RCW 41.05.039

text:
(1) By August 1, 2009, the director shall designate one or more lead organizations to coordinate development of processes, guidelines, and standards to:
(a) Improve patient access to and control of their own health care information and thereby enable their active participation in their own care; and
(b) Implement methods for the secure exchange of clinical data as a means to promote:
(i) Continuity of care;
(ii) Quality of care;
(iii) Patient safety; and
(iv) Efficiency in medical practices.
(2) The lead organization designated by the director under this section shall:
(a) Be representative of health care privacy advocates, providers, and payors across the state;
(b) Have expertise and knowledge in the major disciplines related to the secure exchange of health data;
(c) Be able to support the costs of its work without recourse to state funding. The director and the lead organization are authorized and encouraged to seek federal funds, including funds from the federal American recovery and reinvestment act, as well as solicit, receive, contract for, collect, and hold grants, donations, and gifts to support the implementation of this section and RCW 41.05.042;
(d) In collaboration with the director, identify and convene work groups, as needed, to accomplish the goals of this section and RCW 41.05.042;
(e) Conduct outreach and communication efforts to maximize the adoption of the guidelines, standards, and processes developed by the lead organization;
(f) Submit regular updates to the director on the progress implementing the requirements of this section and RCW 41.05.042; and
(g) With the director, report to the legislature December 1, 2009, and on December 1st of each year through December 1, 2012, on progress made, the time necessary for completing tasks, and identification of future tasks that should be prioritized for the next improvement cycle.
(3) Within available funds as specified in subsection (2)(c) of this section, the director shall:
(a) Participate in and review the work and progress of the lead organization, including the establishment and operation of work groups for this section and RCW 41.05.042; and
(b) Consult with the office of the attorney general to determine whether:
(i) An antitrust safe harbor is necessary to enable licensed carriers and providers to develop common rules and standards; and, if necessary, take steps, such as implementing rules or requesting legislation, to establish a safe harbor; and
(ii) Legislation is needed to limit provider liability if their health records are missing health information despite their participation in the exchange of health information.
(4) The lead organization or organizations shall take steps to minimize the costs that implementation of the processes, guidelines, and standards may have on participating entities, including providers.
[ 2023 c 51 s 9; 2009 c 300 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—2009 c 300: See note following RCW 41.05.036.

catchline: Health information—Secure access—Lead organization—Director's duties.


title: RCW 41.05.042

text:
By December 1, 2011, the lead organization shall, consistent with the federal health insurance portability and accountability act, develop processes, guidelines, and standards that address:
(1) Identification and prioritization of high value health data from health data providers. High value health data include:
(a) Prescriptions;
(b) Immunization records;
(c) Laboratory results;
(d) Allergies; and
(e) Diagnostic imaging;
(2) Processes to request, submit, and receive data;
(3) Data security, including:
(a) Storage, access, encryption, and password protection;
(b) Secure methods for accepting and responding to requests for data;
(c) Handling unauthorized access to or disclosure of individually identifiable patient health information, including penalties for unauthorized disclosure; and
(d) Authentication of individuals, including patients and providers, when requesting access to health information, and maintenance of a permanent audit trail of such requests, including:
(i) Identification of the party making the request;
(ii) The data elements reported; and
(iii) Transaction dates;
(4) Materials written in plain language that explain the exchange of health information and how patients can effectively manage such information, including the use of online tools for that purpose;
(5) Materials for health care providers that explain the exchange of health information and the secure management of such information.
[ 2009 c 300 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—2009 c 300: See note following RCW 41.05.036.

catchline: Health information—Processes, guidelines, and standards.


title: RCW 41.05.046

text:
If any provision in RCW 41.05.036, 41.05.039, and 41.05.042 conflicts with existing or new federal requirements, the director shall recommend modifications, as needed, to assure compliance with the aims of RCW 41.05.036, 41.05.039, and 41.05.042 and federal requirements.
[ 2023 c 51 s 10; 2009 c 300 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—2009 c 300: See note following RCW 41.05.036.

catchline: Health information—Conflict with federal requirements.


title: RCW 41.05.050

text:
(1)(a) Every employer and employer group as defined in RCW 41.05.011 shall provide contributions to insurance and health care plans for its employees and their dependents, the content of such plans to be determined by the authority.
(b) Contributions paid by employer groups for their employees, shall include an amount determined by the authority to pay such administrative expenses of the authority as are necessary to administer the plans for employees of those groups.
(2) To account for any increased cost of benefit plans developed by the board, the authority may develop a rate surcharge applicable to participating employer groups as defined in RCW 41.05.011.
(3) The contributions of any: (a) Department, division, or separate agency of the state government; (b) county, municipal, or other political subdivisions; (c) any tribal government as are covered by this chapter; and (d) school districts, educational service districts, and charter schools, shall be set by the authority, subject to the approval of the governor for availability of funds as specifically appropriated by the legislature for that purpose. Insurance and health care contributions for ferry employees shall be governed by RCW 47.64.270.
(4)(a) For all groups of educational service district employees enrolling in plans developed by the public employees' benefits board after January 1, 2020, and until January 1, 2024, the authority shall collect from each participating educational service district an amount equal to the composite rate charged to state agencies, plus an amount equal to the employee premiums by plan and by family size as would be charged to employees, only if the authority determines that this method of billing the educational service districts will not result in a material difference between revenues from educational service districts and expenditures made by the authority on behalf of educational service districts and their employees. The authority may collect these amounts in accordance with the educational service district fiscal year, as described in RCW 28A.505.030.
(b)(i) Beginning January 1, 2020, all school districts, represented employees of educational service districts, and charter schools shall commence participation in the school employees' benefits board program established under RCW 41.05.740. All school districts, represented employees of educational service districts, charter schools, and all school district employee groups participating in the public employees' benefits board plans before January 1, 2020, shall thereafter participate in the school employees' benefits board program administered by the authority. All school districts, represented employees of educational service districts, and charter schools shall provide contributions to the authority for insurance and health care plans for school employees and their dependents. These contributions must be provided to the authority for all eligible school employees eligible for benefits under RCW 41.05.740(6)(d), including school employees who have waived their coverage; contributions to the authority are not required for individuals eligible for benefits under RCW 41.05.740(6)(e) who waive their coverage.
(ii) Beginning January 1, 2024, all educational service districts shall participate in the school employees' benefits board program.
(5) The authority shall transmit a recommendation for the amount of the employer contributions to the governor and the director of financial management for inclusion in the proposed budgets submitted to the legislature.
[ 2023 c 13 s 4; 2019 c 411 s 5; 2018 c 260 s 10; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 13 s 806; 2016 c 67 s 3; 2009 c 537 s 5; 2007 c 114 s 4; 2005 c 518 s 919; 2003 c 158 s 1. Prior: 2002 c 319 s 4; 2002 c 142 s 2; prior: 1995 1st sp.s. c 6 s 22; 1994 c 309 s 2; 1994 c 153 s 4; prior: 1993 c 492 s 216; 1993 c 386 s 7; 1988 c 107 s 18; 1987 c 122 s 4; 1984 c 107 s 1; 1983 c 15 s 20; 1983 c 2 s 9; prior: 1982 1st ex.s. c 34 s 2; 1981 c 344 s 6; 1979 c 151 s 55; 1977 ex.s. c 136 s 4; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 106 s 4; 1975 1st ex.s. c 38 s 2; 1973 1st ex.s. c 147 s 3; 1970 ex.s. c 39 s 5.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2023 c 13: See note following RCW 41.05.011.
Intent—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 28A.150.410.
Collective bargaining agreements not impaired—2017 3rd sp.s. c 13: See note following RCW 41.56.139.
Effective date—2009 c 537: See note following RCW 41.05.008.
Intent—Effective date—2007 c 114: See notes following RCW 41.05.011.
Effective date—2005 c 518: See note following RCW 28A.600.110.
Intent—2002 c 319: See note following RCW 41.04.208.
Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 6: See note following RCW 28A.400.410.
Intent—Effective dates—1994 c 153: See notes following RCW 41.05.011.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.
Effective date—1993 c 386 ss 3, 7, and 11: See note following RCW 41.04.205.
Intent—1993 c 386: See note following RCW 28A.400.391.
Severability—1983 c 2: See note following RCW 18.71.030.
Severability—1981 c 344: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1981 c 344 s 8.]
Effective date—Conditions prerequisite to implementing sections—1977 ex.s. c 136: "This 1977 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect on July 1, 1977: PROVIDED, That if the state operating budget appropriations act does not contain the funds necessary for the implementation of this 1977 amendatory act in an appropriated amount sufficient to fully fund the employer's contribution to the state employee insurance benefits program which is established by the board in accordance with RCW 41.05.050 (2) and (3) as now or hereafter amended, sections 1, 5, and 6 of this 1977 amendatory act shall be null and void." [ 1977 ex.s. c 136 s 8.]
Effective date—Effect of veto—1973 1st ex.s. c 147: "This bill shall not take effect until the funds necessary for its implementation have been specifically appropriated by the legislature and such appropriation itself has become law. It is the intention of the legislature that if the governor shall veto this section or any item thereof, none of the provisions of this bill shall take effect." [ 1973 1st ex.s. c 147 s 10.]
Savings—1973 1st ex.s. c 147: "Nothing contained in this 1973 amendatory act shall be deemed to amend, alter or affect the provisions of Chapter 23, Laws of 1972, Extraordinary Session, and RCW 28B.10.840 through 28B.10.844 as now or hereafter amended." [ 1973 1st ex.s. c 147 s 13.]
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 147: "If any provision of this 1973 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1973 1st ex.s. c 147 s 9.]
Severability—1970 ex.s. c 39: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1970 ex.s. c 39 s 14.]

catchline: Contributions for employees and dependents.