| washington-joins-world-health-organization-global-outbreak-alert-and-response-network | Washington Joins World Health Organization Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2026/April 10/washington-joins-world-health-organization-global-outbreak-alert-and-response-network | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2026/april/Earth-Image.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="image of a hemisphere of Earth from space" /></div>
<h5>Apr. 10, 2026</h5>
<h2>Washington Joins World Health Organization Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network</h2>
<p>
<em>Move ensures Washington stays connected to global health intelligence</em>
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Department of Health has been accepted into the <a href="https://goarn.who.int/">World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network</a>. Washington is the fifth state health department to apply and be accepted since the <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/united-states-completes-who-withdrawal.html">United States fully exited</a> the WHO in January.
</p>
<p>
By joining the network, the Department of Health ensures Washington state's continued access to critical global intelligence for responding to acute state and global health needs. The WHO network includes, worldwide, more than 360 public health agencies, national governments, academic centers, laboratories, and response organizations focused on rapidly detecting and responding to public health emergencies across the globe.
</p>
<p>
Joining the WHO network is the latest move by Washington state to protect public health from recent federal decisions running counter to decades of health expert consensus. Last month, the WSMA <a href="https://www.wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/March%206/legislature-passes-wsma-priority-legislation-to-preserve-access-to-preventive-services-and-vaccines">celebrated passage of House Bill 2242</a> moving decision-making authority on vaccines and other preventive health services from the federal government to the Department of Health. Earlier in 2025, Washington state, Oregon, California, and Hawaii formed the <a href="https://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/immunizations-west-coast-health-alliance/wsma/resources/Immunizations__West_Coast_Health_Alliance/immunizations-west-coast-health-alliance.aspx?hkey=d7440c9a-dfeb-48af-a755-2a30113cd05a">West Coast Health Alliance</a> to ensure public health recommendations in the four-state region are guided by science, effectiveness, and safety. The WSMA supported these efforts and will continue to <a href="https://www.wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/president-john-bramhall-md-phd-reaffirms-the-wsmas-commitment-to-medical-ethics">endorse actions and policy based on science and evidence-based medicine</a>.
</p>
</div> | 4/9/2026 1:47:42 PM | 4/9/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| action-alert-act-now-to-prevent-physician-shortages | Action Alert! Act Now to Prevent Physician Shortages | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/April 3/action-alert-act-now-to-prevent-physician-shortages | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/april/getty-images-8RHFeR8fbOI-unsplash-for-web.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Concerns with Medicare and Medicaid " /></div>
<h5>Apr. 3, 2026</h5>
<h2>Action Alert! Act Now to Prevent Physician Shortages</h2>
<p><em>Urge Congress to support H.R. 7961</em>
</p>
<p>
The bipartisan <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7961">H-1Bs for the Physicians and Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961)</a> would exempt physicians from the new $100,000 H-1B visa filing fee—helping ensure hospitals and physician practices can continue recruiting the international medical graduates who make up one in four U.S. physicians and serve many underserved communities. Without this fix, rising costs will worsen physician shortages, increase wait times for appointments, and limit access to care.
</p>
<p>
Take action: <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f130422%2fRespond">Urge your member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 7961 and protect patient access to care</a>.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA has reached out directly to members of Washington's congressional delegation to request their support for this critical legislation.
</p>
</div> | 4/2/2026 12:54:04 PM | 4/2/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-raises-concerns-with-cms-on-wiser-model-implementation | WSMA Raises Concerns with CMS on WISeR Model Implementation | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/April 3/wsma-raises-concerns-with-cms-on-wiser-model-implementation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/april/Medicare-iStock-1047505000-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Concerns with Medicare and Medicaid " /></div>
<h5>Apr. 3, 2026</h5>
<h2>WSMA Raises Concerns with CMS on WISeR Model Implementation</h2>
<p><em>Share your experiences under the new Medicare prior authorization pilot</em>
</p>
<p>
The WSMA recently sent a follow-up <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/wsma-follow-up-letter-to-cmmi-03262026.pdf">letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation</a> regarding physician and patient experiences under the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction Model.
</p>
<p>
In the letter, the WSMA shares real-world examples from Washington physicians highlighting delays in care, administrative challenges, and ongoing issues with prior authorization and claims processing. These include extended authorization timelines, difficulty accessing the vendor portal, and unresolved discrepancies that have left some practices unable to receive payment despite valid approvals.
</p>
<p>
The letter emphasizes that while we support efforts to improve program integrity, current implementation challenges are causing concerning disruptions in patient care and clinical workflows. We will continue to engage with CMS and advocate for improvements.
</p>
<h5>Follow WSMA guidance for Medicare prior authorizations</h5>
<p>
The WISeR model took effect Jan. 15 and subjects new prior authorization and prepayment review requirements to certain traditional Medicare services. Not sure if your practice is affected? <a href="https://www.wsma.org/wsma/resources/practice-management/prior-authorization-navigator/wsma/resources/practice-management/prior-authorization-navigator.aspx?hkey=97bc759f-c0fe-45fe-aa78-55d6b3ea017f">WSMA's resource</a> outlines impacted services and provides step-by-step guidance on documentation, prior authorization, and claims submission to help your practice navigate these new requirements.
</p>
<h5>Are you subject to WISeR? Share your experience</h5>
<p>
We strongly encourage impacted practices to share their experiences with WISeR with us—including administrative challenges, access issues, and impacts on patient care (positive or negative). The WSMA is uniquely positioned to serve as a conduit between Washington physicians, members of Congress, Virtix, Noridian, CMS, and the media. Your experience under WISeR is critical to informing ongoing congressional oversight and future CMS decision-making. Please contact WSMA Director of Policy Jeb Shepard at <a href="mailto:jeb@wsma.org">jeb@wsma.org</a> to share your feedback.
</p>
</div> | 4/2/2026 12:22:40 PM | 4/2/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| wsmas-latest-prior-authorization-reform-bill-signed-into-law | WSMA's Latest Prior Authorization Reform Bill Signed Into Law | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/April 3/wsmas-latest-prior-authorization-reform-bill-signed-into-law | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/april/SB-5395-bill-signing-photo-cropped.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA 2026 priority legislation updates" /></div>
<h5>Apr. 3, 2026</h5>
<h2>WSMA's Latest Prior Authorization Reform Bill Signed Into Law</h2>
<p><em>Legislation sets parameters on AI use and determination timelines</em>
</p>
<p>
Last week, WSMA priority legislation <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5395&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5395</a> was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson. The bill, developed in partnership by the WSMA, the Washington State Hospital Association, and Proliance Surgeons, is the third prior authorization reform bill the WSMA has helped advance through the legislative process since 2020, working to address a top priority issue for our state's physician community and patients.
</p>
<p>
Aligning with recent WSMA House of Delegates policy, SB 5395 prohibits insurance carriers from solely using artificial intelligence to deny prior authorizations, ensuring that a licensed health care practitioner makes such determinations. The bill also clarifies a prohibition in state law around retroactive denials of prior authorizations and requires insurance carriers to post policy updates on a single site.
</p>
<p>
SB 5395 builds on legislation from 2023 that requires integration of prior authorization processes into electronic health records to help streamline and expedite determinations. That law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027, dovetailing with a similar federal law that was put in place subsequent to WSMA's legislation. The federal law applies to prior authorizations for physical health care services, while the state law goes further and also applies to prescription drug authorizations.
</p>
<p>
In 2020, the WSMA and WSHA successfully advocated for a bill requiring tracking of insurance carriers' utilization of prior authorization, directing <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/ReportsToTheLegislature/Home/GetPDF?fileName=FINAL%202025%20Prior%20Authorization%20Report_43836481-1f6e-428a-9a65-00de64d2e8b2.pdf">annual reports</a> from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. As expected, the reports have found the vast majority of prior authorizations are approved, underscoring frustration that the process primarily serves to drive up costs for practices and cause delays for patients accessing care.
</p>
<p>
While we're proud of our work to help reform prior authorization processes and our state's standing as a leader on this issue, we know there's more to be done. We’ll continue to work at the state and federal levels to advance WSMA policies on prior authorization and mitigate its administrative and financial burdens.
</p>
</div> | 4/2/2026 11:34:35 AM | 4/2/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| your-input-needed-during-opioid-prescribing-workshops | Your Input Needed During Opioid Prescribing Workshops | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/April 3/your-input-needed-during-opioid-prescribing-workshops | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/april/opioid_hydrocodone_bottle-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA 2026 priority legislation updates" /></div>
<h5>Apr. 3, 2026</h5>
<h2>Your Input Needed During Opioid Prescribing Workshops</h2>
<p><em>WSMA comments emphasize need to simplify and streamline prescribing rules</em>
</p>
<p>
Members of the physician community with expertise in pain management or insights into how Washington state's opioid prescribing requirements can be improved are strongly encouraged to attend the following upcoming virtual workshops hosted by the Washington Medical Commission to gather stakeholder input on potential changes to state opioid prescribing rules for allopathic physicians and physician assistants:
</p>
<p>
</p>
<ul>
<li>April 27, 1–3 p.m.</li>
<li>June 1, 1–3 p.m.</li>
<li>July 13, 1–3 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Register to attend the virtual workshops <strong><a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/policies-rules/rules-and-regulations-progress">here</a></strong>. Submit written comments <strong><a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/rule_making_2025/opioid-prescribing-general-provisions-mds-and-pas">here</a></strong>. For background, the commission has already convened several workshops, most recently on March 23. Materials from that meeting, including the latest draft proposal, public comments, and the rulemaking timeline, are <strong><a href="https://wmc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/OPGPRulesWorkshopMaterials2.23.26Rev.%202.19.26.pdf">available here</a></strong>.
</p>
<h5>WSMA comments on changes to state opioid prescribing rules</h5>
<p>
The WSMA has submitted <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2026/WSMA-cover-letter-for-suggested-opioid-rule-edits_02112026.pdf]">comprehensive comments</a> outlining the need to simplify and streamline Washington's complex opioid prescribing rules. The WSMA continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining patient access to appropriate pain care while ensuring regulatory clarity and flexibility for physicians.
</p>
<p>
If you plan on engaging with the stakeholder feedback opportunity, the WSMA would welcome your comments, as well. Contact the <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">WSMA policy department</a> with input.
</p>
</div> | 4/2/2026 2:06:42 PM | 4/2/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-legislative-priorities-advancing-as-session-winds-down | WSMA Legislative Priorities Advancing as Session Winds Down | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/March 6/wsma-legislative-priorities-advancing-as-session-winds-down | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/february/2026-Leg-Session-Graphic.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA 2026 Legislative Session Updates" /></div>
<h5>Mar. 6, 2026</h5>
<h2>WSMA Legislative Priorities Advancing as Session Winds Down</h2>
<p>The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn next Thursday, March 12, and the final days of session will be dominated by budget negotiations and deliberations over whether to establish a state income tax. If you missed last week's update on legislative budget proposals, you can read it <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/ceo-rounds/2026/ceo-rounds-feb-24-2026-legislative-budget-proposals-released-what-they-mean-for-health-care">here</a>. Meanwhile, in addition to House Bill 2242, which will preserve access to preventive care and vaccines in our state, the WSMA has been successful in advancing—and defeating—a number of key legislative priorities this year.</p>
<p>Over the last week, votes have been taken in House and Senate committees to approve insurance reforms related to prior authorization (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5395&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2025">SB 5395</a>) and prompt payment and insurance carrier claw backs (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5845&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5845</a>). Legislation to extend the statutory deadlines of the Medicaid Access Program (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2385&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 2385</a>) is also advancing.</p>
<p>Defending against bills we oppose is just as important as advancing bills in Olympia, and as of this writing all scope of practice bills the WSMA opposes are considered "dead" for the 2026 session. A Senate proposal to expand scope of practice for pharmacists did get serious consideration this year, and the WSMA will be working with proponents of the bill over the legislative interim to try to work toward an appropriate compromise on the issue. The prime sponsors of the legislation in both the House and the Senate are pharmacists and have signaled their intention to have a bill approved in the 2027 session.</p>
</div> | 3/5/2026 1:42:19 PM | 3/27/2026 10:47:40 AM |
| 2026-session-recap-key-policy-wins-for-physicians-patients | 2026 Session Recap: Key Policy Wins for Physicians, Patients | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/March 16/2026-session-recap-key-policy-wins-for-physicians-patients | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/february/2026-Leg-Session-Graphic.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA 2026 Legislative Session Updates" /></div>
<h5>Mar. 16, 2026</h5>
<h2>2026 Session Recap: Key Policy Wins for Physicians, Patients</h2>
<p>
The 60-day, 2026 legislative session adjourned as scheduled on March 12. It was a successful session for the WSMA and physician community, with passage of key policy bills to ensure access to vaccines, reform prior authorization, and require insurance carriers to pay claims in a timely fashion. We also successfully defeated all bills we opposed this year.
</p>
<p>
Legislators worked against the backdrop of a state budget dynamic that continues to be challenging. Updates to the state budget were approved on the final day of session with a combination of cuts and new spending, the latter driven by rising state tort claims and increased utilization of state programs such as Medicaid.
</p>
<p>
In the budget space, the WSMA successfully advocated for priority funding items to maintain the state's Apple Health Expansion immigrant coverage program, promote insurance affordability though subsidies for plans on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, and fully fund Foundational Public Health Services. We also advocated against a proposed cut to Medicaid coverage for physical, occupational, and speech therapy services, which was restored in the final budget.
</p>
<p>
Budget negotiations in the coming years will likely continue to be challenging, particularly as cuts to federal health care funding from H.R. 1 are implemented. In spite of this, we will continue to advocate for Medicaid rate increases for professional service delivery and business and occupation tax reform for independent practices. While we were disappointed to not see more progress on those issues this year, given the state of the state's budget, we were also grateful that the final spending plan did not include cuts to Medicaid rates or tax increases on physician practices.
</p>
<h3 id="TheMillionairesTax">The Millionaires Tax</h3>
<p>
While the final state budget did not rely on tax increases on physician organizations, much of session was dominated by tax talk, specifically on <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=6346&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 6346</a>, which establishes a state income tax on individuals and spouses with annual income over $1 million.
</p>
<p>
Through the course of session, the WSMA advocated for dedicated revenue from the millionaires tax to support Medicaid rate increases and broad B&amp;O tax mitigation for physician groups and health care professionals - both intended to help promote health care access and affordability, as well as the viability of independent physician practice.
</p>
<p>
Negotiations over the bill culminated in a debate in the House of Representatives that ran more than 24 hours, with majority-party Democrats rejecting numerous amendments before taking a final vote on the bill.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA worked in collaboration with physician groups to develop one of the few amendments that was accepted. Our amendment eliminates the 0.5% B&amp;O tax surcharge on large medical groups that gross over $250 million annually one year earlier than directed under current law, saving physician groups an estimated $22 million and aligning with a similar policy in the bill for hospitals. Other noteworthy tax mitigation in the bill includes elimination of sales tax on certain services beginning in 2029, such as temporary staffing services, continuing education, custom IT projects, hygiene products, and diapers.
</p>
<p>
While Gov. Bob Ferguson has signaled that he will sign the millionaires tax into law, that won't be the last hurdle before it's implemented. Opponents of the law have signaled they will attempt to gather sufficient signatures to force ratification by voters in November. The bill will also face legal action challenging its constitutionality. If it withstands scrutiny, the tax will be assessed beginning in 2029.
</p>
<h3 id="WSMAPolicyPriorityWins">WSMA Policy Priority Wins</h3>
<p>
The millionaires tax grabbed most of the headlines from Olympia this year, but it was far from the only issue on the table. Between bills that were introduced in the 2026 session and those from 2025 that didn't pass and were automatically reintroduced, there were more than 3,500 bills eligible for consideration this session. The WSMA tracked and engaged on more than 600 of those bills, seeing wins on our following priority issues:
</p>
<p>
</p>
<ul>
<li>
Prior authorization reform | <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5395&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 5395</a>
<ul>
<li>Continues recent efforts to modernize insurance carrier prior authorization processes, including prohibiting carriers from solely using AI to deny prior authorization and clarifying an existing prohibition on retroactive denials of prior authorization. This bill was developed by the WSMA in partnership with the Washington State Hospital Association and Proliance Surgeons.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Timely insurance payments | <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5845&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 5845</a>
<ul>
<li>Generally requires insurance carriers to pay "clean claims" within 30 days and reduces the time period in which reimbursement for claims can be retroactively clawed back by a carrier to 12 months.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Vaccine and preventive service access | <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2242&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">House Bill 2242</a>
<ul>
<li>Modifies state policy to preserve access to preventive services, including vaccines, on a covered basis through health insurance plans and the state's Childhood Vaccine Program.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Medicaid Access Program date extension | <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2385&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">House Bill 2385</a>
<ul>
<li>Maintains the Medicaid Access Program in statute until 2030 to allow the state to revisit seeking federal approval of the program in the future when feasible.
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>
Other bills supported by the WSMA that were passed by the Legislature this year include <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=6025&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 6025</a> from the Washington Chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to update the state's definition of fetal death, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1155&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">House Bill 1155</a> to prohibit noncompetition agreements, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=6182&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 6182</a> to fund direct patient abortion clinical care services, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2225&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">House Bill 2225</a> to regulate AI chatbots, and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2320&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">House Bill 2320</a> to prohibit the manufacture of 3D-printed firearms.
</p>
<p>
As is always the case, scope of practice proposals consumed a substantial portion of our lobbying capacity this session. Along with the reintroduction of bills to grant prescriptive authority to psychologists and expand it for naturopaths, a new proposal was considered to permit pharmacists to independently diagnose and prescribe. Guided by our policy to analyze whether scope proposals entail adequate education and training to ensure patient safety, the WSMA successfully opposed these bills. At the direction of key legislators, we will be working with the pharmacists over the interim to try to find common ground on an appropriate update to their scope of practice.
</p>
<p>
Another topic of extensive discussion in recent months is the practice of international medical graduates. Upon negotiation with legislators and advocates for the IMG community, the WSMA was able to work to compromise on <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5185&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 5185</a>, which creates a pilot program under which IMGs who are currently working in structured settings in the state can work toward licensure as primary care physicians upon attainment of extensive, stipulated education and training.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA was successful in amending or defeating all bills we opposed this session. Those that died include <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2613&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">House Bill 2613</a> imposing restrictions on drug compounding, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5921&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 5921</a> legalizing psilocybin, and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5990&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 5990</a> permitting advance practice providers to work as local health officers.
</p>
<p>
Legislative advocacy is a team sport. Through the course of session we partnered on these bills and others with the physician organizations that advocate in Olympia, as well as patient groups, the public health community, hospitals, community health centers, and other stakeholders. We’re grateful for these partnerships and the ongoing advocacy efforts of our physician members.
</p>
<h3 id="WhatsNextPromotingPreserving">What's Next : Promoting Patient Access and Preserving Independent Practice</h3>
<p>
At the top of the WSMA's legislative agenda this year were two ongoing priorities: mitigating recent B&amp;O tax increases on independent practices and across-the-board rate increases for Medicaid professional services. Both come with steep price tags and uphill climbs given the state's budget shortfall. But both are also essential for promoting the viability of independent practice, as well as health care affordability and access to care.
</p>
<p>
As we move into the legislative interim, we'll carry these issues and other priorities into conversations with legislative candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. We’ll also be discussing next steps around medical title transparency, as <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2261&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">the bill</a> the WSMA developed with physician specialty partners was considered but not passed in the 2026 session.
</p>
<p>
WAMPAC is the nonpartisan campaign arm of the WSMA which works to identify and support candidates for political office whose priorities align with the house of medicine. If you want to support the WSMA's advocacy efforts, consider joining the <a href="https://www.wsma.org/wsma/advocacy/wampac/give_to_wampac/wsma/advocacy/wampac/give_to_wampac.aspx">WAMPAC Diamond Club</a>. Or keep an eye on WSMA communications as we'll be visiting communities across the state in the coming months, creating opportunities for physicians to connect with area candidates.
</p>
<p>
In the meantime, thank you for your support of WSMA's advocacy efforts. This year saw the launch of our Medical Student and Resident Advocacy Program, with more than 70 participants from across the state. We also held a sold-out WSMA Legislative Summit at the Capitol, and numerous physicians took time this session to meet with legislators and testify on bills. We're grateful to all of you who take time out of your busy schedules to advocate for your profession and your patients.
</p>
</div> | 3/16/2026 3:46:09 PM | 3/16/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| 2026-session-adjourns-as-democrats-pass-millionaires-income-tax | 2026 Session Adjourns as Democrats Pass Millionaires Income Tax | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2026/March 13/2026-session-adjourns-as-democrats-pass-millionaires-income-tax | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2026/march/2026-Leg-Session-Graphic.png" class="pull-right" alt="2026 Legislative Session Updates" /></div>
<h5>Mar. 13, 2026</h5>
<h2>2026 Session Adjourns as Democrats Pass Millionaires Income Tax</h2>
<p>
<em>WSMA secures B&amp;O tax relief in millionaires tax bill for large medical groups</em>
</p>
<p>
Yesterday, the 2026 state legislative session adjourned as scheduled, with legislators approving a supplemental budget and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=6346&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 6346</a> to establish an income tax on individuals and spouses with annual income over $1 million. The WSMA saw numerous wins in this year's session, successfully advocating for policy bills to ensure access to vaccines, reform prior authorization, and require insurance carriers to pay claims in a timely fashion. We also successfully defeated all bills we opposed this year.
</p>
<p>
In the final days of session, legislators and capitol watchers focused on the millionaires tax bill, with the House of Representatives debating amendments the bill for more than 24 hours before majority-party Democrats secured its passage. <a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Amendments/House/6346-S.E%20AMH%20ENGE%20HARA%20473.pdf" target="_blank">One of the amendments</a>, developed by the WSMA in collaboration with physician groups, eliminates the 0.5% business and occupation tax surcharge on large medical groups one year earlier than directed under current law, saving physician groups an estimated $22 million and aligning with a similar policy in the bill for hospitals.
</p>
<p>
Through the course of session, the WSMA advocated for dedicated revenue from the millionaires tax to support Medicaid rate increases and broad B&amp;O tax mitigation for physician groups and health care professionals. In response, we consistently heard from key legislators that once revenue from the tax was in hand, those issues can be considered, as increasing resources for the state to support health care was one of the primary talking points for proponents of the bill. In the interest of promoting health care access and affordability, as well as the viability of independent physician practice, the WSMA will continue to prioritize these vital policies moving forward.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA's government affairs will provide a more detailed summary of this year's session in next week's WSMA Advocacy Report with video and podcast options, as well. Stay tuned.
</p>
</div> | 3/13/2026 3:07:37 PM | 3/13/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| growth-in-ama-membership-in-washington-results-in-a-stronger-wsma-ama-delegation | Growth in AMA Membership in Washington Results in a Stronger WSMA AMA Delegation | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2026/March 13/growth-in-ama-membership-in-washington-results-in-a-stronger-wsma-ama-delegation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2026/march/AMA-Mtg-2025.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Image of 2025 AMA meeting attendees" /></div>
<h5>Mar. 13, 2026</h5>
<h2>Growth in AMA Membership in Washington Results in a Stronger WSMA AMA Delegation</h2>
<p>
<em>More AMA delegates mean more influence at the national level</em>
</p>
<p>
The American Medical Association has allotted the WSMA with an additional delegate and alternate delegate to the state's delegation as more Washington state physicians join the national association.
</p>
<p>
Washington-based AMA members at the end of 2025 totaled 6,352—an almost 10% increase from 2024, which ended with 5,779 Washington-based AMA members. State medical associations are apportioned one delegate and one alternate delegate for every 1,000 AMA members or fraction of, so the growth in AMA membership automatically triggered an increase in WSMA's AMA delegate count from six delegates and six alternate delegates to seven delegates and seven alternate delegates.
</p>
<p>
The <a href="https://www.wsma.org/wsma/about/who_we_are/standing-committees.aspx" target="_blank">WSMA's delegation to the AMA</a> serves on the WSMA board of trustees representing the interests and needs of Washington state physicians and their patients in the creation of policies and programs at the AMA. AMA delegates and alternate delegates are elected by the House of Delegates for two-year terms.
</p>
<p>
Per WSMA's bylaws, vacancies on the board of trustees are filled by presidential appointment for the unexpired portion of the term and until the next session of the House of Delegates. The WSMA Nominating Committee will be preparing a slate of candidates for our House of Delegates to vote on this fall, including for the new delegate positions.
</p>
<p>
With the AMA hosting its annual meeting in June, WSMA President Bridget Bush, MD, has elevated Colin Fields, MD, from his current alternate position to serve in the new delegate position and will herself serve as an alternate at the June meeting.
</p>
</div> | 3/13/2026 4:38:58 PM | 3/13/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| vaccine-news-roundup-doh-new-state-authority-acog-leaves-acip-measles-on-the-rise | Vaccine News Roundup: DOH New State Authority, ACOG Leaves ACIP, Measles on the Rise | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2026/March 13/vaccine-news-roundup-doh-new-state-authority-acog-leaves-acip-measles-on-the-rise | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2026/march/cdc-sMcFczL05fk-unsplash-for-web.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Image of bandage being applied to arm after vaccination" /></div>
<h5>Mar. 13, 2026</h5>
<h2>Vaccine News Roundup: DOH New State Authority, ACOG Leaves ACIP, Measles on the Rise</h2>
<p>
<em>Breaking developments from the past two weeks</em>
</p>
<p>
Now in inboxes, the March/April issue of <em>WSMA Reports</em> takes an in-depth look at the ongoing tension between federal vaccine policy and state health organizations. Since that story was published, there have been further developments, reflecting the depth and breadth of the crisis.
</p>
<p>
</p>
<h3>Washington Legislature passes bill to decouple vaccine coverage from ACIP</h3>
<p>
As covered in last Friday's <a href="https://wsma.org/Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/March%206/legislature-passes-wsma-priority-legislation-to-preserve-access-to-preventive-services-and-vaccines.aspx">WSMA Advocacy Report</a>, WSMA priority legislation House Bill 2242 grants authority to the Washington State Department of Health instead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for recommendations on vaccine coverage in our state. WSMA support for the bill was driven by 2025 House of Delegate policy (resolution B-9) and backed by extensive policy in support of immunizations.
</p>
<p>
</p>
<h3>ACOG withdraws from ACIP</h3>
<p>
On Feb. 24, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists <a href="https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2026/02/acog-withdraws-from-cdc-advisory-committee-on-immunization-practices">announced its withdrawal</a> as a liaison organization to ACIP citing concerns about recent changes that undermine the committee's scientific integrity and evidence-based approach to vaccine policy.
</p>
<h3>No changes to the childhood immunization schedule in Washington state</h3>
<p>
The Department of Health reaffirms Childhood Vaccine Program participants should continue to follow the <a href="https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf" target="_blank">2026 American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Vaccine Schedule</a> for all children. This schedule is endorsed by the West Coast Health Alliance and the Department of Health and reflects the current evidence-based standard of care for pediatric immunization. <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/bulletins/40bb678" target="_blank">Learn more</a>.
</p>
<h3>Measles on the rise</h3>
<p>
The Department of Health has confirmed 26 measles cases across four Washington counties this year, more than double the 12 cases reported statewide in all of 2025. Physicians and practitioners are encouraged to review the <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/bulletins/4054f52" target="_blank">interim pediatric measles outbreak vaccination recommendations</a> and remain alert for measles-like symptoms, especially among people who visited public exposure locations listed on the <a href="https://wadoh.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/10e3b2b43f784eabbdb0a5873acd660d" target="_blank">Washington State Measles Public Exposure Location Tracker</a> or recently traveled. If measles is suspected, immediately email the <a href="mailto:vpd-cde@doh.wa.gov">Communicable Disease Epi Vaccine Preventable Disease team</a> or call 206.418.5500 at any time to request diagnostic testing at Washington's Public Health Lab. Questions, email <a href="mailto:immunenurses@doh.wa.gov">immunenurses@doh.wa.gov</a>.
</p>
<p>
March 16 also marks Measles Immunization Day, making it an excellent opportunity to download and share the Department of Health’s <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/820310-MeaslesCommunicationsToolkit.pdf" target="_blank">Measles Communications Toolkit</a>, which includes resources for addressing misinformation, promoting vaccine safety, and strengthening community health.
</p>
</div> | 3/13/2026 4:10:18 PM | 3/13/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| legislature-passes-wsma-priority-legislation-to-preserve-access-to-preventive-services-and-vaccines | Legislature Passes WSMA Priority Legislation to Preserve Access to Preventive Services and Vaccines | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/March 6/legislature-passes-wsma-priority-legislation-to-preserve-access-to-preventive-services-and-vaccines | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/march/getty-images-c2PPCDPMB-A-unsplash-for-web.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA 2026 Legislative Session Updates" /></div>
<h5>Mar. 6, 2026</h5>
<h2>Legislature Passes WSMA Priority Legislation to Preserve Access to Preventive Services and Vaccines</h2>
<p><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2242&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2242</a>, sponsored by Rep. Dan Bronoske (D - Lakewood), which preserves access on a covered basis to preventive services, including vaccines, was passed by the Legislature last week with bipartisan support. The legislation, which was requested jointly by Gov. Bob Ferguson and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, now heads to the governor's desk, where it is presumed to be signed into law in the coming weeks.</p>
<p>This WSMA priority legislation allows the Washington State Department of Health to make recommendations on vaccines in consultation with expert organizations, including professional medical organizations and local health organizations. The law also preserves Washingtonians' access to preventive services without cost-sharing for residents enrolled in commercial health plans who choose to utilize these services.</p>
<p>As leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is shaken up and recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices continue to shift away from evidence-based practices, this vital legislation will ensure Washingtonians can continue to access important preventive health services, including vaccines, on a covered basis.</p>
</div> | 3/5/2026 1:28:47 PM | 3/6/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| 2026-ampac-candidate-workshop-returns-april-17-19 | 2026 AMPAC Candidate Workshop Returns April 17-19 | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/February 20/2026-ampac-candidate-workshop-returns-april-17-19 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/february/US-Capitol-1024px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Image of US Capitol highlighting the 2026 AMPAC Candidate Workshop" /></div>
<h5>Feb. 20, 2026</h5>
<h2>2026 AMPAC Candidate Workshop Returns April 17-19</h2>
<p>Ever wonder how physicians get elected to Congress or your state Legislature? Considering a run for office yourself? The <a href="https://ampaconline.org/political-education/ampac-candidate-workshop">AMPAC Candidate Workshop</a> will teach you how to run a winning political campaign because it is designed to help you make the leap from the exam room to the campaign trail and give you the skills and strategic approach you will need to make a run for public office.</p>
<p>At the Candidate Workshop, Republican and Democratic political veterans work together to give you expert advice about being a successful candidate and how to run a winning campaign. You will learn the importance of a disciplined campaign plan and message; the secrets of effective fundraising; what kinds of advertising may be right for your campaign; how to work with the media; and how to build your campaign team and a successful grassroots organization. </p>
<p>Attendees include physicians, spouses of physicians, residents, medical students, and state medical society staff interested in becoming more involved in politics.</p>
<p>Please note the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Candidate Workshop is open to American Medical Association physician members, member spouses, residents, medical students, and state medical society staff.</li>
<li>Registration fee is $250 for AMA members/spouses and $1,000 for non-AMA members. This fee is waived for AMA-member residents and students; however, space is limited and the AMPAC board will review and select four participants from the pool of qualified resident and student applicants.</li>
<li>Faculty, materials, and all meals during the meeting are covered by the AMA. Participants are responsible for their registration fee, travel to and from Washington, DC, and hotel accommodations (the AMA will provide you with a list of nearby hotels within walking distance of the AMA offices).</li>
<li>Participants will be required to bring a laptop or Wi-Fi-enabled tablet with them.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://ampaconline.org/political-education/ampac-candidate-workshop">Registration for the 2026 AMPAC Candidate Workshop is now open</a>. Space is limited and the deadline for registering is March 20, or sooner if maximum capacity is reached. For more information contact <a href="mailto:Politicaleducation@ama-assn.org">Politicaleducation@ama-assn.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 2/19/2026 12:56:49 PM | 2/19/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| tax-and-budget-discussions-ramping-up-in-olympia | Tax and Budget Discussions Ramping Up in Olympia | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/February 20/tax-and-budget-discussions-ramping-up-in-olympia | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/february/2026-Leg-Session-Graphic.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSM 2026 Legislative Session Updates" /></div>
<h5>Feb. 20, 2026</h5>
<h2>Tax and Budget Discussions Ramping Up in Olympia</h2>
<p>With the 2026 session now two-thirds of the way through its scheduled 60 days, legislators are turning their attention to negotiations on the state budget and associated revenue bills. Budget proposals are expected to be unveiled by majority-party Democratic lawmakers beginning on Sunday, and negotiations will likely continue through the last day of session, scheduled for March 12.</p>
<p>On Monday, the state released its latest revenue forecast, and while tax collections have been sluggish lately, legislators received good news this week with state revenue projected to increase by $827 million more than was forecasted in November. This will substantially help address the state's budget gap, which Gov. Bob Ferguson estimated at around $2 billion when he released his spending plan in December.</p>
<p>Future state budgets could be reshaped by the enactment of a "millionaires tax," a proposal from legislative Democrats to impose a 9.9% income tax on people with over $1 million in annual income. After nearly four hours of debate, Senate Democrats on Monday passed <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=6346&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 6346</a>, the bill that would establish the tax, and after adopting several amendments to the bill sent it to the House for further consideration. One of the amendments rolls back provisions of the sales tax on services bill adopted by the Legislature last year, including several that have impacts on the physician community, such as sales tax on temporary staffing services, IT projects, and live presentations (i.e., continuing education).</p>
<p>On the policy front, WSMA priority bills continue to advance. Over the last week, votes have been taken in the House and Senate to approve the vaccine and preventative services bill (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2242&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 2242</a>), prior authorization reform (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5395&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2025">SB 5395</a>), prompt payment requirements (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5845&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">SB 5845</a>), and legislation to extend the stator deadlines of the Medicaid Access Program (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2385&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">HB 2385</a>). If you have questions about the status of a bill that's pending in this year's session, contact WSMA Senior Director of Government Affairs &amp; Policy <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">Sean Graham</a>.</p>
</div> | 2/19/2026 11:34:45 AM | 2/19/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-members-at-the-capitol-a-recap-of-the-2026-legislative-summit | WSMA Members at the Capitol: A Recap of the 2026 Legislative Summit | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/January 29/wsma-members-at-the-capitol-a-recap-of-the-2026-legislative-summit | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/january/029-Venticinque_260128_4768-straightened.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Dr. Bridget Bush shaking hands with Gov. Bob Ferguson" /></div>
<h5>Jan. 29, 2026</h5>
<h2>WSMA Members at the Capitol: A Recap of the 2026 Legislative Summit</h2>
<p><em>WSMA members make their voices heard at sold-out event</em>
</p>
<p>WSMA member physicians, physician assistants, residents, and medical students converged at the state Capitol in Olympia this week for WSMA's annual Legislative Summit. This year's Summit was a sold-out event, reaching room capacity within two months of announcing registration—a first for the WSMA and a strong sign of the interest in WSMA members for hands-on engagement in legislative advocacy.</p>
<p>The Columbia Room at the Capitol filled quickly with members ready to hear from several of our state's health care leaders and from WSMA's government affairs team on our priority issues for this session, including preserving physician practices and patients' access to care; defending against inappropriate scope of practice expansions; medical title transparency; and preserving access to preventive services, including vaccines.</p>
<p>WSMA President Bridget Bush, MD, FASA, kicked off the morning with a welcome message, followed by WSMA Senior Director of Government Affairs and Policy Sean Graham for the dos and don'ts of meeting with legislators.</p>
<p>Up next, Washington state's new Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham talked about his journey from growing up in the small town of Othello, Washington, to a long career in public health before being appointed as our state's top health officer. He emphasized the Department of Health's commitment to data integrity, preserving access to vaccines, and strengthening population health. He highlighted the importance of physician advocacy, saying, "The ability to have a policy affect the entire state and larger populations is really important, and it's great that you all do your individual practices and services directly to people you care for, but also, I'm grateful that you are stepping into this larger arena that sets policies and practices that have a greater impact across our systems to make sure that we are affordable and accessible for those people who need those services and our preventative services."</p>
<p>Dr. Bush then handed the microphone to the morning's surprise guest, Gov. Bob Ferguson, who similarly emphasized the state's commitment to making public health decisions based on science, highlighting the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance, and acknowledging the budget challenges the state is facing as a result of H.R. 1., federal legislation passed last summer that includes more than $1 trillion in cuts to health care. In closing, he said, "I appreciate the partnership for all you do for Washingtonians and I hope you have a really wonderful day here at the Capitol."</p>
<p>After a full morning, members braved the rainy weather to pose for our annual "white coat" photo on the steps of the Capitol, then headed back to the Columbia Room for a box lunch before our last presentation of the day—a Q&amp;A with legislators Rep. Dan Bronoske, Sen. Ron Muzzall, and Rep. Joe Schmick, three out of four heads of our Legislature's health care committees, who thoughtfully answered member questions.</p>
<p>Members then disbursed throughout the Capitol campus to attend meetings with legislators from their districts, bringing front-line advocacy home to lawmakers.</p>
<p>Those of you who weren't able to attend the sold-out event, keep an eye out for more opportunities for engagement this session through our weekly session update videos, calls to action, and opportunities to testify in public hearings. For year-round advocacy opportunities, visit wsma.org and look under <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/advocacy/wsma/advocacy/advocacy.aspx">Advocacy</a> and <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/advocacy/physician_advocacy/physician-advocacy.aspx">Physician Advocacy</a> for ways to engage.</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who attended this year's event! We'll share the date for the 2027 Summit as soon as it's available.</p>
</div> | 1/29/2026 2:15:31 PM | 1/29/2026 4:53:46 PM |
| legislative-session-update-wsma-priority-bills-advance | Legislative Session Update: WSMA Priority Bills Advance | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/January 29/legislative-session-update-wsma-priority-bills-advance | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/january/2026-Leg-Session-Graphic%201.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSM 2026 Legislative Session Updates" /></div>
<h5>Jan. 29, 2026</h5>
<h2>Legislative Session Update: WSMA Priority Bills Advance</h2>
<p>Things are moving quickly in Olympia, where the 2026 legislative session is nearly one-third of the way through its scheduled 60 days. At this point in session, the primary focus of legislators is the consideration of the more than 1,100 bills that have been introduced this year, in addition to the approximately 1,500 that didn't pass last year and were automatically reintroduced.</p>
<p>The WSMA is tracking and engaging on more than 600 of the 2,600 bills in play and this week saw several of WSMA's priority bills approved by their respective policy and fiscal committees, including:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Vaccine and preventive service access</strong>
<ul>
<li>The WSMA is working in coalition to support <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2242&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">House Bill 2242</a> and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5967&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2025" target="_blank">Senate Bill 5967</a> to preserve access to preventive services, including vaccines, on a covered basis through health insurance plans and the state's Childhood Vaccine Program, responding to recent and ongoing policy changes at the federal level.</li>
<li>Both HB 2242 and SB 5967 have been approved by their legislative health care committees. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prior authorization</strong>
<ul>
<li>The WSMA is working in coalition to advance <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5395&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 5395</a> to prohibit artificial intelligence from being used to deny coverage for services, require insurance carrier prior authorization policies be accessible in a standardized manner, and clarify an existing prohibition on retroactive denials of coverage authorizations.</li>
<li>SB 5395 was approved by the Senate Ways &amp; Means Committee on Jan. 27.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Medicaid rates</strong>
<ul>
<li>In the 2025 legislative session, the WSMA and the physician community successfully advocated for the passage of House Bill 1392, establishing the Medicaid Access Program. Unfortunately, implementation of the bill was blocked by HR 1. WSMA is advocating for <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2385&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">House Bill 2385</a> to extend the statutory deadlines of the Medicaid Access Program so that the state can pursue implementation of the law if the federal landscape changes.</li>
<li>HB 2385 was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on Jan. 28.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div> | 1/29/2026 12:54:21 PM | 1/29/2026 4:53:46 PM |
| cms-awards-washington-181-million-for-rural-health-transformation-program | CMS Awards Washington $181 Million for Rural Health Transformation Program | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/january-16/cms-awards-washington-181-million-for-rural-health-transformation-program | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/january/senior-male-patient-with-physician-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Senior male patient with physician" /></div>
<h5>Jan. 16, 2026 </h5>
<h2>CMS Awards Washington $181 Million for Rural Health Transformation Program </h2>
<p>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved Washington state's Rural Health Transformation Program plan and awarded approximately $181 million for the first year of the program.</p>
<p>In a statement, the Health Care Authority notes "These funds will support the hospitals, clinics, and providers that rural families rely on every day. While the need remains significant, this investment will help rural communities take important steps forward in accessible, safe, and sustainable health care." </p>
<p>The WSMA is grateful to Gov. Bob Ferguson and his administration, including the HCA, Department of Health, and the Department of Social and Health Services, for their leadership and work to secure this funding. We will continue to engage with the governor's office and state agencies to help ensure Rural Health Transformation Program funds are deployed in a manner that meaningfully supports physicians, care teams, and the patients they serve in rural communities.</p>
<p>The awarded amount is close to the state's original request of $200 million. State agencies are now revising the program budget to reflect the approved funding level.</p>
<h3>What's next </h3>
<p>According to the HCA, the agency is working with DOH and DSHS, in coordination with the governor's office, to make targeted budget adjustments that reduce-but do not eliminate-planned funding allocations.</p>
<p>CMS requires submission of a revised budget by Jan. 30, after which the agency will conduct a review within 30 days. Following CMS review, the state and CMS will finalize a cooperative agreement to formally advance the program.</p>
<h3>About the Rural Health Transformation Program </h3>
<p>Authorized under H.R. 1, the Rural Health Transformation Program makes up to $50 billion in federal funding available nationwide to support rural health care transformation.</p>
<p>For Washington, the program presents an opportunity to strengthen rural health systems and address the unique challenges facing rural communities across the state.</p>
<p>Learn more on the state's Rural Health Transformation Program <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/programs-and-initiatives/value-based-purchasing/rural-health-transformation-program">webpage</a>.</p>
</div> | 1/14/2026 11:27:44 AM | 1/16/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| congressional-advocacy-what-the-wsma-is-doing-at-the-federal-level | Congressional Advocacy: What the WSMA is Doing at the Federal Level | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/january-16/congressional-advocacy-what-the-wsma-is-doing-at-the-federal-level | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/january/us-capitol-building-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="US Capitol building" /></div>
<h5>Jan. 16, 2026 </h5>
<h2>Congressional Advocacy: What the WSMA is Doing at the Federal Level </h2>
<p>Important health care policies continue to be considered in Congress, and WSMA's advocacy efforts don't stop at our state border. Below are some updates from our work in the "other" Washington.</p>
<h3>Advocating against WISeR implementation </h3>
<p>At the request of Rep. Suzan DelBene's staff, the WSMA reached out to Washington's federal congressional delegation to request they sign on to a letter to House and Senate leadership and appropriators, co-led by Reps. Lois Frankel, Suzan DelBene, Lloyd Doggett, Mark Pocan, Greg Landsman, Ami Bera, Rick Larsen, Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez, and Jan Schakowsky, requesting language in any final FY26 funding agreement prohibiting the implementation of the WISeR Model or any related moves to introduce prior authorization requirements into traditional Medicare.</p>
<p>In 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced plans to implement a pilot program that would contract private companies, using artificial intelligence, to utilize prior authorization on certain medical services and devices under Medicare Part B. Over the past year, the <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/december-19/end-of-year-update-wsma-advocacy-on-wiser-program.aspx?_zs=Pimae1&amp;_zl=pnKVA">WSMA has engaged extensively</a> to raise serious concerns about the WISeRModel and its potential impact on Washington physicians and Medicare patients.</p>
<h3>Are Medicare Advantage prior authorization policies harming your patients? Let us know</h3>
<p>The WSMA has received a request from Rep. Kim Shrier's office seeking patient stories or data from WSMA members about their experience with prior authorization utilized by Medicare Advantage that would assist in their advocacy and to track harmful impacts to Washington physicians and their patients. If you have an example of harm caused or barriers to patient care due to these policies, please contact <a href="mailto:policy@wsma.org">policy@wsma.org</a>.</p>
<h3>WSMA shares budget priorities with members of Congress </h3>
<p>Congress is currently negotiating a federal funding package ahead of the Jan. 30 funding deadline with implications for patients and physicians. The WSMA reached out to members of Washington's congressional delegation earlier this week, urging Congress to include extending enhanced premium tax credits and permanent Medicare telehealth flexibilities in any funding deal to protect access to affordable coverage and care.</p>
</div> | 1/14/2026 11:26:51 AM | 1/16/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-priorities-for-the-2026-legislative-session | WSMA Priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2026/january-16/wsma-priorities-for-the-2026-legislative-session | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2026/january/2026-Leg-Session-Graphic%201.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSM 2026 Legislative Session Updates" /></div>
<h5>Jan. 16, 2026 </h5>
<h2>WSMA Priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session </h2>
<p>The 2026 legislative session began on Monday, Jan. 12, and over the next 60 days, lawmakers will be working to bridge an ongoing state budget deficit and consider more than 3,000 bills that are in play in Olympia this year.</p>
<p>Last week, WSMA's government affairs department held <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/legislative___regulatory/Legislative%20Activities/wsma/advocacy/legislative_regulatory/legislative-activities.aspx#2026preSession">a pre-session webinar</a> where more than 100 physicians, residents, and medical students were provided a high-level overview of what's on the table for the physician community this session. If you weren't able to attend, a video of the event <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/legislative_regulatory/legislative-activities.aspx?hkey=231ee068-da1d-49ae-b5bc-01a857b21a9b&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">can be found here</a> and below is a summary of WSMA's 2026 legislative priorities.</p>
<ul>
<li>Budget
<ul>
<li>H.R. 1 response
<ul>
<li>The tax and spending bill approved by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump in July contains numerous policies cutting federal funding for health care and limiting patients’ eligibility for enrollment in Medicaid. The WSMA is working in coalition with patient groups, state agencies, and other stakeholders to develop policy solutions to ensure as many residents of the state have access to essential health care services as possible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>B&amp;O tax mitigation
<ul>
<li>Following business and occupation tax rate increases in 2019 and 2025, for most physician organizations the B&amp;O tax rate has increased by 40% in the last five years. Taken together, these tax increases cost health care organizations an estimated $100 million annually. The WSMA is asking the Legislature to revisit the B&amp;O tax rate for physician groups and health care organizations, mitigating the impact of recent increases in the interest of preserving independent practice and patient access to care.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Medicaid rates
<ul>
<li>WSMA successfully advocated for the passage of <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1392&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1392</a> during the 2025 session, establishing the Medicaid Access Program to increase Medicaid rates. Unfortunately, H.R. 1 includes a provision that blocks implementation of the law. While we continue to monitor for opportunities to pursue federal approval, we will be exploring alternative methods to increase Medicaid rates and promote access to care for patients. And we are also advocating for the passage of <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2385&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2385</a> to extend the statutory deadlines of the Medicaid Access Program so that the state can pursue implementation of the law if the federal landscape changes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Policy
<ul>
<li>Vaccine and preventative service access
<ul>
<li>As federal institutions continue to move away from evidence-based recommendations on public health measures, our state's coverage of and access to immunizations and other preventative services are at risk. The WSMA is working in coalition to support <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2242&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2242</a> and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5967&amp;Chamber=Senate&amp;Year=2025">Senate Bill 5967</a> to preserve access to preventative services, including vaccines, on a covered basis through health insurance plans and the state's Childhood Vaccine Program.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Prior authorization
<ul>
<li>When physicians recommend a service or a drug for a patient, coverage is often conditioned on prior authorization from a patient's insurance carrier. The WSMA is grateful for recent legislative action to modernize prior authorization. As technology advances, further reform is needed to ensure care can be delivered in an appropriate and expeditious manner. The WSMA is working in coalition to advance <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5395&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5395</a> to prohibit artificial intelligence from being used to deny coverage for services, require insurance carrier prior authorization policies be accessible in a standardized manner, and clarify an existing prohibition on retroactive denials of coverage authorizations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Insurance payment reforms
<ul>
<li>The administrative and financial burdens associated with insurance contracting and payment constitute a significant challenge in maintaining independent physician practices. The requirements from any given insurance carrier can be difficult to navigate; taken together across carriers, they form a complex and shifting labyrinth of hurdles for practices to navigate. We're advocating for <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5845&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5845</a> to require insurance carriers to provide prompt payment for care that is delivered; <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6071&amp;Year=2026&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 6071</a> to limit the ability of carriers to claw back payment after care is delivered; and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2106&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2106</a> to require approval of significant contract revisions between insurance carriers and practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Medical title transparency
<ul>
<li>As care delivery has evolved to be more team-based, the credentials and titles used by health care practitioners play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and trust with patients. Similar to laws currently on the books in 38 states, <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2261&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 2261</a> would require disclosure of credentials in advertising and badging. This bill was developed by the WSMA in conjunction with physician specialty organizations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Scope of practice
<ul>
<li>The WSMA annually engages on a host of scope of practice bills pursuant to <a href="[@]wsma/about/policies/whats_our_policy/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice-general.aspx">our established policy</a> that focuses on appropriate education and training to ensure patient safety. In the 2026 session, we're expecting to work on scope proposals from pharmacists, naturopaths, psychologists, and nurses, in addition to returning proposals mandating reimbursement for advance practice providers at the same rate as physicians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>As session progresses, we'll be sharing opportunities for WSMA members to engage on these issues and others. If you have questions about our priority issues or anything that's being considered in Olympia this year, contact WSMA Senior Director of Government Affairs and Policy <a href="mailto:sean@wsma.org">Sean Graham</a>.</p>
</div> | 1/14/2026 11:27:47 AM | 1/16/2026 12:00:00 AM |
| cms_announces_rural_health_transformation_program_awards | CMS Announces Rural Health Transformation Program Awards | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/cms_announces_rural_health_transformation_program_awards | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/december/black-male-doctor-with-young-woman-645-425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="2025 Session" /></div>
<h5>December 30, 2025</h5>
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<h2>CMS Announces Rural Health Transformation Program Awards</h2>
<p>Earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-50-billion-awards-strengthen-rural-health-all-50-states">announced</a> that all 50 states will receive awards under the new <a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/rural-health-transformation-rht-program/overview">Rural Health Transformation Program</a>. For 2026, Washington state is slated to receive $181,257,515, representing a one-year investment as part of this five-year federal initiative to strengthen rural health care systems.</p>
<p>The WSMA engaged extensively on behalf of the physician community in the development of Washington state's <a href="https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/program/rhtp-project-narrative.pdf">application</a>, including meeting with state policymakers, submitting feedback on funding priorities, and lending formal support to the state's proposal. An abstract of Washington’s application <a href="https://edit.cms.gov/files/document/rht-program-state-provided-abstracts.pdf">released by CMS</a> outlines the state's project goals, and we are pleased to see key elements the WSMA advocated for reflected in the plan, including investments in health care workforce, technology, and system capacity.</p>
<p>We are grateful to state agencies and the governor’s office for their collaboration and for the timely submission of a strong application to CMS. The WSMA will continue to engage with state partners and CMS to ensure physician perspectives remain central as these funds are deployed—and to advocate for investments that strengthen patient care, practice viability, and the long-term sustainability of rural health in Washington.</p>
<p>We will keep members informed as implementation details and stakeholder engagement opportunities become available.</p>
<h3>Update (Dec. 31)</h3>
<p>Just before press time, the governor's office released a <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAGOV/bulletins/4024cfa">press release</a> with additional information on how the funds will be distributed:</p>
<p>"
Washington specifically sought funding to help build a healthier, more resilient and financially sustainable rural health system. The Rural Health Transformation funding will help rural residents across all 39 counties. Of those, 22 counties are considered fully rural — Adams, Clallam, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Orielle, San Juan, Skamania, Stevens, Wahkiakum and Whitman. The funding will reach rural Washington residents in these counties, as well as the rural portions of the state’s remaining counties.</p>
<p>"Washington will use the funds to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Develop community-based health care options to help rural residents access the right level of care at the right time</li>
<li>Invest in the health of Native families</li>
<li>Invest in technology that increases efficiency, access and quality in Washington’s rural health care system, helping rural Washingtonians get specialty care and monitor chronic conditions</li>
<li>Invest in long-term solutions will give rural Washingtonians better access to high-quality specialty and emergency medical care</li>
<li>Grow, train and maintain the health care workforce in rural Washington</li>
<li>Expand and sustain Washington’s rural behavioral health system, decreasing the strain on rural hospitals and school-based behavioral health care services</li>
</ul>
<p>"The state will collaborate with Area Agencies on Aging, the Washington Hospital Association, the Rural Collaborative and others to target funding where it is needed most. It will also work with the state’s universities to expand existing programs and initiatives that benefit rural health care systems.</p>
<p>"For example, funds will be used to expand the University of Washington School of Medicine’s Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes). ECHO offers a multidisciplinary tele-monitoring and education platform for Washington clinicians that helps providers deal with complex and specialized patient issues, infectious diseases, psychiatry and behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rural Heath Transformation program funds will help expand ECHO to additional health care facilities, as well as add new medical specialties."</p>
<p>Read the governor's <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAGOV/bulletins/4024cfa">press release</a>.</p>
</div> | 12/30/2025 4:10:12 PM | 12/31/2025 2:50:19 PM |
| doh_rejects_pharmacist_prescriptive_authority_proposal__offers_recommendations_on_how_to_improve | DOH Rejects Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority Proposal, Offers Recommendations on How to Improve | Advocacy | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/doh_rejects_pharmacist_prescriptive_authority_proposal__offers_recommendations_on_how_to_improve | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/december/man.holding.rx-small-645-425.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="pharmacy scope of practice" /></div>
<h5>December 30, 2025</h5>
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<h2>DOH Rejects Pharmacist Prescriptive Authority Proposal, Offers Recommendations on How to Improve</h2>
<p>The Department of Health has released its <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/631-117-PharmacistSunrise.pdf">final report</a> on the pharmacist prescriptive authority sunrise review. The report rejects the proposal offered by the Washington State Pharmacy Association as "...too broad to evaluate if it protects patient safety." The report does offer recommendations on how to narrow the proposal to meet sunrise criteria. Those recommendations include "...adding some of the limitations similar to Montana's law to restrict the proposed prescriptive authority to treating conditions that do not require a new diagnosis, are minor and self-limiting, are diagnosed through waived clinical tests, or are emergencies."</p>
<p>As background, the pharmacy association proposal would have delegated the Legislature's authority to set a pharmacist scope of practice to the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission. That commission, comprised of pharmacists and members of the public, would have authority to decide drugs a pharmacist could prescribe, the types of patients they could treat, and the circumstances in which care could be provided. The proposal would’ve also left to the pharmacy commission’s jurisdiction what, if any, additional education and training would be required for pharmacists to be eligible for scope expansion.</p>
<p>The WSMA, leading a coalition of physician specialty organizations, submitted <a href="https://wsma.org/doc_library/news/physician-delegation-letter-doh-pharmacist-sunrise-4-1.pdf">comments in opposition</a> to the pharmacist scope of practice sunrise review proposal citing concerns not limited to patient safety, lack of requisite education and training, and absence of regulatory safeguards. WSMA physicians also testified in opposition to the proposal during a May 2025 public hearing.</p>
<p>This issue will be considered during the 2026 legislative session, as the pharmacy association has introduced <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5924&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">Senate Bill 5924</a> to grant prescriptive authority for pharmacists. The bill takes a different, and arguably broader, approach to expanding pharmacists’ scope than what was proposed through the sunrise review by simply stipulating that pharmacists would be able to diagnose and prescribe drugs and devices “based on his or her education, training, and experience.†The bill does not propose any additional or stipulated education or training for pharmacists to be able to diagnose and prescribe. The WSMA will meet with the proponents of the bill to learn more about the proposal, but on its face it does not meet the bar set by WSMA’s <a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/about/policies/whats_our_policy/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice-general.aspx">policy on scope of practice</a> which seeks to ensure that practitioners receive commensurate education and training to that of a physician when proposing to expand their scope.</p>
</div> | 12/30/2025 4:12:47 PM | 12/30/2025 4:32:42 PM |