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Bill

SB 5602

Concerning the use of hearing examiners by a county board of equalization.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Perry Dozier and 3 co-sponsors

Establishes a statewide, data-driven cardiac and stroke system with a registry, standards, ongoing data collection, and public reports to boost EMS/hospital care and outcomes.

Senate Rules "X" file.
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Bill Summary · SB 5602

Overview

SB 5602, introduced January 30, 2025, would establish a statewide, data-driven system to improve emergency cardiac and stroke outcomes in Washington. The bill directs the Department of Health (the “department”) to oversee a coordinated continuum of care, create a statewide cardiac and stroke registry, set system standards and center categorization, and require regular data collection, analysis, and public reporting. It adds a new chapter to Title 70 RCW and recodifies a related provision (RCW 70.168.150).

Purpose and Intent

  • Implement recommendations from the 2022 emergency cardiac and stroke system assessment to improve emergency care and reduce death and disability from cardiac and stroke events.
  • Create an inclusive, continuously improving system of care with ongoing oversight, data input, coordination, and evaluation of performance by the department.

Key Provisions

  • New Chapter and Registry

    • Establish and coordinate the statewide cardiac and stroke system of care, including care system standards, center categorization, data collection, and performance evaluation.
    • Create and operate a statewide cardiac and stroke registry for data on heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, and stroke. The registry will collect data from emergency medical services (EMS) providers and hospitals, using existing data sources when possible.
    • Define data elements, data submission standards, data validation processes, and a plan for continuous data quality improvement.
    • Minimize new reporting by leveraging existing data sources; authorize data-sharing agreements as needed.

  • Data Submissions and Reporting Timeline

    • Beginning July 1, 2027:
    • Hospitals must submit registry data quarterly to the department.
    • EMS providers must submit data through the Washington EMS Information System (WEMSIS).
    • Beginning July 1, 2028, and annually thereafter:
    • The department must provide an aggregate statewide progress report on care quality and outcomes, posted publicly and submitted to the governor and relevant legislative committees.
    • The 2028 report will assess the need for on-site verification of adherence to standards.

  • Oversight, Analysis, and Recommendations

    • The department will implement a continuous quality improvement plan, oversee performance using registry data, and analyze data to identify improvements.
    • Quarterly performance reports to the Emergency Cardiac and Stroke Technical Advisory Committee (under the EMS and Trauma Care Steering Committee) and recommendations to legislators.

  • Accessibility and Support

    • Provide aggregate data feedback to EMS regions and hospitals.
    • Offer quality improvement assistance and education to improve system coordination and care.

  • Rural and Public Education Provisions

    • Allocate funds to assist critical access and rural hospitals with data platforms, equipment, and training.
    • Fund public education on recognizing heart attack and stroke symptoms and the importance of calling 911.

  • Privacy and Confidentiality

    • Data identifying patients, providers, and facilities are confidential, not subject to disclosure under public records laws, and not admissible as evidence.

Affected Entities

  • State: Department of Health
  • Health care providers: Hospitals (including critical access and rural hospitals) and EMS providers
  • Regional planning and trauma regions under the existing EMS/trauma framework

Implementation and Timing

  • Status: First reading; referred to Health & Long-Term Care
  • Effective implementation steps include rulemaking, data system enhancements, and annual reporting starting in 2027–2028, with ongoing oversight and continuous quality improvement thereafter.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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