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SB 5448

Exempting certain dialysis services from certificate of need requirements.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 2 co-sponsors

Bill removes state Certificate of Need approval requirements for certain dialysis services to expedite facility expansion and improve patient access to this life-sustaining treatment.

First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.
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Bill Summary · SB 5448

Legislative bill overview

SB 5448 proposes to exempt certain dialysis services from Washington's Certificate of Need (CON) requirements, which currently mandate state approval before healthcare facilities can expand or establish new services. The bill would allow dialysis providers to operate without obtaining this state certificate in specified circumstances.

Why is this important

Dialysis is a critical, life-sustaining treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease, and access barriers directly affect patient outcomes. The CON exemption could reduce regulatory delays and costs for dialysis expansion, potentially improving treatment availability—though it also removes a state oversight mechanism designed to prevent unnecessary duplication and control healthcare costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Access vs. Oversight: Removing CON requirements may expedite dialysis center openings but eliminates state review of whether facilities are truly needed or appropriately sited, potentially fragmenting care delivery
  • Market Competition: Exempting dialysis could allow for-profit chains to expand more freely, raising concerns about cherry-picking profitable markets while underserving rural or low-income areas
  • Cost Control: CON processes theoretically constrain healthcare inflation; exempting a service removes this regulatory tool, which payers and state officials may view as problematic for overall cost management

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

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