Washington state’s 60-day legislative session adjourned on Thursday March 7, 2024. WSDA advocated in support of as well as in opposition to several bills this session concerning dental-related issues, workforce, insurance, small business issues, employer/employee matters, and much more.
Washington state’s 60-day legislative session adjourned on Thursday March 7, 2024. Occurring in even-numbered years, the shorter session is the second half of the biennium. This year, the Legislature operated in an in-person format, allowing remote public testimony.
WSDA advocated in support of as well as in opposition to several bills this session concerning dental-related issues, workforce, insurance, small business issues, employer/employee matters, and much more. The following is a summary of legislation that may impact you as a provider, business owner, or employee.
Legislation Summarized
Insurance-Related Legislation
- Out-of-network Reimbursement Parity for Dental Providers
- Requiring Inflationary Adjustments in Provider/Carrier Contracts
- Establishing a Dental Loss Ratio
- Requiring Transparency in Network Leasing
Health Care & Workforce-Related Legislation
- Creating a Preventive Dental Assistant
- Establishing the Health Care Cost Transparency Board
- Modifying Licensure Fees for the Washington Physician Health Program
- Allowing Individuals to Receive Professional Licenses Regardless of Immigration or Citizenship Status
Business-Related Legislation
- Regulating Lighting Fixtures in Businesses
- Workers' Compensation Incentives to Return to Work
- Creating a State AI Task Force
Operating Budget Highlights
- Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) Program
- Access to Baby and Child Dentistry Program
- Eastern Washington University Dental Therapy Education Program
- Washington Department of Corrections Mobile Dental Unit
- Supporting Access to Water Fluoridation
Capital Budget Highlights
- Pacific Northwest University and Yakima Neighborhood Health Services Dental Clinic
- Community Health Association of Spokane
- Community Health Center of Snohomish County
- Moses Lake Community Health Center Lake
Stay Informed
Sign up for WSDA’s text message-based action alert system. Signing up will enable you to receive updates on your phone at the moment action is most necessary on critical dental issues.
To sign up, text “WSDA” to “52886”
Once you text “WSDA” to “52886,” you will be asked for your name, the zip code where you are registered to vote, and your email address. After answering those questions, you will be entered into the system and will receive a text message every time we need you to respond to an action alert.