Charity Care Rules in Progress

Charity Care Rules in Progress

On September 30, 2022, the Department of Health filed Washington State Register 22-20-069 (PDF) for consideration of amendments to chapter 246-453 WAC, Hospital Charity Care. Substitute Senate Bill 6273 (chapter 623, Laws of 2018) and Substitute House Bill 1616 (chapter 197, Laws of 2022) modified RCW 70.170.020 and 70.170.060. Amendments may be made to align chapter 246-453 WAC with these RCW. Previous rule making, in 2018/2019, for Substitute Senate Bill 6273 was halted due to the Substitute House Bill 1616 legislation that impacted the same rule sections. Both bills are being considered in this rule-making process. 

Comments/recommendations from previous Substitute Senate Bill 6273 rule making:

• Comments/Recommendations from December 11, 2018, Interested Party Meeting (PDF)
• Comments/Recommendations from February 11, 2019, Interested Party Meeting (PDF)
• Proposed rules from previous Substitute Senate Bill 6273 rule making (PDF)

Current Status

The Department of Health has concluded the workshop portion of the Charity Care rules work. The significant impact charity care has on patients and affected communities prompted a longer period for interested party feedback. Throughout the process, the department provided multiple opportunities to review concepts, ask questions, and offer feedback prior to formal rule adoption. The department has carefully reviewed input and has made revisions where appropriate and consistent with the charity care law.

The rules process will now move forward and be completed by the end of 2026. Formal proposed rules will be filed by the end of July 2026. Meeting this timeline is important to provide greater clarity and certainty for patients who are currently navigating challenging times. As the department balances many perspectives and interests involved, we remain focused on completing this rule in a timely manner while listening to and considering feedback as the process continues. 

There will be additional opportunities for interested parties to provide input through the formal rulemaking process, including during the public hearing and public comment period. We encourage interested parties to continue sharing their perspectives and recommendations through those channels.

Past Rules Workshops, Presentations, and Documents

Communications

To receive updates via email about draft and proposed rule changes and other important messages, join Charity Care Rules GovDelivery. 

Submit rule comments to charitycare@doh.wa.gov.