Committee Reports Several Health Bills Out of Committee; Vote Tallies Recorded

The House Healthcare and Wellness Committee moved several bills out of committee during an executive session following public testimony.

Substitute Senate Bill 5,185 (physician licensing pilot). Staff described an amendment (Blake 3-12 by Representative Tai) that restricts qualifying practice sites under the pilot to locations where physicians deliver care in person and clarifies references to international medical graduates. Representative Tighe moved amendment 3-12, which was adopted by voice. The committee then voted to report Engrossed Second Substitute SSB 5,185 out of committee with a "do pass" recommendation; staff announced 18 ayes, 0 nays, 1 excused.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5,845 (timing of claims payments). The committee considered three amendments: 0-88 (Representative Lekanoff) to extend the bill's provisions to Indian health providers not participating under contract; a striking amendment (3,625.2) and a follow-up (0-91) delaying an effective date provision to Jan. 1, 2028. Amendments were adopted and incorporated; the committee reported SSB 5,845 out as amended with a due-pass recommendation. Roll-call results announced: 17 ayes, 1 nay, 1 excused. Representatives and staff raised concerns that some provisions were added in an amendment without a separate hearing, and that the changes could increase claims denials, but supporters argued the bill speeds timely payment to providers.

Senate Bill 5,915 (health technology assessment). Representative remarks emphasized prioritizing technologies recommended by Medicare and national expert guidelines; the committee reported the bill out with a due-pass recommendation (voice/roll-call announced as 18 ayes, 0 nays).

Senate Bill 6,025 (vital statistics: fetal death definition). Sponsors described use of updated ultrasound-based technologies to better estimate fetal age; the committee reported the bill out with a due-pass recommendation (vote announced as 18 ayes, 0 nays).

Senate Joint Memorial 8002 (Medicare). The memorial requests federal action on Medicare program issues. Members debated the utility of a legislative message to the federal government; Representative Valdez opposed, calling it unlikely to be effective. The committee reported the memorial out with a 15–3–1 vote.

All recorded votes, amendment numbers and tallies were taken from the meeting transcript and roll calls in the executive session.

Next steps: Each bill reported out will proceed as set by legislative process; the transcript records the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.