Bill Summary:

• AN ACT Relating to preserving access to protected health care  services by requiring department of health review of certain health care business transactions which could affect access to protected health care services while balancing access to community health services; giving authority to the department of health to approve, approve with conditions or modifications, or deny health care business transactions, and establishing the process and requirements for such determination; giving authority to the attorney general to enjoin qualifying health care business transactions not approved or approved with conditions or modifications by the department of health; and directing the collection of data and provision of information, analysis, and reporting regarding access to protected health care services; amending RCW 43.370.030; adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW; and providing effective dates.

What the Bill says:

• This bill makes healthcare providers get permission to make changes to their services or facilities if it might alter the access to abortion or transgendered healthcare services in their region.

Our Summary Opinion:

• It is ridiculous to think that everyone’s healthcare could be impacted by the decision of a healthcare board or agency with final approval of the State Attorney General (???) which might hold hostage the permit unless it includes services under this very miniscule sector of society.