Two bills sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, to improve health care access and quality in Washington have passed the state Senate with unanimous bipartisan support. Senate Bill 5124 and Senate Bill 5672 aim to address critical gaps in the state’s health care system, ensuring residents receive timely, high-quality care while supporting the professionals who provide it.

Senate Bill 5124 seeks to improve access to post-acute care services for Medicaid enrollees by requiring the Health Care Authority to establish and enforce network adequacy standards for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. These standards aim to ensure that Medicaid managed care organizations provide timely and sufficient access to post-acute care services for patients recovering from acute illness, injury, or surgery.

“Patients who need post-acute care should not face unnecessary delays or barriers,” Muzzall said. “This bill ensures that Medicaid enrollees can access rehabilitation and skilled nursing care without excessive wait times, helping them recover faster and more effectively.”

Senate Bill 5672 aims to address workforce challenges in Washington’s long-term care sector by modifying certification requirements for home care aides. The bill grants additional time for long-term care workers to complete their certification while the State Auditor’s Office conducts a performance audit of training requirements and competency assessments. By preventing unnecessary turnover caused by certification delays, SB 5672 seeks to improve workforce stability and ensure continued care for Washington’s aging and disabled populations.

“If we don’t take care of our health care workforce, we won’t be able to take care of our patients,” Muzzall explained. “This proposal cuts red tape and ensures Washington remains an attractive place for medical professionals to work and serve.”

Both bills reflect Muzzall’s commitment to strengthening Washington’s health care system by addressing affordability and quality. By ensuring timely access to post-acute care and reducing workforce barriers, these measures work in tandem to create a more sustainable and effective health care system for all residents.

With Senate approval, SB 5124 and SB 5672 now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.