Washington state’s 60-day legislative session adjourned, on time, on Thursday, March 10, 2022. The 60-day session is the second half of the biennium, during which legislation that did not pass in the first half (2021) is reintroduced, along with new legislation. Like the 2021 legislative session, due to the pandemic, this session was conducted almost entirely virtually, significantly altering advocacy efforts.

WSDA tracked several bills this session concerning dental-specific issues, health care, small business issues, employer/employee matters, and much more. The following is a summary of passed legislation that may impact you as a provider, business owner, employer, or employee.

Issues Summarized

Health Care Legislation

• Updating References in the Health Professional Monitoring Program
• Updating Board and Commission Requirements
• Establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
• Concerning the Ability of an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth to Provide Informed Consent

Budget Highlights

• Pediatric Medicaid Reimbursement Rate Increase
• State Board of Community and Technical Colleges Dental Education Proviso
• University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies Proviso
• Access to Baby and Child Dentistry Program Funding
• Community Water Fluoridation
• Grant for Tacoma Nonprofit to Continue Providing Dental Services to Low-Income Youth
• Funding to Reduce the Issuing Time of Health Care Provider Licensure

Business & Employer/Employee-Related Legislation

• Delaying and Modifying the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program
• Employer Requirements for Providing Wage and Salary Information to Applicants for Employment
• Reducing the Social Cost Factor in Unemployment Insurance Premiums
• Providing B&O Tax Relief for Small Businesses

Other Legislation

• Overdose and Suicide Fatality Review
• Preventing Suicide Among Veterans and Military Members
• Allowing for Stipends for Low-income or Underrepresented State Board Members

Click here to read the full summary.

2022 Legislative Session Summary

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