In 1987, as directed by the State Health Planning and Resources Development Act, the State Health Coordinating Council released the state health plan, which set forth objectives for the improvement of health status and development of health services in the state. The plan included recommendations on improving the health status of Washingtonians, improving access and quality of care, containing health care cost growth, and planning for long-term care needs. 

In 2007, the Legislature directed the Office of Financial Management (OFM) to develop a statewide health resource strategy to establish statewide health planning policies and goals related to the availability of health care facilities and services, quality of care, and cost of care. OFM must serve as a coordinating body for public and private efforts to improve quality in health care, promote cost-effectiveness in health care, and plan health facility and health service availability. To conduct it's work OFM has access to data submitted to the Department of Health as part of its professional licensing work. The development of the strategy shall consider:

• that excess capacity of health services and facilities place considerable economic burden on the public who pay for the construction and operation of these facilities as patients, health insurance purchasers, carriers, and taxpayers; and
• that the development and ongoing maintenance of current and accurate health care information and statistics related to cost and quality of health care, as well as projections of need for health facilities and services, are essential to effective strategic health planning.

OFM was required to submit its initial report in 2010 and is directed to update the strategy every two years. 

The bill as referred to committee not considered.

OFM must, in coordination with relevant public and private stakeholders, update the state health plan by developing a statewide health resources strategy. In addition to existing considerations, OFM  must consider the principals of health equity when developing a health resources strategy. OFM may access data contained in the all-payer claims database and information submitted to the Health Care Authority (HCA) as part of HCA's annual reporting process, and other relevant data from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Department of Social and Health Services, and the Health Benefit Exchange to complete its work. OFM must submit a preliminary report outlining its work in developing a state health resources strategy by July 1, 2026, and submit a completed health resources strategy report to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 31, 2027. The report must include projections and policy recommendations through 2032. Beginning January 1, 2033, OFM must report on strategy updates and implementation every two years. Before submitting a report, OFM must hold at least one virtual or hybid public meeting and allow public comment. 

• Provides additional data access to OFM to data collected by other health related state agencies.
•  Requires OFM to hold a virtual or hybrid public meeting and take public comment before the release of any of the reports required in the bill.

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: An overall strategic plan helps address cost, need, and health disparities. Much has changed since 1987 and continued updates are needed. Stakeholders appreciate the opportunity engage in strategic health planning.  Objective analysis is important and helpful to the overall planning efforts. Appreciate the focus on equity and increased data sharing provisions.

OTHER: OFM appreciates the increased data access. The bill would codify current efforts and have no fiscal impact.