HB 1888 - DIGEST

     Declares an intent that patients covered by health plans receive quality health care designed to maintain and improve their health.  The purpose of this act is to ensure that health plan patients:  (1) Have sufficient and timely access to clinically and culturally appropriate health care services designed to maintain and improve health;

     (2) have adequate choice among qualified health care professionals;

     (3) are assured that health care decisions are made by appropriate medical personnel based upon sound medical standards;

     (4) have improved access to information regarding their health plans;

     (5) have access to a quick and impartial process for appealing plan denials of health care coverage;

     (6) are protected from unnecessary invasions of health care privacy;

     (7) are assured that personal health care information will be used only as necessary to obtain and pay for health care or to improve the quality of care; and

     (8) are protected from unfair and deceptive practices.

     Repeals RCW 48.43.075, 48.43.095, and 48.43.105.