2211 AMH ENGE BLAC 305

HB 2211 - H AMD 1739

By Representative Engell

ADOPTED 02/14/2026

On page 1, after line 3, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) Washington state recently received authority from the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services to administer a health benefit under the apple health program to provide medically tailored meals to certain medical assistance clients with health-related conditions that require nutrition supports to improve their health outcomes;

(b) The provision of fresh, locally produced meals provides clients with proper nutrition to manage their health conditions and an example of healthier food options that can promote healthier future meal decisions;

(c) The production and delivery of medically tailored meals at the local level can reduce pollution and other impacts on the environment; and

(d) Local delivery drivers of medically tailored meals from a client’s community are able to connect directly with clients and monitor their health and emotional status and alert community service providers when services may be necessary.

(2) The legislature, therefore, intends to prioritize the provision of medically tailored meals to clients enrolled in state-supported medical assistance programs by medically tailored meal vendors that are able to provide locally produced whole foods through the use of community-based delivery drivers."

Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

On page 1, beginning on line 8, after "shall" strike all material through "organizations" on line 10 and insert ", to the extent possible, prioritize the purchase of medically tailored meals produced by medically tailored meal vendors that are nonprofit organizations or small businesses that are able to provide locally produced, fresh, whole foods or from scratch prepared meals"

On page 2, beginning on line 25, after "shall" strike all material through "organizations" on line 27 and insert ", to the extent possible, prioritize the purchase of medically tailored meals produced by medically tailored meal vendors that are nonprofit organizations or small businesses that are able to provide locally produced, fresh, whole foods or from scratch prepared meals"

EFFECT: Establishes legislative findings regarding the effects of fresh, locally grown medically tailored meals on clients and the environment, as well as the benefits of having local drivers delivering medically tailored meals. Establishes legislative intent related to prioritizing the provision of medically tailored meals to medical assistance clients by vendors that are able to provide locally produced whole foods through the use of community-based drivers.

Removes the requirement that medically tailored meals be provided, to the extent possible, by Washington state-based nonprofit organizations and replaces it with a requirement that the state agencies prioritize, to the extent possible, the purchase of medically tailored meals from vendors that are nonprofit organizations or small businesses that are able to provide locally produced, fresh, whole foods or from scratch prepared meals.

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