Health care claims mediation

AN ACT Relating to settlement demands or offers made prior to 1
mandatory mediation of health care claims; adding a new section to 2
chapter 7.70 RCW; and creating a new section. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that litigation 5
and claims against health care providers present challenges for both 6
patients and health care providers alike, and the rising cost of 7
medical malpractice insurance has created particular challenges for 8
some physicians, particularly those in high-risk specialties such as 9
obstetrics, anesthesiology, and emergency room practice. The answers 10
to these problems are varied and complex, requiring comprehensive 11
solutions that encourage making the civil justice system more 12
understandable, fair, and efficient for all participants.13
(2) It is in the interest of the legislature to prioritize 14
patient safety as changes are made to address the toll of health care 15
litigation on both patients and health care providers and to mitigate 16
the increase of malpractice insurance premiums. The legislature 17
previously established mandatory mediation of health care claims in 18
the interest of providing appropriate incentives and opportunities to 19
resolve cases in a manner that is fair, efficient, and streamlined 20
for all parties prior to resorting to trial. The legislature has an 21
H-0697.1
HOUSE BILL 1527
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Bergquist, Schmick, Thai, Reed, Macri, and Zahn
Read first time 01/23/25. Referred to Committee on Civil Rights &
Judiciary.
p. 1 HB 1527
interest in promoting effective mediation of health care claims. 1
Currently, in many cases, mandatory mediation does not occur until 2
late in the litigation or shortly before trial, if at all.3
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 7.70 RCW 4
to read as follows: 5
In an action subject to mandatory mediation pursuant to RCW 6
7.70.100, a settlement demand or offer made by a party prior to 7
mediation may not be set to expire prior to the parties' good faith 8
attendance at the mediation. 9
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p. 2 HB 1527