Senate committee hears bill to set statewide standards for medically tailored meals

Summary

The Senate Human Services Committee heard sponsorship and nonprofit testimony on SB 5,966, which would define medically tailored meals under Washington’s Medicaid waiver, prioritize Washington-based nonprofit providers, and set uniform quality and nutrition-care-plan requirements; a fiscal note is pending.

Senate Human Services Committee members opened the 2026 session on Jan. 12 with a briefing and public hearing on Senate Bill 5,966, legislation to standardize medically tailored meals provided through Washington’s Medicaid waiver.

Sponsor Senator Tawanna Nobles (28th Legislative District) said the bill aims to set a uniform statewide baseline for quality and accountability when state agencies provide medically tailored meals, ensuring meals are grounded in medical guidance, matched to an individual’s nutrition care plan, and respectful of dietary and cultural needs. “If we say that food is a part of health care, then we have to treat food like it is health care,” Nobles said.

Allison Mendiola, committee staff, told the committee that under the existing Medical Transformation Project 2 waiver the Healthcare…

Senate committee hears bill to set statewide standards for medically tailored meals

Summary

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