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Bill to shorten credentialing timelines to 30 days draws support and privacy concerns
Summary
House Bill 26 83 would require carriers to approve or deny completed credentialing applications within 30 days starting 01/01/2027 and post provider billing/coverage info; proponents say it would speed provider entry to networks while insurers warned of privacy and operational hurdles.
House Bill 26 83 would require carriers to approve or deny a completed credentialing application within 30 days beginning 01/01/2027, establish an electronic credentialing database process, and require carriers to post billing and coverage information providers need to determine eligibility, with 60 days' notice before modifications.
Vice Chair Alicia Ruhl, the bill's prime sponsor, said the bill addresses workforce shortages and administrative delays that keep providers from being able to start work and accept insured patients. Supporters, including the Washington State Psychological Association represented by Dr. London Breedlove, said a firm 30‑day timeline would reduce administrative bottlenecks and help providers plan.
Opponents, including the Association of Washington Healthcare Plans (Marissa Ingalls), argued the 30‑day standard could be unrealistic when verifying out‑of‑state records or background checks, that posting eligibility information without login could create privacy/HIPAA concerns, and that multiple simultaneous operational bills with 2027 timelines could strain compliance capacity.
Questions from members about cross‑state verification and availability of Department of Health records prompted testimony that reciprocity and DOH data can help but that additional steps (Medicaid provider numbers, enrollment) also affect how quickly a provider can see patients.
No committee vote on HB 26 83 occurred during the meeting.
