(1) Carriers must make available through electronic and other methods of communication generally used by a provider or facility to verify enrollee eligibility and benefits information regarding whether an enrollee's health plan is subject to the requirements of this chapter or section 2799A-1 et seq. of the public health service act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 300gg-111 et seq.) and implementing federal regulations in effect on March 31, 2022.

(2) A health care provider, health care facility, behavioral health emergency services provider, or air ambulance service provider may not request or require a patient at any time, for any procedure, service, or supply, to sign or otherwise execute by oral, written, or electronic means, any document that would attempt to avoid, waive, or alter any provision of RCW 48.49.020 and 48.49.030 or sections 2799A-1 et seq. of the public health service act (P.L. 116-260) and implementing federal regulations in effect on March 31, 2022.

(3) This section shall only apply to health care providers, facilities, or behavioral health emergency services providers providing services to members of entities administering a self-funded group health plan and its plan members if the entity has elected to participate in RCW 48.49.020, 48.49.030, 48.49.160, and 48.49.040 as provided in RCW 48.49.130.

Effective date—2022 c 263: See note following RCW 43.371.100.