Providing Information to Patients – NEW Washington State Law

Effective June 11, 2020, the Providing Information to Patients Act prohibits healthcare entities from limiting healthcare providers* ability to give medically accurate information to their patients if a provider is acting in good faith, within their scope of practice and within accepted standard of care. This includes providing information related to the Washington State Death with Dignity Act.

Please review the attached publication from the Washington State Department of Health.

* RCW 70.02.010 (19): "Healthcare provider" means a person who is licensed, certified, registered, or otherwise authorized by the law of this state to provide healthcare in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession.

(Examples include, but are not limited to: MD, OD, CRNA, ARNP, PA-C, RN, LPN, CNA, Social Worker, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Audiologist, Mental Health Practitioner, and Pharmacist)

For additional information related to the Washington Death with Dignity Act, below are links to Valley’s policies:

Death with Dignity Administrative Policy

Access to Care Policy