Washington State Legislation

In May 2007, Washington governor Christine Gregoire signed into law legislation that supported the use of shared decision-making. With passage of the bill, Washington became the first state to endorse the benefits of doctors and patients using shared decision-making tools and processes when confronting important treatment choices.

The legislation represents the first acknowledgment by a state legislature that medical outcomes can be improved when patient-practitioner communication includes the use of high-quality decision aids such as brochures, DVDs, and online tools.

By formally recognizing the value of shared decision-making in the state’s laws, the Washington legislation encourages collaborative efforts to develop, certify, use, and evaluate these tools.

 

View Washington State Legislation

 

 

Demonstration Projects

 

The legislation includes a provision that directs the state Health Care Authority to set up shared decision-making demonstration projects at one or more group practice sites. These projects will assess patient understanding of treatment options, alignment between patient values and the care they receive, and the cost effectiveness of shared decision-making in clinical practice. These efforts, currently underway, will form an important knowledge base for future programs nationwide.