Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 48.43.500 — Intent — Purpose — 2000 c 5., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48.43.500. Intent — Purpose — 2000 c 5.
It is the intent of the legislature that enrollees covered by health plans receive quality health care designed to maintain and improve their health. The purpose of chapter 5, Laws of 2000 is to ensure that health plan enrollees:
(1) Have improved access to information regarding their health plans;
(2) Have sufficient and timely access to appropriate health care services, and choice among health care providers;
(3) Are assured that health care decisions are made by appropriate medical personnel;
(4) Have access to a quick and impartial process for appealing plan decisions;
(5) Are protected from unnecessary invasions of health care privacy; and
(6) Are assured that personal health care information will be used only as necessary to obtain and pay for health care or to improve the quality of care.
Notes
Application—2000 c 5: "This act applies to: Health plans as defined in RCW
48.43.005 offered, renewed, or issued by a carrier; medical assistance provided under RCW
74.09.522; the basic health plan offered under chapter
70.47 RCW; and health benefits provided under chapter
41.05 RCW." [
2000 c 5 s 19.]
Short title—2000 c 5: "This act may be known and cited as the health care patient bill of rights." [
2000 c 5 s 22.]
Captions not law—2000 c 5: "Captions used in this act are not any part of the law." [
2000 c 5 s 24.]
Construction—2000 c 5: "To the extent permitted by law, if any provision of this act conflicts with state or federal law, such provision must be construed in a manner most favorable to the enrollee." [
2000 c 5 s 26.]
Severability—2000 c 5: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [
2000 c 5 s 27.]
Application to contracts—Effective dates—2000 c 5: "(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, this act applies to contracts entered into or renewing after June 30, 2001.
(2) Sections 13, 14, 15, and 16 of this act take effect January 1, 2001.
(3) Section 29 of this act takes effect July 1, 2001." [
2000 c 5 s 28.]
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 48.43.500
What does Revised Code of Washington § 48.43.500 cover?
Section 48.43.500 ("Intent — Purpose — 2000 c 5.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 48.43.500?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 48.43.500" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 48.43.500 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
