Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 48.43.5051 — Requests for confidential communications — Monitoring and ensuring compliance — Standardized form for submission of requests — Rules., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 48.43.5051. Requests for confidential communications — Monitoring and ensuring compliance — Standardized form for submission of requests — Rules.
(1) The commissioner shall:
(a) Develop a process for the regular collection of information from carriers on requests for confidential communications pursuant to RCW
48.43.505 for the purposes of monitoring compliance, including monitoring:
(i) The effectiveness of the process described in RCW
48.43.505 in allowing protected individuals to redirect insurance communications, the extent to which protected individuals are using the process, and whether the process is working properly; and
(ii) The education and outreach activities conducted by carriers to inform enrollees about their right to confidential communications;
(b) Establish a process for ensuring compliance; and
(c) Develop rules necessary to implement chapter 56, Laws of 2019.
(2) The commissioner shall work with stakeholders to develop and make available to the public a standardized form that a protected individual may submit to a carrier to make a confidential communications request. At minimum, this form must:
(a) Inform a protected individual about the protected individual's right to confidential communications;
(b) Allow a protected individual to indicate where to redirect communications, including a specified physical or email address or specified telephone number; and
(c) Include a disclaimer that it may take up to three business days from the date of receipt for a carrier to process the form.
Notes
Findings—Declarations—2019 c 56: "The legislature finds and declares:
(1) All people deserve the right to choose the health services that are right for them, and the right to confidential access to those health services.
(2) When people are assured of the ability to confidentially access health care services, they are more likely to seek health services, disclose health risk behaviors to a clinician, and return for follow-up care.
(3) When denied confidential access to needed care, people may delay or forgo care, leading to higher rates of unprotected sex, unintended pregnancy, untreated sexually transmitted infections, and mental health issues, or they may turn to public health safety net funds or free clinics to receive confidential care—important resources that should be reserved for people who do not have insurance coverage." [
2019 c 56 s 1.]
Effective date—2019 c 56: "This act takes effect January 1, 2020." [
2019 c 56 s 8.]
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 48.43.5051
What does Revised Code of Washington § 48.43.5051 cover?
Section 48.43.5051 ("Requests for confidential communications — Monitoring and ensuring compliance — Standardized form for submission of requests — Rules.") 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 § 48.43.5051?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 48.43.5051" (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 § 48.43.5051 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.
