WA HB1879

Allows hospital employees and employers to agree in writing to waive meal periods for shifts under 8 hours, or waive second/third meal periods for shifts of 8+ hours (as long as one meal period is taken)

Permits waiver of timing requirements for meal and rest periods, provided meal periods start no earlier than the third hour worked and no later than the second-to-last hour scheduled

Requires all waivers to be voluntary, documented in writing or electronic format, and include a summary of applicable department rules; waivers may be revoked at any time by either party

Expands quarterly reporting requirements to the Department of Labor and Industries to include total meal/rest periods missed, waived by agreement, and required during the quarter

Applies to hourly or union-covered hospital employees involved in direct patient care or clinical services, with effective date of January 1, 2026