WA HB2250

Limits hospital charity care eligibility to Washington state residents, reversing a 2022 Department of Health policy that removed geographic restrictions from charity care programs

Defines "resident" as a person currently living in Washington who intends to reside indefinitely, entered seeking employment, or has a job commitment—no minimum residency period required

Exempts emergency care patients from residency requirements, allowing non-residents receiving care under federal EMTALA law (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395dd) to qualify for charity care

Prohibits immigration status from being considered when determining residency eligibility for charity care

Declares an emergency, making the law effective immediately upon passage, citing concerns that Washington could become a "medical tourism destination" given the state has the fifth-fewest hospital beds per capita nationally