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Call to Action For E2SHB 1589 (Contract Fairness)

22 Mar 2025 1:17 AM | Robbin Blake (Administrator)

Calling all LMTs: Sign in today to support Engrossed 2nd Substitute House Bill (E2SHB) 1589, Deadline: Monday 3/24/25 by 9:30am

The Washington State Massage Therapy Association (WSMTA) strongly supports E2SHB 1589 and encourages all LMTs to do the same.  This bill gives healthcare providers greater opportunity to review and negotiate their health insurance provider contracts (to include their reimbursement rate) -- as independent providers, massage therapists are currently forced into “take-it-or-leave-it” contracts without negotiation.

Current Situation:

E2SHB 1589, will have a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care this Monday. The Coalition Lobbyists have been working hard to keep this bill moving.  At the Public Hearing, select members of the Coalition's Lobbyists will testify in support of this bill. We need you sign in before 9:30am on Monday 3/24/25 to indicate your support for this bill!

How do you show support for E2SHB 1589?

  • We encourage everyone to indicate a "pro" position to support the bill.
  • Go to the Washington State Legislature's website by clicking on this link:  E2SHB 1589 webpage
  • On the right-hand side of the page is a green box that says, I would like to testify/submit written testimony, click on it.
  • When the next page pops up, scroll down and click the button for "E2SHB 1589 Health carriers & contractors" and pick:

We encourage you to please choose not to testify in person or remotely.  The coalition has organized and coordinated this effort. 

  • We encourage every LMT in Washington to sign in immediately and make your position known to the legislators. The more who sign in to support the bill, the more attention the bill will receive.  All bill support must be made by 1 hour prior to the public hearing to be counted.

Recent History:

This bill passed out of the House on March 8 with a vote of 73 yeas and 23 nays last week.  As time passes on this bill, the Insurance carriers are working harder to prevent this bill from going through. There is a coalition of 20 healthcare professions including massage therapy, chiropractic, physical therapy, speech therapy and more who have been advocating for this bill.  Now we need every LMT to support this bill, yet again.

What does E2SHB 1589 do for LMTs and other healthcare providers?

This bill preserves clients’ access to care by requiring insurance companies to engage in good faith negotiations with independent health care providers. “Good faith” means the insurer must:

  • Offer a meaningful opportunity to negotiate the terms of the contract
  • Provide a contact person for negotiations
  • Indicate how the contract is different from the previous contract
  • Share an easily accessible proposed fee schedule prior to contracting

SHB 1589 also prohibits:

  • Requiring providers to take discounts that are not part of the original contract
  • Take-it-or-leave-it clauses

Please support SHB 1589 to protect client access to necessary and cost-effective Massage Therapy care!  Thank you.

The WSMTA Government Relations team Is dedicated to updating and keeping you informed on issues related to legislation and regulation that impact Washington massage therapists. WSMTA advocates for massage therapy to be a recognized and respected healthcare profession.  We work to protect LMTs' rights, promote fair laws and regulations, and ensure the industry’s growth and integrity.

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