Most Birds may Flock Together

The Washington State Attorney General has answered a question of which types of health care professionals can “flock together” to form a multidisciplinary professional limited liability company. The answer – every profession noted in the state statute other than physical and occupational therapists who must flock amongst themselves. The question of who can own a…

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Eating Soup with a Fork – TPA Licensing not the Right Tool

This past legislative session, the Washington House of Representatives considered regulation of third party administrators (TPAs) as recommended by the state Insurance Commissioner. After some confusion over what the Commissioner intended and what should be amended, the bill died a quiet death in committee. Policymakers quickly discovered that TPA regulation had become a surrogate for indirectly addressing…

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Boring but Important

Finding, reading, and understanding the thousands of regulations that apply to health plans can drive a sane person to drink Flint, Michigan water. But not me. My sanity has already been questioned given that I intentionally spent a lot of money to go to school so I could learn the discipline of memorizing convoluted regulations…

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Insurance Commissioner Proposes TPA Regulation

The Washington Insurance Commissioner has requested legislation for registration of third party administrators to protect consumers. Third party administrators (TPAs) come in all shapes and sizes and just as many flavors. Insurers typically provide most services for administration of its own health plans. Many Insurers also sell administrative services to self-funded plans which would make…

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What the Washington Legislature Did This Year

After three special sessions, the Washington State Legislature has concluded its work. Below you will find a table of bills (literally and figuratively) adopted by the Legislature with a focus on legislation affecting health plans and health carriers. Enjoy contemplating the new policies and standards because you won’t have long to savor them before implementing rules appear. 2015…

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