SB 5807 expands the use of remote interpreting by DSHS and reforms the procurement of interpreting services by creating a single coordinating entity that would contract directly with language access providers.

Update: While this bill died in committee in its house of origin, the procurement reform piece was added to the State's operating budget bill which passed.

SB1087,the WA State's budget bill, added a new section to RCW 39.26 creating a new model to procure interpreting services through a web-based tool to schedule interpreters (online scheduling). Check HCA Section 213(31) of this bill.