OLYMPIA — A bill establishing statewide standards for the provision of medically tailored meals through certain state-administered health programs was heard Monday in the Senate Human Services Committee.
Senate Bill 5966, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), would set requirements for medically tailored meals provided through programs administered by the Department of Social and Health Services and the Health Care Authority.
Under the bill, when state agencies contract for medically tailored meal benefits, those meals would be required — when feasible — to be provided by Washington state-based nonprofit organizations. Vendors would also be required to comply with a client’s medically tailored meal nutrition care plan, with menus reviewed and approved by a qualified medical professional.
The legislation establishes minimum standards for medically tailored meals, including alignment with evidence-based nutritional guidelines for treating specific medical conditions, accommodations for dietary needs and cultural preferences, minimum caloric requirements, and prioritization of local or from-scratch prepared foods when appropriate.
SB 5966 also defines key terms related to medically tailored meals, vendors, and qualified medical professionals, and applies these requirements consistently across applicable state programs.
“Medically tailored meals are part of coordinated health care for people managing serious medical conditions,” Nobles said. “This bill creates clear, consistent standards so these services are delivered in a way that is medically appropriate and responsive to individual needs.”
“We have the incredible opportunity to help fellow Washingtonians improve their health outcomes through locally produced, high-quality, medically tailored meals. Senator Nobles’ SB 5966 will ensure our communities can access nutritious, medically tailored meals from trusted local organizations like Lifelong’s Chicken Soup Brigade,” said James Shackelford, CEO of Lifelong.
“Washington for Washington is the best way to keep our local jobs, leverage the infrastructure we have invested in, and feed our medically fragile,” said Michelle Douglas, CEO of Emergency Food Network.
Follow the bill’s progress here.