OLYMPIA — A bipartisan bill restricting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in making prior authorization determinations was heard in the House Health Care & Wellness Committee Wednesday. Senate Bill 5395, sponsored by Sen. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines), prohibits private insurance companies and Washington’s public employee health programs from using AI as the only means to deny, delay, or modify health care services for patients. Under the bill, which passed nearly unanimously in the Senate, health plans may use AI to process and approve prior authorization requests under certain conditions, but a licensed provider must review them to deny care based on a determination of medical necessity. “When insurers are slammed with a massive of volume of prior authorization requests, AI has ...
Read MoreAbout Sen. Orwall
Tina has represented the 33rd district since 2009 and has led efforts on rape kit reform, suicide prevention, anti-trafficking laws, consumer protections, language access in schools, air quality and other issues critical to South King County.
She was appointed to the Washington State Senate in 2024 after serving 15 years in the House of Representatives. She has worked with all levels of government to help embrace best practices to better serve the community. Her 20 years of experience working in the public mental health system, as well as her expertise in strategic planning in workforce development and affordable housing have established her as a valued legislator and community leader.
Read Sen. Orwall’s full biography here.