A Washington law (ESHB 1718), enacted during the 2025 legislative session makes it easier for doctors and physician assistants to get confidential support when dealing with stress, burnout or other well-being challenges.
Before any peer-to-peer interactions or referrals can happen, the program must be formally established in writing. It must also be contracted by an employer of physicians and physician assistants, a nonprofit professional medical organization representing a specialty, or a statewide organization representing these professionals.
Importantly, what’s shared in these programs stays private. Information disclosed within or records created by a physician wellbeing program are exempt from disclosure to disciplining authorities or the physician health program, as long as the provider is safe to practice and no patient has been harmed.
If the license holder does not meet these safety requirements, reporting is required to the appropriate disciplining authority as established by the Washington medical commission. (RCW 18.130.070 (1)(d)(iii)). Any report made to the disciplining authority is not privileged or confidential and is subject to the public records act. (Cara Helmer)