Local Legislator’s Bills Become Law

Two pieces of legislation supported by Rep. Andrew Engell (R-Colville) addressing rural health care access and housing flexibility have been signed into law by the governor on March 10.

House Bill 2113 was sponsored by Engell and focuses on improving access to diagnostic imaging services, particularly in rural communities. The new law updates Washington's supervision requirements for diagnostic radiologic technologists, therapeutic radiologic technologists, and magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Under the legislation, certain imaging procedures, including intravenous contrast procedures, may be supervised by Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Physician Assistants in addition to Physicians, or through real-time interactive audio and video technology between patient and doctor, while still maintaining strict patient safety requirements.

Engell said the goal of the bill is to ensure patients in smaller communities can receive timely diagnostic care without unnecessary delays.

"In many rural communities, health care providers are doing everything they can to keep essential services available close to home," said Engell. "This legislation modernizes our law so medical professionals can safely perform diagnostic imaging procedures while maintaining appropriate oversight. It ensures critical patients at rural hospitals can receive essential imaging services and lifesaving care utilizing existing healthcare professionals qualified to staff emergency departments."

The governor also signed House Bill 2269, legislation Engell helped develop over the last several months to address housing options in certain rural areas.

The bill aims to offer more flexible infrastructure options for "middle housing" in limited areas of more intensive rural development. This would allow those homes in rural counties to be served either by public sewer systems or large on-site septic systems.

Engell said it was a good opportunity to work across the aisle to “help them understand the unique challenges of complying with the Growth Management Act and addressing housing shortages in rural areas.” He also said the bill helps rural communities address housing challenges while maintaining local planning authority.

"Housing affordability is not just an urban issue," said Engell. "Rural communities also need practical tools that allow them to expand housing opportunities while still protecting public health standards and maintaining local decision-making."

Both bills passed unanimously.

"These are practical solutions that came from listening to people working directly in these areas – health care providers and local planners," said Engell. "When we focus on solving real problems facing our communities, it's possible to build broad bipartisan support and deliver meaningful results for the people we serve."