BILL · 2021–22 SESSION · LATEST VERSION ESSB 5794

SB 5794: Behavioral health Rx drugs

Concerning continuity of coverage for prescription drugs prescribed for the treatment of behavioral health conditions.

Summary

Prohibits health carriers from requiring substitution of a prescribed nonpreferred drug with a preferred drug or increasing an enrollee’s cost-sharing obligation when the prescription is for a refill of an antipsychotic, antidepressant, or antiepileptic drug.
Clarifies that all state purchased health care programs may not require substitution of a nonpreferred drug with a preferred drug when the prescription is for a refill of an antipsychotic,antidepressant, or antiepileptic drug and must fill the prescription as directed by the prescribing provider.

From the Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill Report (ESSB 5794), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House

AN ACT Relating to continuity of coverage for prescription drugs prescribed for the treatment of behavioral health conditions;

Passed February 11, 2022

Version voted on: ESSB 5794

49 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	29	0	0	0
Republican	20	0	0	0

How each member voted

Mar 10, 2022By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 14, 2022First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 11, 2022Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 11, 2022Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 11, 2022Floor amendment(s) adopted. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 11, 20221st substitute bill substituted. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 11, 20221st substitute bill substituted.
Feb 10, 2022Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 10, 2022Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Feb 7, 2022Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 7, 2022WM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 7, 2022Minority; without recommendation. (ESSB 5794)
Feb 7, 2022Minority; without recommendation.
Feb 7, 2022WM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Feb 7, 2022Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 3, 2022Referred to Ways & Means.
Feb 2, 2022And refer to Ways & Means.
Feb 2, 2022Minority; without recommendation.
Feb 2, 2022HLTC - Majority; do pass.
Jan 11, 2022First reading, referred to Health & Long Term Care.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5794 (2025–26) Tax preferences · Enacted with partial veto · Chapter 423, Laws of 2025
SB 5794 (2023–24) Architecture licensing exams · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5794 (2019–20) Acupuncture & Eastern med. · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5794 (2017–18) Trust water rights program · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5794 (2015–16) EBT cards/higher ed students · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5794 (2013–14) Alternative learning courses · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5794 (2011–12) Domestically brewed beer · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5794 (2009–10) Pharmacy payment audit prog · Did not pass · died in committee