WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SSB 6226

SB 6226: Audiologist autonomy

Protecting the clinical autonomy of audiologists.

Summary

  • Establishes that licensed practitioners may use their clinical judgment to determine whether telehealth or in-person care is the appropriate treatment modality for a patient.
  • Clarifies that allowing practitioners to determine the appropriate treatment modality for a patient does not limit the authority of the Board of Hearing and Speech to establish rules and enforce standards of care.

From the Substitute Senate Bill Report (SSB 6226), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Enacted Enacted · Chapter 185, Laws of 2026
  1. IntroducedJan 20, 2026
  2. Out of committeeFeb 4, 2026
  3. Passed SenateFeb 10, 2026
  4. Passed HouseMar 3, 2026
  5. GovernorMar 24, 2026
  6. LawMar 24, 2026
Prime sponsor
Paul Harris (R-17)
Introduced
January 20, 2026 in the Senate
Last action
March 24, 2026
Session law
Chapter 185, Laws of 2026
Companion bill
HB 2618
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 6226, SSB 6226

AN ACT Relating to protecting the clinical autonomy of audiologists;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Paul Harris (R-17)

2 co-sponsors (2 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Tina Orwall D-33T'wina Nobles D-28

Votes

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed February 10, 2026
Version voted on: SSB 6226
48 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 1 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat30000
Republican18001
How each member voted

Yea (48)

Excused (1)

Permalink to this vote

House · Final Passage as Amended by the House

Passed March 3, 2026
Version voted on: SSB 6226
90 Yea 3 Nay 0 Absent 5 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat56003
Republican34302
How each member voted

Yea (90)

Permalink to this vote

Senate · Final Passage as Amended by the House

Passed March 10, 2026
Version voted on: SSB 6226
49 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat30000
Republican19000
How each member voted

Yea (49)

Permalink to this vote

History

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026. (SSB 6226)
  2. Chapter 185, 2026 Laws. (SSB 6226)
  3. Governor signed. (SSB 6226)
  4. Delivered to Governor. (SSB 6226)
  5. President signed. (SSB 6226)
  6. Speaker signed. (SSB 6226)
  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. (SSB 6226)
  8. Senate concurred in House amendments. (SSB 6226)
  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 90; nays, 3; absent, 0; excused, 5. (SSB 6226)
  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (SSB 6226)
  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments. (SSB 6226)
  12. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. (SSB 6226)
  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review. (SSB 6226)
  14. HCW - Executive action taken by committee. (SSB 6226)
  15. Minority; do not pass. (SSB 6226)
  16. HCW - Majority; do pass with amendment(s). (SSB 6226)
  17. First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness. (SSB 6226)
  18. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1. (SSB 6226)
  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (SSB 6226)
  20. 1st substitute bill substituted. (SSB 6226)
  21. 1st substitute bill substituted.
  22. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (SSB 6226)
  23. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
  24. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (SSB 6226)
  25. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
  26. HLTC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 6226)
  27. HLTC - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  28. First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

SB 6226 in other sessions

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

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