The work group must submit a report to the Legislature detailing its work and any recommendations by November 1, 2025. The work group must consider the following elements of a palliative care benefit: 

  • Clinical eligibility criteria; 
  • The services included in a palliative care benefit; 
  • Appropriate staffing, including staffing models and provider training; 
  • Evaluation criteria and reporting requirements; and 
  • Payment models. 

Work group meetings

Apr. 17, 2025

Jan. 7, 2025

Oct. 23, 2024 

July 11, 2024

Work group members 

Name  Organization 
Nico Janssen Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Heather Schultz  Health Care Authority 
Peter Graham  Department of Social and Health Services 
Mandy Latchaw  Department of Health 
Christine Gibert Health Benefit Exchange 
Barb Hansen  Washington State Hospice & Palliative Care Organization 
Shelby Moore Heartlinks Hospice and Palliative Care 
Marsha Flowers Horizon Hospice and Palliative Care
Gregg VandeKieft Providence St. Peter Hospital 
C. Maura deOiveira EvergreenHealth Hospice 
James Fausto  UW Medicine for Washington State Hospital Association 
Ryan Larson  Harbor Home Health and Hospice for Home Care Association of Washington 
Lyle Dollarhide PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for Washington State Nurses Association 
Carrie Parks Kaiser Permanente for Association of Washington Health Care Plans
Jennifer Curry  Regence BlueShield
Chris Rakunas  Wellpoint 
Drew Oliveria Washington Health Alliance 
Nico Janssen; Jane Beyer; Sharon Daniel Project Team, Office of the Insurance Commissioner