(1) The commissioner shall designate one or more lead organizations to coordinate development of processes, guidelines, and standards to streamline health care administration and to be adopted by payors and providers of health care services operating in the state. The lead organization designated by the commissioner for chapter 298, Laws of 2009 shall:

     (a) Be representative of providers and payors across the state;

     (b) Have expertise and knowledge in the major disciplines related to health care administration; and

     (c) Be able to support the costs of its work without recourse to public funding.

     (2) The lead organization shall:

     (a) In collaboration with the commissioner, identify and convene work groups, as needed, to define the processes, guidelines, and standards required in RCW 48.165.035, 18.122.165, and 48.165.040 through 48.165.050;

     (b) In collaboration with the commissioner, promote the participation of representatives of health care providers, payors of health care services, and others whose expertise would contribute to streamlining health care administration;

     (c) Conduct outreach and communication efforts to maximize adoption of the guidelines, standards, and processes developed by the lead organization;

     (d) Submit regular updates to the commissioner on the progress implementing the requirements of chapter 298, Laws of 2009; and

     (e) With the commissioner, report to the legislature annually through December 1, 2012, on progress made, the time necessary for completing tasks, and identification of future tasks that should be prioritized for the next improvement cycle.

     (3) The commissioner shall:

     (a) Participate in and review the work and progress of the lead organization, including the establishment and operation of work groups for chapter 298, Laws of 2009;

     (b) Adopt into rule, or submit as proposed legislation, the guidelines, standards, and processes set forth in chapter 298, Laws of 2009 if:

     (i) The lead organization fails to timely develop or implement the guidelines, standards, and processes set forth in RCW 48.165.035, 18.122.165, and 48.165.040 through 48.165.050; or

     (ii) It is unlikely that there will be widespread adoption of the guidelines, standards, and processes developed under chapter 298, Laws of 2009;

     (c) Consult with the office of the attorney general to determine whether an antitrust safe harbor is necessary to enable licensed carriers and providers to develop common rules and standards; and, if necessary, take steps, such as implementing rules or requesting legislation, to establish such safe harbor; and

     (d) Convene an executive level work group with broad payor and provider representation to advise the commissioner regarding the goals and progress of implementation of the requirements of chapter 298, Laws of 2009.

[2009 c 298 § 5.]