Medical Debt Protections in Washington
State protections for medical debt in Washington, including credit reporting and collection limits.
Short answer: Collection agencies may not report medical debt to credit bureaus. With the first written notice they must tell the debtor of the right to request the original account number, date of last payment and an itemized statement, and they must stop collecting until a requested itemized… RCW 19.16.250(28); RCW 4.56.110(5)
| Medical debt protections | Collection agencies may not report medical debt to credit bureaus. With the first written notice they must tell the debtor of the right to request the original account number, date of last payment and an itemized statement, and they must stop collecting until a requested itemized statement is provided. Judgments for consumer debt (including medical debt) carry 9% interest. 19.16.250 last amended 2025 (c. 145). Interest: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.56.110 |
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Where to get help in Washington
- Washington State Department of Licensing (licenses collection agencies); Washington Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
- File a complaint or claim
More Washington debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington
- Wage Garnishment in Washington
- How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Washington
- What Creditors Can't Take in Washington
- All Washington debt & collections rules
FAQ
What protections apply to medical debt in Washington?
Collection agencies may not report medical debt to credit bureaus. With the first written notice they must tell the debtor of the right to request the original account number, date of last payment and an itemized statement, and they must stop collecting until a requested itemized statement is provided. Judgments for consumer debt (including medical debt) carry 9% interest.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.