Washington
Discussion
Washington: Revised Rules for Meal and Rest Break Requirements for Healthcare Workers
On January 29, 2026, Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) issued an update to Administrative Policy HLS.A.2 clarifying meal and rest break requirements for certain healthcare workers following statutory changes enacted under HB 1879 in 2025. The revised policy provides guidance on when meal and rest break waivers are permissible, provides new and expanded examples illustrating waiver and timing scenarios, and includes two additional examples addressing meal‑break timing obligations. Facilities employing covered healthcare workers should review their policies, waiver forms, and scheduling practices for alignment with the new guidance.
Washington: New Rules Expanding Enforcement of Immigration-Status Coercion Protections
Effective March 6, 2026, Washington’s L&I has issued new rules implementing SB 5104, which prohibits employers from using a worker’s real or perceived immigration status to deter protected workplace activity. While the law broadly bans coercive or threatening communications related to immigration status and authorizes L&I to investigate complaints and issue escalating civil penalties, the newly finalized rules significantly expand clarity around enforcement. The rules define a wide range of employer communications as potentially coercive, tie protections to a broad set of labor and anti‑discrimination rights, allow employees 180 days to file complaints, and confirm that L&I may pursue violations identified during any investigation. Because enforcement is already active and applies retroactively to conduct occurring after July 1, 2025, employers should review policies, communication practices, and complaint‑handling procedures for compliance.
Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser. © 2026 ManagEase