title: RCW 70.180.020

text:
The department shall establish or contract for a health professional temporary substitute resource pool. The purpose of the pool is to provide short-term physician, physician assistant, pharmacist, and *advanced registered nurse practitioner personnel to rural communities where these health care providers:
(1) Are unavailable due to provider shortages;
(2) Need time off from practice to attend continuing education and other training programs; and
(3) Need time off from practice to attend to personal matters or recover from illness.
The health professional temporary substitute resource pool is intended to provide short-term assistance and should complement active health provider recruitment efforts by rural communities where shortages exist.
[ 1994 c 103 s 1; 1990 c 271 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
PDF
RCW 70.180.020
Health professional temporary substitute resource pool. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
The department shall establish or contract for a health professional temporary substitute resource pool. The purpose of the pool is to provide short-term physician, physician assistant, pharmacist, and advanced practice registered nurse personnel to rural communities where these health care providers:
(1) Are unavailable due to provider shortages;
(2) Need time off from practice to attend continuing education and other training programs; and
(3) Need time off from practice to attend to personal matters or recover from illness.
The health professional temporary substitute resource pool is intended to provide short-term assistance and should complement active health provider recruitment efforts by rural communities where shortages exist.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5142; 1994 c 103 s 1; 1990 c 271 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.

catchline: Health professional temporary substitute resource pool. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 70.180.030

text:
(1) The department, in cooperation with the University of Washington school of medicine, the state's registered nursing programs, the state's pharmacy programs, and other appropriate public and private agencies and associations, shall develop and keep current a register of physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, and *advanced registered nurse practitioners who are available to practice on a short-term basis in rural communities of the state. The department shall list only individuals who have a valid license to practice. The register shall be compiled and made available to all rural hospitals, public health departments and districts, rural pharmacies, and other appropriate public and private agencies and associations.
(2) Eligible health care professionals are those licensed under chapters 18.57, 18.64, 18.71, and 18.71A RCW and *advanced registered nurse practitioners licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW.
(3) Participating sites may:
(a) Receive reimbursement for substitute provider travel to and from the rural community and for lodging at a rate determined under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060; and
(b) Receive reimbursement for the cost of malpractice insurance if the services provided are not covered by the substitute provider's or local provider's existing medical malpractice insurance. Reimbursement for malpractice insurance shall only be made available to sites that incur additional costs for substitute provider coverage.
(4) The department may require rural communities to participate in health professional recruitment programs as a condition for providing a temporary substitute health care professional if the community does not have adequate permanent health care personnel. To the extent deemed appropriate and subject to funding, the department may also require communities to participate in other programs or projects, such as the rural health system project authorized in chapter 70.175 RCW, that are designed to assist communities to reorganize the delivery of rural health care services.
(5) A participating site may receive reimbursement for substitute provider assistance as provided for in subsection (3) of this section for up to ninety days during any twelve-month period. The department may modify or waive this limitation should it determine that the health and safety of the community warrants a waiver or modification.
(6) Participating sites shall:
(a) Be responsible for all salary expenses for the temporary substitute provider.
(b) Provide the temporary substitute provider with referral and backup coverage information.
[ 2020 c 80 s 48. Prior: 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 746; 1994 c 103 s 2; 1990 c 271 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
Effective date—2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Registry of health care professionals available to rural communities—Conditions of participation.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 70.180.040

text:
(1) Requests for a temporary substitute health care professional may be made to the department by the certified health plan, local rural hospital, public health department or district, community health clinic, local practicing physician, physician assistant, pharmacist, or *advanced registered nurse practitioner, or local city or county government.
(2) The department may provide directly or contract for services to:
(a) Establish a manner and form for receiving requests;
(b) Minimize paperwork and compliance requirements for participant health care professionals and entities requesting assistance; and
(c) Respond promptly to all requests for assistance.
(3) The department may apply for, receive, and accept gifts and other payments, including property and services, from any governmental or other public or private entity or person, and may make arrangements as to the use of these receipts to operate the pool. The department shall make available upon request to the appropriate legislative committees information concerning the source, amount, and use of such gifts or payments.
[ 1994 c 103 s 3; 1990 c 271 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
PDF
RCW 70.180.040
Request procedure—Acceptance of gifts. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
(1) Requests for a temporary substitute health care professional may be made to the department by the certified health plan, local rural hospital, public health department or district, community health clinic, local practicing physician, physician assistant, pharmacist, or advanced practice registered nurse, or local city or county government.
(2) The department may provide directly or contract for services to:
(a) Establish a manner and form for receiving requests;
(b) Minimize paperwork and compliance requirements for participant health care professionals and entities requesting assistance; and
(c) Respond promptly to all requests for assistance.
(3) The department may apply for, receive, and accept gifts and other payments, including property and services, from any governmental or other public or private entity or person, and may make arrangements as to the use of these receipts to operate the pool. The department shall make available upon request to the appropriate legislative committees information concerning the source, amount, and use of such gifts or payments.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5143; 1994 c 103 s 3; 1990 c 271 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.

catchline: Request procedure—Acceptance of gifts. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)


title: RCW 70.180.110

text:
(1) The department, in consultation with at least the student achievement council, the state board for community and technical colleges, the superintendent of public instruction, and state-supported education programs in medicine, pharmacy, and nursing, shall develop a plan for increasing rural training opportunities for students in medicine, pharmacy, and nursing. The plan shall provide for direct exposure to rural health professional practice conditions for students planning careers in medicine, pharmacy, and nursing.
(2) The department and the medical, pharmacy, and nurse education programs shall:
(a) Inventory existing rural-based clinical experience programs, including internships, clerkships, residencies, and other training opportunities available to students pursuing degrees in nursing, pharmacy, and medicine;
(b) Identify where training opportunities do not currently exist and are needed;
(c) Develop recommendations for improving the availability of rural training opportunities;
(d) Develop recommendations on establishing agreements between education programs to assure that all students in medical, pharmacist, and nurse education programs in the state have access to rural training opportunities; and
(e) Review private and public funding sources to finance rural-based training opportunities.
[ 2012 c 229 s 593; 1998 c 245 s 120; 1990 c 271 s 15.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 229 ss 101, 117, 401, 402, 501 through 594, 601 through 609, 701 through 708, 801 through 821, 902, and 904: See note following RCW 28B.77.005.

catchline: Rural training opportunities—Plan development.


title: RCW 70.180.120

text:
The department, in consultation with training programs that lead to licensure in midwifery and certification as a certified nurse midwife, and other appropriate private and public groups, shall develop a statewide plan to address access to midwifery services.
The plan shall include at least the following: (1) Identification of maternity service shortage areas in the state where midwives could reduce the shortage of services; (2) an inventory of current training programs and preceptorship activities available to train licensed and certified nurse midwives; (3) identification of gaps in the availability of training due to such factors as geographic or economic conditions that prevent individuals from seeking training; (4) identification of other barriers to utilizing midwives; (5) identification of strategies to train future midwives such as developing training programs at community colleges and universities, using innovative telecommunications for training in rural areas, and establishing preceptorship programs accessible to prospective midwives in shortage areas; (6) development of recruitment strategies; and (7) estimates of expected costs associated in recruitment and training.
The plan shall identify the most expeditious and cost-efficient manner to recruit and train midwives to meet the current shortages. Plan development and implementation shall be coordinated with other state policy efforts directed toward, but not limited to, maternity care access, rural health care system organization, and provider recruitment for shortage and medically underserved areas of the state.
[ 1998 c 245 s 121; 1990 c 271 s 16.]

catchline: Midwifery—Statewide plan.


title: RCW 70.180.130

text:
Any additional expenditures incurred by the University of Washington from provisions of chapter 271, Laws of 1990 shall be funded from existing financial resources.
[ 1990 c 271 s 28.]

catchline: Expenditures, funding.


title: RCW 70.185.010

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Department" means the department of health.
(2) "Health care professional recruitment and retention strategic plan" means a plan developed by the participant and includes identification of health care personnel needs of the community, how these professionals will be recruited and retained in the community following recruitment.
(3) "Institutions of higher education" means educational institutions as defined in RCW 28B.10.016.
(4) "Local administrator" means an individual or organization representing the participant who may enter into legal agreements on behalf of the participant.
(5) "Participant" means communities, counties, and regions that serve as a health care catchment area where the project site is located.
(6) "Project" means the community-based retention and recruitment project.
(7) "Project site" means a site selected to participate in the project.
(8) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
[ 1991 c 332 s 7.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 70.185.020

text:
The department, in consultation with appropriate private and public entities, shall establish a health professional recruitment and retention clearinghouse. The clearinghouse shall:
(1) Inventory and classify the current public and private health professional recruitment and retention efforts;
(2) Identify recruitment and retention program models having the greatest success rates;
(3) Identify recruitment and retention program gaps;
(4) Work with existing recruitment and retention programs to better coordinate statewide activities and to make such services more widely known and broadly available;
(5) Provide general information to communities, health care facilities, and others about existing available programs;
(6) Work in cooperation with private and public entities to develop new recruitment and retention programs;
(7) Identify needed recruitment and retention programming for state institutions, county public health departments and districts, county human service agencies, and other entities serving substantial numbers of public pay and charity care patients, and may provide to these entities when they have been selected as participants necessary recruitment and retention assistance including:
(a) Assistance in establishing or enhancing recruitment of health care professionals;
(b) Recruitment on behalf of sites unable to establish their own recruitment program; and
(c) Assistance with retention activities when practitioners of the health professional loan repayment and scholarship program authorized by *chapter 18.150 RCW are present in the practice setting.
[ 1991 c 332 s 8.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Chapter 18.150 RCW was recodified as chapter 28B.115 RCW by 1991 c 332 s 36.

catchline: Statewide recruitment and retention clearinghouse.


title: RCW 70.185.030

text:
(1) The department may, subject to funding, establish community-based recruitment and retention project sites to provide financial and technical assistance to participating communities. The goal of the project is to help assure the availability of health care providers in rural and underserved urban areas of Washington state.
(2) Administrative costs necessary to implement this project shall be kept at a minimum to insure the maximum availability of funds for participants.
(3) The secretary may contract with third parties for services necessary to carry out activities to implement this chapter where this will promote economy, avoid duplication of effort, and make the best use of available expertise.
(4) The secretary may apply for, receive, and accept gifts and other payments, including property and service, from any governmental or other public or private entity or person, and may make arrangements as to the use of these receipts, including the undertaking of special studies and other projects related to the delivery of health care in rural areas.
(5) In designing and implementing the project the secretary shall coordinate and avoid duplication with similar federal programs and with the Washington rural health system project as authorized under chapter 70.175 RCW to consolidate administrative duties and reduce costs.
[ 1993 c 492 s 273; 1991 c 332 s 9.]
Notes:
University of Washington primary care physician shortage plan development—1993 c 492: "(1) The University of Washington shall prepare a primary care shortage plan that accomplishes the following:
(a) Identifies specific activities that the school of medicine shall pursue to increase the number of Washington residents serving as primary care physicians in rural and medically underserved areas of the state, including establishing a goal that assures that no less than fifty percent of medical school graduates who are Washington state residents at the time of matriculation will enter into primary care residencies, to the extent possible, in Washington state by the year 2000;
(b) Assures that the school of medicine shall establish among its highest training priorities the distribution of its primary care physician graduates from the school and associated postgraduate residency programs into rural and medically underserved areas;
(c) Establishes the goal of assuring that the annual number of graduates from the family practice residency network entering rural or medically underserved practice shall be increased by forty percent over a baseline period from 1988 through 1990 by 1995;
(d) Establishes a further goal to make operational at least two additional family practice residency programs within Washington state in geographic areas identified by the plan as underserved in family practice by 1997. The geographic areas identified by the plan as being underserved by family practice physicians shall be consistent with any such similar designations as may be made in the health personnel research plan as authorized under chapter 28B.125 RCW;
(e) Establishes, with the cooperation of existing community and migrant health clinics in rural or medically underserved areas of the state, three family practice residency training tracks. Furthermore, the primary care shortage plan shall provide that one of these training tracks shall be a joint American osteopathic association and American medical association approved training site coordinated with an accredited college of osteopathic medicine with extensive experience in training primary care physicians for the western United States. Such a proposed joint accredited training track will have at least fifty percent of its residency positions in osteopathic medicine; and
(f) Implements the plan, with the exception of the expansion of the family practice residency network, within current biennial appropriations for the University of Washington school of medicine.
(2) The plan shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature no later than December 1, 1993." [ 1993 c 492 s 279.]
Finding—1993 c 492: See note following RCW 28B.115.080.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Community-based recruitment and retention projects—Duties of department.


title: RCW 70.185.040

text:
The department shall adopt rules consistent with this chapter to carry out the purpose of this chapter. All rules shall be adopted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. All rules and procedures adopted by the department shall minimize paperwork and compliance requirements for participants and should not be complex in nature so as to serve as a barrier or disincentive for prospective participants applying for the project.
[ 1991 c 332 s 10.]

catchline: Rules.


title: RCW 70.185.050

text:
The secretary shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To design the project application and selection process, including a program to advertise the project to rural communities and encourage prospective applicants to apply. Subject to funding, project sites shall be selected that are eligible to receive funding. Funding shall be used to hire consultants and perform other activities necessary to meet participant requirements under this chapter. The secretary shall require at least fifty percent matching funds or in-kind contributions from participants. In considering selection of participants eligible for seed grant funding, the secretary should consider project sites where (a) existing access to health care is severely inadequate, (b) recruitment and retention problems have been chronic, (c) the community is in need of primary care practitioners, or (d) the community has unmet health care needs for specific target populations;
(2) To design acceptable health care professional recruitment and retention strategic plans, and to serve as a general resource to participants in the planning, administration, and evaluation of project sites;
(3) To assess and approve strategic plans developed by participants, including an assessment of the technical and financial feasibility of implementing the plan and whether adequate local support for the plan is demonstrated;
(4) To identify existing private and public resources that may serve as eligible consultants, identify technical assistance resources for communities in the project, create a register of public and private technical resource services available, and provide the register to participants. The secretary shall screen consultants to determine their qualifications prior to including them on the register;
(5) To work with other state agencies, institutions of higher education, and other public and private organizations to coordinate technical assistance services for participants;
(6) To administer available funds for community use while participating in the project and establish procedures to assure accountability in the use of seed grant funds by participants;
(7) To define data and other minimum requirements for adequate evaluation of projects and to develop and implement an overall monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the projects;
(8) To act as facilitator for multiple applicants and entrants to the project;
(9) To report to the appropriate legislative committees and others from time to time on the progress of the projects including the identification of statutory and regulatory barriers to successful completion of rural health care delivery goals and an ongoing evaluation of the project.
[ 1991 c 332 s 11.]

catchline: Secretary's powers and duties.


title: RCW 70.185.060

text:
The duties and responsibilities of participating communities shall include:
(1) To involve major health care providers, businesses, public officials, and other community leaders in project design, administration, and oversight;
(2) To identify an individual or organization to serve as the local administrator of the project. The secretary may require the local administrator to maintain acceptable accountability of seed grant funding;
(3) To coordinate and avoid duplication of public health and other health care services;
(4) To assess and analyze community health care professional needs;
(5) To write a health care professional recruitment and retention strategic plan;
(6) To screen and contract with consultants for technical assistance if the project site was selected to receive funding and assistance is needed;
(7) To monitor and evaluate the project in an ongoing manner;
(8) To provide data and comply with other requirements of the administrator that are intended to evaluate the effectiveness of the projects;
(9) To assure that specific populations with unmet health care needs have access to services.
[ 1991 c 332 s 12.]

catchline: Duties and responsibilities of participating communities.


title: RCW 70.185.070

text:
(1) The secretary may call upon other agencies of the state to provide available information to assist the secretary in meeting the responsibilities under this chapter. This information shall be supplied as promptly as circumstances permit.
(2) The secretary may call upon other state agencies including institutions of higher education as authorized under Titles 28A and 28B RCW to identify and coordinate the delivery of technical assistance services to participants in meeting the responsibilities of this chapter. The state agencies, vocational-technical institutions, and institutions of higher education shall cooperate and provide technical assistance to the secretary to the extent that current funding for these entities permits.
[ 1991 c 332 s 13.]

catchline: Cooperation of state agencies.


title: RCW 70.185.080

text:
(1) Participants are authorized to use funding granted to them by the secretary for the purpose of contracting for technical assistance services. Participants shall use only consultants identified by the secretary for consulting services unless the participant can show that an alternative consultant is qualified to provide technical assistance and is approved by the secretary. Adequate records shall be kept by the participant showing project site expenditures from grant moneys. Inappropriate use of grant funding is a gross misdemeanor and shall incur the penalties under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(2) In providing a list of qualified consultants the secretary and the state shall not be held responsible for assuring qualifications of consultants and shall be held harmless for the actions of consultants. Furthermore, the secretary and the state shall not be held liable for the failure of participants to meet contractual obligations established in connection with project participation.
[ 1991 c 332 s 14.]

catchline: Participants authorized to contract—Penalty—Secretary and state exempt from liability.


title: RCW 70.185.090

text:
(1) The department may develop a mechanism for underserved rural or urban communities to contract with education and training programs for student positions above the full time equivalent lids. The goal of this program is to provide additional capacity, educating students who will practice in underserved communities.
(2) Eligible education and training programs are those programs approved by the department that lead to eligibility for a credential as a credentialed health care professional. Eligible professions are those licensed under chapters 18.36A, 18.57, 18.71, and 18.71A RCW and *advanced registered nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW, and may include other providers identified as needed in the health personnel resource plan.
(3) Students participating in the community contracted educational positions shall meet all applicable educational program requirements and provide assurances, acceptable to the community, that they will practice in the sponsoring community following completion of education and necessary licensure.
(4) Participants in the program incur an obligation to repay any contracted funds with interest set by state law, unless they serve at least three years in the sponsoring community.
(5) The department may provide funds to communities for use in contracting.
[ 2020 c 80 s 49; 1993 c 492 s 274.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
Effective date—2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Finding—1993 c 492: See note following RCW 28B.115.080.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Community contracted student educational positions.


title: RCW 70.185.100

text:
The secretary may establish and contract with area health education centers in the eastern and western parts of the state. Consistent with the recruitment and retention objectives of this chapter, the centers shall provide or facilitate the provision of health professional educational and continuing education programs that strengthen the delivery of primary health care services in rural and medically underserved urban areas of the state. The center shall assist in the development and operation of health personnel recruitment and retention programs that are consistent with activities authorized under this chapter. The centers shall further provide technical expertise in the development of well managed health care delivery systems in rural Washington consistent with the goals and objectives of chapter 492, Laws of 1993.
[ 1993 c 492 s 275.]
Notes:
Finding—1993 c 492: See note following RCW 28B.115.080.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Contracts with area health education centers.


title: RCW 70.185.900

text: See notes following RCW 18.130.010.

catchline: Application to scope of practice—Captions not law—1991 c 332.


title: RCW 70.190.030

text:
The council shall annually solicit from community networks proposals to facilitate greater flexibility, coordination, and responsiveness of services at the community level. The council shall consider such proposals only if:
(1) A comprehensive plan has been prepared by the community networks;
(2) The community network has identified and agreed to contribute matching funds as specified in *RCW 70.190.010;
(3) An interagency agreement has been prepared by the council and the participating local service and support agencies that governs the use of funds, specifies the relationship of the project to the principles listed in RCW 74.14A.025, and identifies specific outcomes and indicators; and
(4) The community network has designed into its comprehensive plan standards for accountability. Accountability standards include, but are not limited to, the public hearing process eliciting public comment about the appropriateness of the proposed comprehensive plan. The community network must submit reports to the council outlining the public response regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of the comprehensive plan.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 316; 1992 c 198 s 5.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 70.190.010 was repealed by 2011 1st sp.s. c 32 s 13, effective June 30, 2012.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Proposals to facilitate services at the community level.


title: RCW 70.190.050

text:
(1) The Washington state institute for public policy shall conduct or contract for monitoring and tracking of the implementation of chapter 7, Laws of 1994 sp. sess. to determine whether these efforts result in a measurable reduction of violence. The institute shall also conduct or contract for an evaluation of the effectiveness of the community public health and safety networks in reducing the rate of at-risk youth through reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors. The evaluation plan shall result in statistically valid evaluation at both statewide and community levels.
(2) Starting five years after the initial grant to a community network, if the community network fails to meet the outcome standards and goals in any two consecutive years, the institute shall make recommendations to the legislature concerning whether the funds received by that community network should revert back to the originating agency. In making this determination, the institute shall consider the adequacy of the level of intervention relative to the risk factors in the community and any external events having a significant impact on risk factors or outcomes.
(3) The outcomes required under this chapter and social development standards and measures established by the department of health under RCW 43.70.555 shall be used in conducting the outcome evaluation of the community networks.
[ 1998 c 245 s 122; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 207.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Community networks—Outcome evaluation.


title: RCW 70.190.060

text:
(1) The legislature authorizes community public health and safety networks to reconnect parents and other citizens with children, youth, families, and community institutions which support health and safety. The networks have only those powers and duties expressly authorized under this chapter. The networks should empower parents and other citizens by being a means of expressing their attitudes, spirit, and perspectives regarding safe and healthy family and community life. The legislature intends that parent and other citizen perspectives exercise a controlling influence over policy and program operations of professional organizations concerned with children and family issues within networks in a manner consistent with the Constitution and state law. It is not the intent of the legislature that health, social service, or educational professionals dominate community public health and safety network processes or programs, but rather that these professionals use their skills to lend support to parents and other citizens in expressing their values as parents and other citizens identify community needs and establish community priorities. To this end, the legislature intends full participation of parents and other citizens in community public health and safety networks. The intent is that local community values are reflected in the operations of the network.
(2) A group of persons described in subsection (3) of this section may apply to be a community public health and safety network.
(3) Each community public health and safety network shall be composed of twenty-three people, thirteen of whom shall be citizens who live within the network boundary with no fiduciary interest. In selecting these members, first priority shall be given to members of community mobilization advisory boards, city or county children's services commissions, human services advisory boards, or other such organizations. The thirteen persons shall be selected as follows: Three by chambers of commerce, three by school board members, three by county legislative authorities, three by city legislative authorities, and one high school student, selected by student organizations. The remaining ten members shall live or work within the network boundary and shall include local representation selected by the following groups and entities: Cities; counties; federally recognized Indian tribes; parks and recreation programs; law enforcement agencies; state children's service workers; employment assistance workers; private social service providers, broad-based nonsecular organizations, or health service providers; and public education.
(4) Each of the twenty-three people who are members of each community public health and safety network must sign an annual declaration under penalty of perjury or a notarized statement that clearly, in plain and understandable language, states whether or not he or she has a fiduciary interest. If a member has a fiduciary interest, the nature of that interest must be made clear, in plain understandable language, on the signed statement.
(5) Members of the network shall serve terms of three years.
The terms of the initial members of each network shall be as follows: (a) One-third shall serve for one year; (b) one-third shall serve for two years; and (c) one-third shall serve for three years. Initial members may agree which shall serve fewer than three years or the decision may be made by lot. Any vacancy occurring during the term may be filled by the chair for the balance of the unexpired term.
(6) Not less than sixty days before the expiration of a network member's term, the chair shall submit the name of a nominee to the network for its approval. The network shall comply with subsection (3) of this section.
(7) Networks are subject to the open public meetings act under chapter 42.30 RCW and the public records provisions of chapter 42.56 RCW.
[ 2005 c 274 s 345; 1998 c 314 s 12; 1996 c 132 s 3; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 303.]
Notes:
Application—1996 c 132 s 3: "The amendments to RCW 70.190.060 in 1996 c 132 § 3 shall apply prospectively only and are not intended to affect the composition of any community public health and safety network's membership that has been approved by the family policy council prior to June 6, 1996." [ 1996 c 132 s 11.]
Intent—Construction—1996 c 132: "It is the intent of this act only to make minimal clarifying, technical, and administrative revisions to the laws concerning community public health and safety networks and to the related agencies responsible for implementation of the networks. This act is not intended to change the scope of the duties or responsibilities, nor to undermine the underlying policies, set forth in chapter 7, Laws of 1994 sp. sess." [ 1996 c 132 s 1.]
Severability—1996 c 132: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1996 c 132 s 10.]
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Community networks—Legislative intent—Membership—Open meetings.


title: RCW 70.190.065

text:
No network member may vote to authorize, or attempt to influence the authorization of, any expenditure in which the member's immediate family has a fiduciary interest. For the purpose of this section "immediate family" means a spouse, parent, grandparent, adult child, brother, or sister.
[ 1996 c 132 s 5.]
Notes:
Intent—Construction—Severability—1996 c 132: See notes following RCW 70.190.060.

catchline: Member's authorization of expenditures—Limitation.


title: RCW 70.190.070

text:
The community public health and safety networks shall:
(1) Review state and local public health data and analysis relating to risk factors, protective factors, and at-risk children and youth;
(2) Prioritize the risk factors and protective factors to reduce the likelihood of their children and youth being at risk. The priorities shall be based upon public health data and assessment and policy development standards provided by the department of health under RCW 43.70.555;
(3) Develop long-term comprehensive plans to reduce the rate of at-risk children and youth; set definitive, measurable goals, based upon the department of health standards; and project their desired outcomes;
(4) Distribute funds to local programs that reflect the locally established priorities and as provided in *RCW 70.190.140;
(5) Comply with outcome-based standards;
(6) Cooperate with the department of health and local boards of health to provide data and determine outcomes; and
(7) Coordinate its efforts with anti-drug use efforts and organizations and maintain a high priority for combatting drug use by at-risk youth.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 304.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 70.190.140 expired June 30, 1995.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Community networks—Duties.


title: RCW 70.190.075

text:
(1) Each network shall contract with a public entity as its lead fiscal agent. The contract shall grant the agent authority to perform fiscal, accounting, contract administration, legal, and other administrative duties, including the provision of liability insurance. Any contract under this subsection shall be submitted to the council by the network for approval prior to its execution. The council shall review the contract to determine whether the administrative costs will be held to no more than ten percent.
(2) The lead agent shall maintain a system of accounting for network funds consistent with the budgeting, accounting, and reporting systems and standards adopted or approved by the state auditor.
(3) The lead agent may contract with another public or private entity to perform duties other than fiscal or accounting duties.
[ 1996 c 132 s 4.]
Notes:
Intent—Construction—Severability—1996 c 132: See notes following RCW 70.190.060.

catchline: Lead fiscal agent.


title: RCW 70.190.080

text:
(1) The community network's plan may include a program to provide postsecondary scholarships to at-risk students who: (a) Are community role models under criteria established by the community network; (b) successfully complete high school; and (c) maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average throughout high school. Funding for the scholarships may include public and private sources.
(2) The community network's plan may also include funding of community-based home visitor programs which are designed to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect within the network. Parents shall sign a voluntary authorization for services, which may be withdrawn at any time. The program may provide parents with education and support either in parents' homes or in other locations comfortable for parents, beginning with the birth of their first baby. The program may make the following services available to the families:
(a) Visits for all expectant or new parents, either at the parent's home or another location with which the parent is comfortable;
(b) Screening before or soon after the birth of a child to assess the family's strengths and goals and define areas of concern in consultation with the family;
(c) Parenting education and skills development;
(d) Parenting and family support information and referral;
(e) Parent support groups; and
(f) Service coordination for individual families, and assistance with accessing services, provided in a manner that ensures that individual families have only one individual or agency to which they look for service coordination. Where appropriate for a family, service coordination may be conducted through interdisciplinary or interagency teams.
These programs are intended to be voluntary for the parents involved.
(3) In developing long-term comprehensive plans to reduce the rate of at-risk children and youth, the community networks shall consider increasing employment and job training opportunities in recognition that they constitute an effective network strategy and strong protective factor. The networks shall consider and may include funding of:
(a) At-risk youth job placement and training programs. The programs shall:
(i) Identify and recruit at-risk youth for local job opportunities;
(ii) Provide skills and needs assessments for each youth recruited;
(iii) Provide career and occupational counseling to each youth recruited;
(iv) Identify businesses willing to provide employment and training opportunities for at-risk youth;
(v) Match each youth recruited with a business that meets his or her skills and training needs;
(vi) Provide employment and training opportunities that prepare the individual for demand occupations; and
(vii) Include, to the extent possible, collaboration of business, labor, education and training, community organizations, and local government;
(b) Employment assistance, including job development, school-to-work placement, employment readiness training, basic skills, apprenticeships, job mentoring, and private sector and community service employment;
(c) Education assistance, including tutoring, mentoring, interactions with role models, entrepreneurial education and projects, violence prevention training, safe school strategies, and employment reentry assistance services.
(4) The community network may include funding of:
(a) Peer-to-peer, group, and individual counseling, including crisis intervention, for at-risk youth and their parents;
(b) Youth coalitions that provide opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain appropriate respect, recognition, and rewards for their positive contribution to their community;
(c) Technical assistance to applicants to increase their organizational capacity and to improve the likelihood of a successful application; and
(d) Technical assistance and training resources to successful applicants.
[ 1996 c 132 s 6; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 305.]
Notes:
Intent—Construction—Severability—1996 c 132: See notes following RCW 70.190.060.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Community networks—Programs and plans.


title: RCW 70.190.085

text:
The community network's plan may include funding for a student designed media and community campaign promoting sexual abstinence and addressing the importance of delaying sexual activity and pregnancy or male parenting until individuals are ready to nurture and support their children. Under the campaign, which shall be substantially designed and produced by students, the same messages shall be distributed in schools, through the media, and in the community where the campaign is targeted. The campaign shall require local private sector matching funds equal to state funds. Local private sector funds may include in-kind contributions of technical or other assistance from consultants or firms involved in public relations, advertising, broadcasting, and graphics or video production or other related fields. The campaign shall be evaluated using the outcomes required of community networks under this chapter, in particular reductions in the number or rate of teen pregnancies and teen male parentage over a three to five year period.
[ 1994 c 299 s 5.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1994 c 299: See notes following RCW 74.12.400.

catchline: Community networks—Sexual abstinence and activity campaign.


title: RCW 70.190.090

text:
(1) A network shall, upon application to the council, be eligible to receive planning grants and technical assistance from the council. However, during the 1999-01 fiscal biennium, a network that has not finalized its membership shall be eligible to receive such grants and assistance. Planning grants may be funded through available federal funds for family preservation services. After receiving the planning grant the network has up to one year to submit the long-term comprehensive plan.
(2) The council shall enter into biennial contracts with networks as part of the grant process. The contracts shall be consistent with available resources, and shall be distributed in accordance with the distribution formula developed pursuant to *RCW 43.41.195, subject to the applicable matching fund requirement.
(3) No later than February 1 of each odd-numbered year following the initial contract between the council and a network, the council shall request from the network its plan for the upcoming biennial contract period.
(4) The council shall notify the networks of their allocation of available resources at least sixty days prior to the start of a new biennial contract period.
(5) The networks shall, by contract, distribute funds (a) appropriated for plan implementation by the legislature, and (b) obtained from nonstate or federal sources. In distributing funds, the networks shall ensure that administrative costs are held to a maximum of ten percent. However, during the 1999-01 fiscal biennium, administrative costs shall be held to a maximum of ten percent or twenty thousand dollars, whichever is greater, exclusive of costs associated with procurement, payroll processing, personnel functions, management, maintenance and operation of space and property, data processing and computer services, indirect costs, and organizational planning, consultation, coordination, and training.
(6) A network shall not provide services or operate programs.
(7) A network shall file a report with the council by May 1 of each year that includes but is not limited to the following information: Detailed expenditures, programs under way, progress on contracted services and programs, and successes and problems in achieving the outcomes required by **RCW 70.190.130(1)(h) related to reducing the rate of state-funded out-of-home placements and the other three at-risk behaviors covered by the comprehensive plan and approved by the council.
[ 1999 c 309 s 918; 1996 c 132 s 7; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 306.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 43.41.195 was repealed by 2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 326.
**(2) RCW 70.190.130 was repealed by 2011 1st sp.s. c 32 s 13, effective June 30, 2012.
Severability—Effective date—1999 c 309: See notes following RCW 41.06.152.
Effective dates—1996 c 132 ss 7, 8: "(1) Section 7 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1996.
(2) Section 8 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [March 22, 1996]." [ 1996 c 132 s 12.]
Intent—Construction—Severability—1996 c 132: See notes following RCW 70.190.060.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Community networks—Planning grants and contracts—Distribution of funds—Reports.


title: RCW 70.190.160

text:
The implementation of community networks shall be included in all federal and state plans affecting the state's children, youth, and families. The plans shall be consistent with the intent and requirements of this chapter.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 314.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Community networks—Implementation in federal and state plans.


title: RCW 70.190.170

text:
If a community network is unable or unwilling to assume powers and duties authorized under this chapter by June 30, 1998, or the Washington state institute for public policy makes a recommendation under RCW 70.190.050, the governor may transfer all funds and programs available to a community network to a single state agency whose statutory purpose, mission, goals, and operating philosophy most closely supports the principles and purposes of section 101, chapter 7, Laws of 1994 sp. sess. and RCW 74.14A.020, for the purpose of integrating the programs and services.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 320.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Transfer of funds and programs to state agency.


title: RCW 70.190.180

text:
A community public health and safety network, based on rules adopted by the department of health, may include in its comprehensive community plans procedures for providing matching grants to school districts to support expanded use of school facilities for after-hours recreational opportunities and day care as authorized under chapter 28A.215 RCW and RCW 28A.620.010.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 604.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Community network—Grants for use of school facilities.


title: RCW 70.190.190

text:
(1) The network members are immune from all civil liability arising from their actions done in their decision-making capacity as a network member, except for their intentional tortious acts or acts of official misconduct.
(2) The assets of a network are not subject to attachment or execution in satisfaction of a judgment for the tortious acts or official misconduct of any network member or for the acts of any agency or program to which it provides funds.
[ 1996 c 132 s 9.]
Notes:
Intent—Construction—Severability—1996 c 132: See notes following RCW 70.190.060.

catchline: Network members immune from civil liability—Network assets not subject to attachment or execution.


title: RCW 70.190.930

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 156.]

catchline: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.


title: RCW 70.198.010

text:
(1) The legislature finds that children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families have unique needs specific to the hearing loss. These unique needs reflect the challenges children with hearing loss and their families encounter related to their lack of full access to auditory communication.
(2) The legislature further finds that early detection of hearing loss in a child and early intervention and treatment have been demonstrated to be highly effective in facilitating a child's healthy development in a manner consistent with the child's age and cognitive ability.
(3) These combined factors support the need for early intervention services providers with specialized training and expertise, spanning the spectrum of available approaches and educational options, who can address the unique characteristics and needs of each child who is deaf or hard of hearing and that child's family.
[ 2004 c 47 s 1.]

catchline: Findings.


title: RCW 70.198.020

text:
(1) There is established an advisory council in the department of social and health services for the purpose of advancing the development of a comprehensive and effective statewide system to provide prompt and effective early interventions for children in the state who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families.
(2) Members of the advisory council shall have training, experience, or interest in hearing loss in children. Membership shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Pediatricians; audiologists; teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing; parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing; a representative from the Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing youth; and representatives of the early support for infants and toddlers program in the department of children, youth, and families, the department of health, and the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
[ 2019 c 266 s 27; 2018 c 58 s 12; 2010 c 233 s 2; 2009 c 381 s 33; 2004 c 47 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.
Effective date—2010 c 233: See note following RCW 43.216.020.
Findings—Intent—2009 c 381: See note following RCW 72.40.015.

catchline: Advisory council—Membership.


title: RCW 70.198.030

text:
(1) The advisory council shall develop statewide standards for early intervention services and early intervention services providers specifically related to children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
(2) The advisory council shall develop these standards by January 1, 2005.
[ 2004 c 47 s 3.]

catchline: Development of early intervention service standards.


title: RCW 70.198.040

text:
(1) The advisory council shall create a pamphlet to be provided to the parents of a child in the state who is diagnosed with hearing loss by their child's pediatrician or audiologist, as appropriate, upon diagnosis of hearing loss. The pamphlet shall contain, at minimum, information on the following: The variety of interventions and treatments available for children who are deaf or hard of hearing; and resources for parent support, counseling, financing, and education related to hearing loss in children.
(2) The pamphlet shall be available for distribution by July 1, 2005.
[ 2004 c 47 s 4.]

catchline: Hearing loss pamphlet.


title: RCW 70.200.010

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Distributing organization" means a charitable nonprofit organization under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c) of the federal internal revenue code, or a public health agency acting on behalf of or in conjunction with a charitable nonprofit organization or a religious organization, which distributes children's items to needy persons free of charge and includes any nonprofit organization that distributes children's items free of charge to other nonprofit organizations or the public. A public health agency shall not otherwise be considered a distributing organization for purposes of this chapter when it is carrying out other functions and responsibilities under Title 70 RCW.
(2) "Donor" means a person, corporation, association, religious organization, or other organization that donates children's items to a distributing organization or a person, corporation, association, religious organization, or other organization that repairs or updates such donated items to current standards. Donor also includes any person, corporation, association, religious organization, or other organization which donates any space in which storage or distribution of children's items takes place.
(3) "Children's items" include, but are not limited to, clothes, diapers, food, baby formula, cribs, playpens, strollers, car seats, car seat restraints, toys, high chairs, and books.
[ 2026 c 47 s 1; 1997 c 40 s 1; 1994 c 25 s 1.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 70.200.020

text:
(1) Donors and distributing organizations are not liable for civil damages or criminal penalties resulting from the nature, age, condition, or packaging of the donated children's items unless a donor or distributing organization acts with gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
(2) When accepting and distributing a car seat, a distributing organization must:
(a) Inquire about the history of the car seat when accepting the car seat;
(b) Include a disclosure on the car seat, stating that the organization is not aware of the history of the car seat and therefore cannot make any safety guarantees; and
(c) Confirm that the car seat is not expired and is not subject to a safety recall, and not distribute or donate any car seat which is expired or subject to a safety recall.
[ 2026 c 47 s 2; 1994 c 25 s 2.]

catchline: Immunity from liability.


title: RCW 70.200.030

text:
Nothing in this chapter may be construed to create any liability of, or penalty against a donor or distributing organization except as provided in RCW 70.200.020.
[ 1994 c 25 s 3.]

catchline: Construction—Liability, penalty.


title: RCW 70.22.010

text:
The purpose of this chapter is to establish a statewide program for the control or elimination of mosquitoes as a health hazard.
[ 1961 c 283 s 1.]
Notes:
Mosquito control districts: Chapter 17.28 RCW.

catchline: Declaration of purpose.


title: RCW 70.22.020

text:
The secretary of health is hereby authorized and empowered to make or cause to be made such inspections, investigations, studies and determinations as he or she may from time to time deem advisable in order to ascertain the effect of mosquitoes as a health hazard, and, to the extent to which funds are available, to provide for the control or elimination thereof in any or all parts of the state.
[ 1991 c 3 s 317; 1979 c 141 s 88; 1961 c 283 s 2.]

catchline: Secretary may make inspections, investigations, and determinations and provide for control.


title: RCW 70.22.030

text:
The secretary of health shall coordinate plans for mosquito control work which may be projected by any county, city or town, municipal corporation, taxing district, state department or agency, federal government agency, or any person, group or organization, and arrange for cooperation between any such districts, departments, agencies, persons, groups or organizations.
[ 1991 c 3 s 318; 1979 c 141 s 89; 1961 c 283 s 3.]

catchline: Secretary to coordinate plans.


title: RCW 70.22.040

text:
The secretary of health is authorized and empowered to receive funds from any county, city or town, municipal corporation, taxing district, the federal government, or any person, group or organization to carry out the purpose of this chapter. In connection therewith the secretary is authorized and empowered to contract with any such county, city, or town, municipal corporation, taxing district, the federal government, person, group or organization with respect to the construction and maintenance of facilities and other work for the purpose of effecting mosquito control or elimination, and any such county, city or town, municipal corporation, or taxing district obligated to carry out the provisions of any such contract entered into with the secretary is authorized, empowered and directed to appropriate, and if necessary, to levy taxes for and pay over such funds as its contract with the secretary may from time to time require.
[ 1991 c 3 s 319; 1979 c 141 s 90; 1961 c 283 s 4.]

catchline: Secretary may contract with, receive funds from entities and individuals—Authorization for governmental entities to contract, grant funds, levy taxes.


title: RCW 70.22.050

text:
To carry out the purpose of this chapter, the secretary of health may:
(1) Abate as nuisances breeding places for mosquitoes as defined in RCW 17.28.170;
(2) Acquire by gift, devise, bequest, lease, or purchase, real and personal property necessary or convenient for carrying out the purpose of this chapter;
(3) Make contracts, employ engineers, health officers, sanitarians, physicians, laboratory personnel, attorneys, and other technical or professional assistants;
(4) Publish information or literature; and
(5) Do any and all other things necessary to carry out the purpose of this chapter: PROVIDED, That no program shall be permitted nor any action taken in pursuance thereof which may be injurious to the life or health of game or fish.
[ 1991 c 3 s 320; 1989 c 11 s 25; 1979 c 141 s 91; 1961 c 283 s 5.]
Notes:
Severability—1989 c 11: See note following RCW 9A.56.220.

catchline: Powers and duties of secretary.


title: RCW 70.22.060

text:
Each state department, agency, and political subdivision shall cooperate with the secretary of health in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
[ 1991 c 3 s 321; 1979 c 141 s 92; 1961 c 283 s 6.]

catchline: Governmental entities to cooperate with secretary.


title: RCW 70.225.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Controlled substance" has the meaning provided in RCW 69.50.101.
(2) "Department" means the department of health.
(3) "Patient" means the person or animal who is the ultimate user of a drug for whom a prescription is issued or for whom a drug is dispensed.
(4) "Dispenser" means a practitioner or pharmacy that delivers a Schedule II, III, IV, or V controlled substance to the ultimate user, but does not include:
(a) A practitioner or other authorized person who administers, as defined in RCW 69.41.010, a controlled substance; or
(b) A licensed wholesale distributor or manufacturer, as defined in chapter 18.64 RCW, of a controlled substance.
(5) "Prescriber" means any person authorized to order or prescribe legend drugs or Schedule II, III, IV, or V controlled substances to the ultimate user.
(6) "Requestor" means any person or entity requesting, accessing, or receiving information from the prescription monitoring program under RCW 70.225.040 (3), (4), or (5).
[ 2019 c 314 s 20; 2007 c 259 s 42.]
Notes:
Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.


title: RCW 70.225.020

text:
(1) The department shall establish and maintain a prescription monitoring program to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of all Schedules II, III, IV, and V controlled substances and any additional drugs identified by the pharmacy quality assurance commission as demonstrating a potential for abuse by all professionals licensed to prescribe or dispense such substances in this state. The program shall be designed to improve health care quality and effectiveness by reducing abuse of controlled substances, reducing duplicative prescribing and overprescribing of controlled substances, and improving controlled substance prescribing practices with the intent of eventually establishing an electronic database available in real time to dispensers and prescribers of controlled substances. As much as possible, the department should establish a common database with other states. This program's management and operations shall be funded entirely from the funds in the account established under RCW 74.09.215. Nothing in this chapter prohibits voluntary contributions from private individuals and business entities as defined under Title 23, 23B, 24, or 25 RCW to assist in funding the prescription monitoring program.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, each dispenser shall submit to the department by electronic means information regarding each prescription dispensed for a drug included under subsection (1) of this section. Drug prescriptions for more than one day use should be reported. The information submitted for each prescription shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Patient identifier;
(b) Drug dispensed;
(c) Date of dispensing;
(d) Quantity dispensed;
(e) Prescriber; and
(f) Dispenser.
(3)(a) Until January 1, 2021, each dispenser shall submit the information in accordance with transmission methods established by the department, not later than one business day from the date of dispensing or at the interval required by the department in rule, whichever is sooner.
(b) Beginning January 1, 2021, each dispenser must submit the information as soon as readily available, but no later than one business day from the date of distributing, and in accordance with transmission methods established by the department.
(4) The data submission requirements of subsections (1) through (3) of this section do not apply to:
(a) Medications provided to patients receiving inpatient services provided at hospitals licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW; or patients of such hospitals receiving services at the clinics, day surgery areas, or other settings within the hospital's license where the medications are administered in single doses;
(b) Pharmacies operated by the department of corrections for the purpose of providing medications to offenders in department of corrections institutions who are receiving pharmaceutical services from a department of corrections pharmacy, except that the department of corrections must submit data related to each offender's current prescriptions for controlled substances upon the offender's release from a department of corrections institution; or
(c) Veterinarians licensed under chapter 18.92 RCW. The department, in collaboration with the veterinary board of governors, shall establish alternative data reporting requirements for veterinarians that allow veterinarians to report:
(i) By either electronic or nonelectronic methods;
(ii) Only those data elements that are relevant to veterinary practices and necessary to accomplish the public protection goals of this chapter; and
(iii) No more frequently than once every three months and no less frequently than once every six months.
(5) The department shall continue to seek federal grants to support the activities described in chapter 259, Laws of 2007. The department may not require a practitioner or a pharmacist to pay a fee or tax specifically dedicated to the operation and management of the system.
[ 2019 c 314 s 21. Prior: 2013 c 36 s 2; 2013 c 19 s 126; 2012 c 192 s 1; 2007 c 259 s 43.]
Notes:
Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.
Findings—2013 c 36: "The legislature finds that:
(1) The prescription monitoring program contributes to patient safety and reduction in drug errors for all patients, including medicaid beneficiaries in Washington state. Further, the prescription monitoring program provides the critical function of reducing costs borne by medicaid and provides for the detection of fraud in the medicaid system.
(2) Because of the nexus between medicaid, medicaid fraud, and cost reductions, the funding for the operations and management of the prescription monitoring program should be funded entirely from the medicaid fraud penalty account under RCW 74.09.215, with the option of funding the prescription monitoring program through voluntary contributions from private individuals and corporations as defined under Title 23, 23B, 24, or 25 RCW." [ 2013 c 36 s 1.]

catchline: Prescription monitoring program—Subject to funding—Duties of dispensers.


title: RCW 70.225.025

text:
The department shall adopt rules to implement this chapter.
[ 2007 c 259 s 47.]

catchline: Rules.


title: RCW 70.225.030

text:
To the extent that funding is provided for such purpose through federal or private grants, or is appropriated by the legislature, the health care authority shall study the feasibility of enhancing the prescription monitoring program established in RCW 70.225.020 in order to improve the quality of state purchased health services by reducing legend drug abuse, reducing duplicative and overprescribing of legend drugs, and improving legend drug prescribing practices. The study shall address the steps necessary to expand the program to allow those who prescribe or dispense prescription drugs to perform a web-based inquiry and obtain real time information regarding the legend drug utilization history of persons for whom they are providing medical or pharmaceutical care when such persons are receiving health services through state purchased health care programs.
[ 2007 c 259 s 44.]

catchline: Enhancement of program—Feasibility study.


title: RCW 70.225.040

text:
(1) All information submitted to the prescription monitoring program is confidential, exempt from public inspection, copying, and disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW, not subject to subpoena or discovery in any civil action, and protected under federal health care information privacy requirements, except as provided in subsections (3) through (6) of this section. Such confidentiality and exemption from disclosure continues whenever information from the prescription monitoring program is provided to a requestor under subsection (3), (4), (5), or (6) of this section except when used in proceedings specifically authorized in subsection (3), (4), or (5) of this section.
(2) The department must maintain procedures to ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of all information collected, recorded, transmitted, and maintained including, but not limited to, the prescriber, requestor, dispenser, patient, and persons who received prescriptions from dispensers, is not disclosed to persons except as in subsections (3) through (6) of this section.
(3) The department may provide data in the prescription monitoring program to the following persons:
(a) Persons authorized to prescribe or dispense controlled substances or legend drugs, for the purpose of providing medical or pharmaceutical care for their patients;
(b) An individual who requests the individual's own prescription monitoring information;
(c) A health professional licensing, certification, or regulatory agency or entity in this or another jurisdiction. Consistent with current practice, the data provided may be used in legal proceedings concerning the license;
(d) Appropriate law enforcement or prosecutorial officials, including local, state, and federal officials and officials of federally recognized tribes, who are engaged in a bona fide specific investigation involving a designated person;
(e) The director or the director's designee within the health care authority regarding medicaid recipients and members of the health care authority self-funded or self-insured health plans;
(f) The director or director's designee within the department of labor and industries regarding workers' compensation claimants;
(g) The director or the director's designee within the department of corrections regarding offenders committed to the department of corrections;
(h) Other entities under grand jury subpoena or court order;
(i) Personnel of the department for purposes of:
(i) Assessing prescribing and treatment practices and morbidity and mortality related to use of controlled substances and developing and implementing initiatives to protect the public health including, but not limited to, initiatives to address opioid use disorder;
(ii) Providing quality improvement feedback to prescribers, including comparison of their respective data to aggregate data for prescribers with the same type of license and same specialty; and
(iii) Administration and enforcement of this chapter or chapter 69.50 RCW;
(j) Personnel of a test site that meet the standards under RCW 70.225.070 pursuant to an agreement between the test site and a person identified in (a) of this subsection to provide assistance in determining which medications are being used by an identified patient who is under the care of that person;
(k) A health care facility or entity for the purpose of providing medical or pharmaceutical care to the patients of the facility or entity, or for quality improvement purposes if the facility or entity is licensed by the department or is licensed or certified under chapter 71.24, 71.34, or 71.05 RCW or is an entity deemed for purposes of chapter 71.24 RCW to meet state minimum standards as a result of accreditation by a recognized behavioral health accrediting body, or is operated by the federal government or a federally recognized Indian tribe;
(l) A health care provider group of five or more prescribers or dispensers for purposes of providing medical or pharmaceutical care to the patients of the provider group, or for quality improvement purposes if all the prescribers or dispensers in the provider group are licensed by the department or the provider group is operated by the federal government or a federally recognized Indian tribe;
(m) The local health officer of a local health jurisdiction for the purposes of patient follow-up and care coordination following a controlled substance overdose event. For the purposes of this subsection "local health officer" has the same meaning as in RCW 70.05.010; and
(n) The coordinated care electronic tracking program developed in response to section 213, chapter 7, Laws of 2012 2nd sp. sess., commonly referred to as the seven best practices in emergency medicine, for the purposes of providing:
(i) Prescription monitoring program data to emergency department personnel when the patient registers in the emergency department; and
(ii) Notice to local health officers who have made opioid-related overdose a notifiable condition under RCW 70.05.070 as authorized by rules adopted under RCW 43.20.050, providers, appropriate care coordination staff, and prescribers listed in the patient's prescription monitoring program record that the patient has experienced a controlled substance overdose event. The department shall determine the content and format of the notice in consultation with the Washington state hospital association, Washington state medical association, and Washington state health care authority, and the notice may be modified as necessary to reflect current needs and best practices.
(4) The department shall, on at least a quarterly basis, and pursuant to a schedule determined by the department, provide a facility or entity identified under subsection (3)(k) of this section or a provider group identified under subsection (3)(l) of this section with facility or entity and individual prescriber information if the facility, entity, or provider group:
(a) Uses the information only for internal quality improvement and individual prescriber quality improvement feedback purposes and does not use the information as the sole basis for any medical staff sanction or adverse employment action; and
(b) Provides to the department a standardized list of current prescribers of the facility, entity, or provider group. The specific facility, entity, or provider group information provided pursuant to this subsection and the requirements under this subsection must be determined by the department in consultation with the Washington state hospital association, Washington state medical association, and Washington state health care authority, and may be modified as necessary to reflect current needs and best practices.
(5)(a) The department may publish or provide data to public or private entities for statistical, research, or educational purposes after removing information that could be used directly or indirectly to identify individual patients, requestors, dispensers, prescribers, and persons who received prescriptions from dispensers. Direct and indirect patient identifiers may be provided for research that has been approved by the Washington state institutional review board and by the department through a data-sharing agreement.
(b)(i) The department may provide dispenser and prescriber data and data that includes indirect patient identifiers to the Washington state hospital association for use solely in connection with its coordinated quality improvement program maintained under RCW 43.70.510 after entering into a data use agreement as specified in *RCW 43.70.052(8) with the association. The department may provide dispenser and prescriber data and data that includes indirect patient identifiers to the Washington state medical association for use solely in connection with its coordinated quality improvement program maintained under RCW 43.70.510 after entering into a data use agreement with the association.
(ii) The department may provide data including direct and indirect patient identifiers to the department of social and health services office of research and data analysis, the department of labor and industries, and the health care authority for research that has been approved by the Washington state institutional review board and, with a data-sharing agreement approved by the department, for public health purposes to improve the prevention or treatment of substance use disorders.
(iii) The department may provide a prescriber feedback report to the largest health professional association representing each of the prescribing professions. The health professional associations must distribute the feedback report to prescribers engaged in the professions represented by the associations for quality improvement purposes, so long as the reports contain no direct patient identifiers that could be used to identify individual patients, dispensers, and persons who received prescriptions from dispensers, and the association enters into a written data-sharing agreement with the department. However, reports may include indirect patient identifiers as agreed to by the department and the association in a written data-sharing agreement.
(c) For the purposes of this subsection:
(i) "Indirect patient identifiers" means data that may include: Hospital or provider identifiers, a five-digit zip code, county, state, and country of resident; dates that include month and year; age in years; and race and ethnicity; but does not include the patient's first name; middle name; last name; social security number; control or medical record number; zip code plus four digits; dates that include day, month, and year; or admission and discharge date in combination; and
(ii) "Prescribing professions" include:
(A) Allopathic physicians and physician assistants;
(B) Osteopathic physicians;
(C) Podiatric physicians;
(D) Dentists; and
(E) **Advanced registered nurse practitioners.
(6) The department may enter into agreements to exchange prescription monitoring program data with established prescription monitoring programs in other jurisdictions. Under these agreements, the department may share prescription monitoring system data containing direct and indirect patient identifiers with other jurisdictions through a clearinghouse or prescription monitoring program data exchange that meets federal health care information privacy requirements. Data the department receives from other jurisdictions must be retained, used, protected, and destroyed as provided by the agreements to the extent consistent with the laws in this state.
(7) Persons authorized in subsections (3) through (6) of this section to receive data in the prescription monitoring program from the department, acting in good faith, are immune from any civil, criminal, disciplinary, or administrative liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed for acting under this chapter.
[ 2020 c 80 s 50; 2019 c 314 s 23; 2017 c 297 s 9; 2016 c 104 s 1. Prior: 2015 c 259 s 1; 2015 c 49 s 1; 2011 1st sp.s. c 15 s 87; 2007 c 259 s 45.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 43.70.052 was amended by 2021 c 162 s 1, changing subsection (8) to subsection (10).
**(2) The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
Effective date—2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.
Findings—Intent—2017 c 297: See note following RCW 18.22.800.
Effective date—Findings—Intent—Report—Agency transfer—References to head of health care authority—Draft legislation—2011 1st sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 74.09.010.

catchline: Confidentiality and exemption from disclosure of prescription monitoring program information—Procedures—Immunity when acting in good faith.


title: RCW 70.225.045

text:
Beginning November 15, 2017, the department shall annually report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature on the number of facilities, entities, or provider groups identified in *RCW 70.225.040(3) (l) and (m) that have integrated their federally certified electronic health records with the prescription monitoring program utilizing the state health information exchange.
[ 2017 c 297 s 10.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 70.225.040 was amended by 2019 c 314 s 23, changing subsection (3)(l) and (m) to subsection (3)(k) and (l).
Findings—Intent—2017 c 297: See note following RCW 18.22.800.

catchline: Annual report.


title: RCW 70.225.050

text:
The department may contract with another agency of this state or with a private vendor, as necessary, to ensure the effective operation of the prescription monitoring program. Any contractor is bound to comply with the provisions regarding confidentiality of prescription information in RCW 70.225.040 and is subject to the penalties specified in RCW 70.225.060 for unlawful acts.
[ 2007 c 259 s 46.]

catchline: Department may contract for operation of program.


title: RCW 70.225.060

text:
(1) A dispenser who knowingly fails to submit prescription monitoring information to the department as required by this chapter or knowingly submits incorrect prescription information is subject to disciplinary action under chapter 18.130 RCW.
(2) A person authorized to have prescription monitoring information under this chapter who knowingly discloses such information in violation of this chapter is subject to civil penalty.
(3) A person authorized to have prescription monitoring information under this chapter who uses such information in a manner or for a purpose in violation of this chapter is subject to civil penalty.
(4) In accordance with chapter 70.02 RCW and federal health care information privacy requirements, any physician or pharmacist authorized to access a patient's prescription monitoring may discuss or release that information to other health care providers involved with the patient in order to provide safe and appropriate care coordination.
[ 2007 c 259 s 48.]

catchline: Violations—Penalties—Disclosure exemption for health care providers.


title: RCW 70.225.070

text:
(1) Test sites that may receive access to data in the prescription monitoring program under RCW 70.225.040 must be:
(a) Licensed by the department as a test site under chapter 70.42 RCW; and
(b) Certified as a drug testing laboratory by the United States department of health and human services, substance abuse and mental health services administration.
(2) Test sites may not:
(a) Charge a fee for accessing the prescription monitoring program;
(b) Store data accessed from the prescription drug monitoring program in any form, including, but not limited to, hard copies, electronic copies, or web/digital based copies of any kind. Such data may be used only to transmit to those entities listed in *RCW 70.255.040(3)(a).
[ 2015 c 259 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The reference to RCW 70.255.040 appears to be erroneous. RCW 70.225.040 was apparently intended.

catchline: Requirements for test sites in the prescription monitoring program.


title: RCW 70.225.080

text:
(1) Access to data in the qualifying laboratory must be under the supervision of the responsible person as designated by the United States department of health and human services, substance abuse and mental health services administration certification program.
(2) Such data cannot be gathered, shared, sold, or used in any manner other than as designated under RCW * 70.255.040, RCW 70.225.070, or this section.
[ 2015 c 259 s 3.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The reference to RCW 70.255.040 appears to be erroneous. RCW 70.225.040 was apparently intended.

catchline: Access to data in the qualifying laboratory.


title: RCW 70.225.090

text:
(1) In order to expand integration of prescription monitoring program data into certified electronic health record technologies, the department must collaborate with health professional and facility associations, vendors, and others to:
(a) Conduct an assessment of the current status of integration;
(b) Provide recommendations for improving integration among small and rural health care facilities, offices, and clinics;
(c) Comply with federal prescription drug monitoring program qualification requirements under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396w-3a to facilitate eligibility for federal grants and establish a program to provide financial assistance to small and rural health care facilities and clinics with integration as funding is available, especially under federal programs;
(d) Conduct security assessments of other commonly used platforms for integrating prescription monitoring program data with certified electronic health records for possible use in Washington; and
(e) Assess improvements to the prescription monitoring program to establish a modality to identify patients that do not wish to receive opioid medications in a manner that allows an ordering or prescribing physician to be able to use the prescription monitoring program to identify patients who do not wish to receive opioids or patients that have had an opioid-related overdose.
(2)(a) By January 1, 2021, a facility, entity, office, or provider group identified in RCW 70.225.040 with ten or more prescribers that is not a critical access hospital as defined in RCW 74.60.010 that uses a federally certified electronic health records system must demonstrate that the facility's or entity's federally certified electronic health record is able to fully integrate data to and from the prescription monitoring program using a mechanism approved by the department under subsection (3) of this section.
(b) The department must develop a waiver process for the requirements of (a) of this subsection for facilities, entities, offices, or provider groups due to economic hardship, technological limitations that are not reasonably in the control of the facility, entity, office, or provider group, or other exceptional circumstance demonstrated by the facility, entity, office, or provider group. The waiver must be limited to one year or less, or for any other specified time frame set by the department.
(3) Electronic health record system vendors who are fully integrated with the prescription monitoring program in Washington state may not charge an ongoing fee or a fee based on the number of transactions or providers. Total costs of connection must not impose unreasonable costs on any facility, entity, office, or provider group using the electronic health record and must be consistent with current industry pricing structures. For the purposes of this subsection, "fully integrated" means that the electronic health records system must:
(a) Send information to the prescription monitoring program without provider intervention using a mechanism approved by the department;
(b) Make current information from the prescription monitoring program available to a provider within the workflow of the electronic health records system; and
(c) Make information available in a way that is unlikely to interfere with, prevent, or materially discourage access, exchange, or use of electronic health information, in accordance with the information blocking provisions of the federal twenty-first century cures act, P.L. 114-255.
[ 2019 c 314 s 22.]
Notes:
Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.

catchline: Integration with certified electronic health record technologies.


title: RCW 70.225.900

text: See note following RCW 7.70.060.

catchline: Subheadings not law—2007 c 259.


title: RCW 70.230.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Ambulatory surgical facility" means any distinct entity that operates for the primary purpose of providing specialty or multispecialty outpatient surgical services in which patients are admitted to and discharged from the facility within 24 hours and do not require inpatient hospitalization, whether or not the facility is certified under Title XVIII of the federal social security act. An ambulatory surgical facility includes one or more surgical suites that are adjacent to and within the same building as, but not in, the office of a practitioner in an individual or group practice, if the primary purpose of the one or more surgical suites is to provide specialty or multispecialty outpatient surgical services, irrespective of the type of anesthesia administered in the one or more surgical suites. An ambulatory surgical facility that is adjacent to and within the same building as the office of a practitioner in an individual or group practice may include a surgical suite that shares a reception area, restroom, waiting room, or wall with the office of the practitioner in an individual or group practice.
(2) "Department" means the department of health.
(3) "General anesthesia" means a state of unconsciousness intentionally produced by anesthetic agents, with absence of pain sensation over the entire body, in which the patient is without protective reflexes and is unable to maintain an airway.
(4) "Immediate jeopardy" means a situation in which the ambulatory surgical facility's noncompliance with one or more statutory or regulatory requirements has placed the health and safety of patients in its care at risk for serious injury, serious harm, serious impairment, or death.
(5) "Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association, and the legal successor thereof.
(6) "Practitioner" means any physician or surgeon licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW, an osteopathic physician or surgeon licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW, or a podiatric physician or surgeon licensed under chapter 18.22 RCW.
(7) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
(8) "Surgical services" means invasive medical procedures that:
(a) Utilize a knife, laser, cautery, cryogenics, or chemicals; and
(b) Remove, correct, or facilitate the diagnosis or cure of a disease, process, or injury through that branch of medicine that treats diseases, injuries, and deformities by manual or operative methods by a practitioner.
[ 2024 c 121 s 15; 2011 c 76 s 1; 2007 c 273 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 76: "This act takes effect January 1, 2012." [ 2011 c 76 s 4.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 70.230.020

text:
The secretary shall:
(1) Issue a license to any ambulatory surgical facility that:
(a) Submits payment of the fee established in RCW 43.70.110 and 43.70.250;
(b) Submits a completed application that demonstrates the ability to comply with the standards established for operating and maintaining an ambulatory surgical facility in statute and rule. An ambulatory surgical facility shall be deemed to have met the standards if it submits proof of certification as a medicare ambulatory surgical facility or accreditation by an organization that the secretary has determined to have substantially equivalent standards to those of the department; and
(c) Successfully completes the survey requirements established in RCW 70.230.100;
(2) Develop an application form for applicants for a license to operate an ambulatory surgical facility;
(3) Initiate investigations and enforcement actions for complaints or other information regarding failure to comply with this chapter or the standards and rules adopted under this chapter;
(4) Conduct surveys of facilities, including reviews of medical records and documents required to be maintained under this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter;
(5) By March 1, 2008, determine which accreditation organizations have substantially equivalent standards for purposes of deeming specific licensing requirements required in statute and rule as having met the state's standards; and
(6) Adopt any rules necessary to implement this chapter.
[ 2016 c 146 s 2; 2007 c 273 s 2.]
Notes:

catchline: Duties of secretary—Rules.


title: RCW 70.230.030

text:
Except as provided in RCW 70.230.040, after June 30, 2009, no person or governmental unit of the state of Washington, acting separately or jointly with any other person or governmental unit, shall establish, maintain, or conduct an ambulatory surgical facility in this state or advertise by using the term "ambulatory surgical facility," "day surgery center," "licensed surgical center," or other words conveying similar meaning without a license issued by the department under this chapter.
[ 2007 c 273 s 3.]

catchline: Operating without a license.


title: RCW 70.230.040

text:
Nothing in this chapter:
(1) Applies to an ambulatory surgical facility that is maintained and operated by a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW;
(2) Applies to an office maintained for the practice of dentistry;
(3) Applies to outpatient specialty or multispecialty surgical services routinely and customarily performed in the office of a practitioner in an individual or group practice, where the primary purpose of the office is not as set forth in RCW 70.230.010(1), provided that any surgical services in which general anesthesia is a planned event must be performed only in an ambulatory surgical facility as defined in this chapter or in a hospital or hospital-associated surgical center licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW; or
(4) Limits an ambulatory surgical facility to performing only surgical services.
[ 2011 c 76 s 2; 2007 c 273 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2011 c 76: See note following RCW 70.230.010.

catchline: Exclusions from chapter.


title: RCW 70.230.050

text:
(1) An applicant for a license to operate an ambulatory surgical facility must demonstrate the ability to comply with the standards established for operating and maintaining an ambulatory surgical facility in statute and rule, including:
(a) Submitting a written application to the department providing all necessary information on a form provided by the department, including a list of surgical specialties offered;
(b) Submitting building plans for review and approval by the department for new construction, alterations other than minor alterations, and additions to existing facilities, prior to obtaining a license and occupying the building;
(c) Demonstrating the ability to comply with this chapter and any rules adopted under this chapter;
(d) Cooperating with the department during on-site surveys prior to obtaining an initial license or renewing an existing license;
(e) Providing such proof as the department may require concerning the ownership and management of the ambulatory surgical facility, including information about the organization and governance of the facility and the identity of the applicant, officers, directors, partners, managing employees, or owners of ten percent or more of the applicant's assets;
(f) Submitting proof of operation of a coordinated quality improvement program in accordance with RCW 70.230.080;
(g) Submitting a copy of the facility safety and emergency training program established under RCW 70.230.060;
(h) Paying any fees established by the secretary under RCW 43.70.110 and 43.70.250; and
(i) Providing any other information that the department may reasonably require.
(2) A license is valid for three years, after which an ambulatory surgical facility must submit an application for renewal of license upon forms provided by the department and the renewal fee as established in RCW 43.70.110 and 43.70.250. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to comply with the standards established for operating and maintaining an ambulatory surgical facility in statutes, standards, and rules. The applicant must submit the license renewal document no later than thirty days prior to the date of expiration of the license.
(3) The applicant may demonstrate compliance with any of the requirements of subsection (1) of this section by providing satisfactory documentation to the secretary that it has met the standards of an accreditation organization or federal agency that the secretary has determined to have substantially equivalent standards as the statutes and rules of this state.
[ 2016 c 146 s 3; 2007 c 273 s 5.]
Notes:

catchline: Licenses—Applicants—Renewal.


title: RCW 70.230.060

text:
An ambulatory surgical facility shall have a facility safety and emergency training program. The program shall include:
(1) On-site equipment, medication, and trained personnel to facilitate handling of services sought or provided and to facilitate the management of any medical emergency that may arise in connection with services sought or provided;
(2) Written transfer agreements with local hospitals licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW, approved by the ambulatory surgical facility's medical staff; and
(3) A procedural plan for handling medical emergencies that shall be available for review during surveys and inspections.
[ 2007 c 273 s 6.]

catchline: Facility safety and emergency training.