title: RCW 43.63A.420

text:
(1) Eligibility for grants under this section shall be limited to broadcast stations that:
(a) Have a noncommercial educational license granted by the federal communications commission;
(b) Are not eligible under RCW 43.63A.410;
(c) Have a permanent employee who is assigned operational management responsibility for the station and who is not compensated with moneys granted under this section;
(d) Meet the operating schedule requirements of the station's federal broadcast license;
(e) Have facilities and equipment that allow for program origination and production;
(f) Have a daily broadcast schedule devoted primarily to serving the educational, informational, and cultural needs of the community within its primary service area. The programming shall be intended for a general audience and not designed to further a particular religious philosophy or political organization;
(g) Originate a locally produced program service designed to serve the community;
(h) Maintain financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and
(i) Complete an eligibility criteria statement and annual financial survey pursuant to rules adopted by the *department of community development.
(2)(a) A grant of up to ten thousand dollars per year may be made under this section to those eligible stations operating at least twelve hours per day, three hundred sixty-five days each year, with transmitting facilities developed to the maximum combination of effective radiated power and antenna height possible under the station's federal communications commission license.
(b) A grant of up to eight thousand dollars per year may be made under this section to those eligible stations operating at least twelve hours per day, three hundred sixty-five days each year, with transmitting facilities not fully developed under federal communications commission rules.
(c) A grant of up to five thousand dollars per year may be made under this section to those eligible stations operating less than twelve hours per day, three hundred sixty-five days each year, with transmitting facilities developed to the maximum combination of effective radiated power and antenna height possible under the station's federal communications commission license.
(d) A grant of up to one thousand five hundred dollars per year may be made under this section to those eligible stations not meeting the requirements of (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection.
(3) Funding received under this section is specifically for the support of public broadcast operations and facilities improvements which benefit the general community. No funds received under this section may be used for any other purposes by licensees of eligible stations.
(4) Any portion of the appropriation not expended under this section shall be transferred for expenditure under RCW 43.63A.410.
[ 1987 c 308 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Powers, duties, and functions of the department of community development and the department of trade and economic development were transferred to the department of community, trade, and economic development by 1993 c 280, effective July 1, 1994. The "department of community, trade, and economic development" was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565.
Legislative findings—1987 c 308: See note following RCW 43.63A.400.

catchline: Grants to other broadcast stations—Eligibility—Amounts.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 43.63A.470

text:
(1) The director or the director's authorized representative shall conduct such inspections and investigations as may be necessary to implement or enforce manufactured housing rules adopted under the authority of this chapter or to carry out the director's duties under this chapter.
(2) For the purposes of enforcement of this chapter, persons duly designated by the director upon presenting appropriate credentials to the owner, operator, or agent in charge shall:
(a) At reasonable times and without advance notice enter any factory, warehouse, or establishment in which manufactured homes are manufactured, stored, or held for sale; and
(b) At reasonable times, within reasonable limits, and in a reasonable manner inspect any factory, warehouse, or establishment as required to comply with the standards adopted by the secretary of housing and urban development under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (800 Stat. 700; 42 U.S.C. Secs. 5401-5426). Each inspection shall be commenced and completed with reasonable promptness.
(3) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the director or the director's authorized representative is authorized:
(a) To require, by general or special orders, any factory, warehouse, or establishment in which manufactured homes are manufactured, to file, in such form as prescribed, reports or answers in writing to specific questions relating to any function of the department under this chapter. Such reports and answers shall be made under oath or otherwise, and shall be filed with the department within such reasonable time periods as prescribed by the department; and
(b) To hold such hearings, take such testimony, sit and act at such times and places, administer such oaths, and require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, correspondence, memorandums, contracts, agreements, or other records, as the director or such officer or employee deems advisable.
(4) In carrying out the inspections authorized by this section the director shall establish by rule, under chapter 34.05 RCW, and impose on manufactured home manufacturers, distributors, and dealers such reasonable fees as may be necessary to offset the expenses incurred by the director in conducting the inspections, provided these fees are set in accordance with guidelines established by the United States secretary of housing and urban development.
[ 1993 c 124 s 5.]
Notes:
Contingent expiration date—RCW 43.22A.030 and 43.63A.470 through 43.63A.490: See RCW 43.63A.490.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Manufactured housing—Inspections, investigations. (Contingent expiration date.)

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 43.63A.475

text:
The department shall adopt all rules under chapter 34.05 RCW necessary to implement chapter 124, Laws of 1993, giving due consideration to standards and regulations adopted by the secretary of housing and urban development under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (800 Stat. 700; 42 U.S.C. Secs. 5401-5426) for manufactured housing construction and safety standards.
[ 1993 c 124 s 2.]
Notes:
Contingent expiration date—RCW 43.22A.030 and 43.63A.470 through 43.63A.490: See RCW 43.63A.490.

catchline: Manufactured housing—Rules. (Contingent expiration date.)


title: RCW 43.63A.480

text:
The department shall adopt appropriate hearing procedures under chapter 34.05 RCW for the holding of formal and informal presentation of views, giving due consideration to hearing procedures adopted by the secretary of housing and urban development under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (800 Stat. 700; 42 U.S.C. Secs. 5401-5426).
[ 1993 c 124 s 3.]
Notes:
Contingent expiration date—RCW 43.22A.030 and 43.63A.470 through 43.63A.490: See RCW 43.63A.490.

catchline: Manufactured housing—Hearing procedures. (Contingent expiration date.)


title: RCW 43.63A.485

text:
(1) A person who violates any of the provisions of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (800 Stat. 700; 42 U.S.C. Secs. 5401-5426) applicable to RCW 43.22A.030, 43.63A.470, 43.63A.475, and 43.63A.480 or any rules adopted under RCW 43.22A.030, 43.63A.470, 43.63A.475, and 43.63A.480 is liable to the state of Washington for a civil penalty of not to exceed one thousand dollars for each such violation. Each violation of the provisions of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (800 Stat. 700; 42 U.S.C. Secs. 5401-5426) applicable to RCW 43.22A.030, 43.63A.470, 43.63A.475, and 43.63A.480 or any rules adopted under RCW 43.22A.030, 43.63A.470, 43.63A.475, and 43.63A.480, shall constitute a separate violation with respect to each manufactured home or with respect to each failure or refusal to allow or perform an act required thereby, except that the maximum civil penalty may not exceed one million dollars for any related series of violations occurring within one year from the date of the first violation.
(2) An individual or a director, officer, or agent of a corporation who knowingly and willfully violates any of the provisions of RCW 43.22A.030, 43.63A.470, 43.63A.475, and 43.63A.480 or any rules adopted under RCW 43.22A.030, 43.63A.470, 43.63A.475, and 43.63A.480, in a manner that threatens the health or safety of any purchaser, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned up to three hundred sixty-four days, or both.
(3) Any legal fees, court costs, expert witness fees, and staff costs expended by the state in successfully pursuing violators of RCW 43.22A.030, 43.63A.470, 43.63A.475, and 43.63A.480 shall be reimbursed in full by the violators.
[ 2011 c 96 s 29; 1993 c 124 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2011 c 96: See note following RCW 9A.20.021.
Contingent expiration date—RCW 43.22A.030 and 43.63A.470 through 43.63A.490: See RCW 43.63A.490.

catchline: Manufactured housing—Violations—Fines. (Contingent expiration date.)


title: RCW 43.63A.490

text:
RCW * 43.63A.465 through 43.63A.490 shall expire and be of no force and effect on January 1 in any year following the failure of the United States department of housing and urban development to reimburse the state for the duties described in RCW * 43.63A.465 through 43.63A.490.
[ 1993 c 124 s 6.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.63A.465 was recodified as RCW 43.22A.030 pursuant to 2007 c 432 s 13.

catchline: Manufactured housing—Contingent expiration date.


title: RCW 43.63A.500

text:
The department shall develop, and make available to the public, model or prototype construction plans and manuals for several types of farmworker housing, including but not limited to seasonal housing for individuals and families, campgrounds, and recreational vehicle parks. Any person or organization intending to construct farmworker housing may adopt one or more of these models as the plan for the proposed housing.
[ 1990 c 253 s 5.]
Notes:
Legislative finding and purpose—1990 c 253: See note following RCW 43.70.340.

catchline: Farmworker housing construction manuals and plans.


title: RCW 43.63A.505

text:
The department shall establish and administer a "one-stop clearinghouse" to coordinate state assistance for growers and nonprofit organizations in developing housing for agricultural employees. Growers, housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations shall have direct access to the one-stop clearinghouse. The department one-stop clearinghouse shall provide assistance on planning and design, building codes, temporary worker housing regulations, financing options, and management to growers and nonprofit organizations interested in farmworker construction. The department one-stop clearinghouse shall also provide educational materials and services to local government authorities on Washington state law concerning farmworker housing.
[ 1999 c 164 s 202.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Part headings and subheadings not law—Effective date—Severability—1999 c 164: See notes following RCW 43.160.010.

catchline: Agricultural employee housing—One-stop clearinghouse.


title: RCW 43.63A.510

text:
(1) The department must work with the designated agencies to identify, catalog, and recommend best use of under-utilized, state-owned land and property suitable for the development of affordable housing for very low-income, low-income or moderate-income households. The designated agencies must provide an inventory of real property that is owned or administered by each agency and is vacant or available for lease or sale. The department must work with the designated agencies to include in the inventories a consolidated list of any property transactions executed by the agencies under the authority of RCW 39.33.015, including the property appraisal, the terms and conditions of sale, lease, or transfer, the value of the public benefit, and the impact of transaction to the agency. The inventories with revisions must be provided to the department by November 1st of each year.
(2) The department must consolidate inventories into two groups: Properties suitable for consideration in affordable housing development; and properties not suitable for consideration in affordable housing development. In making this determination, the department must use industry accepted standards such as: Location, approximate lot size, current land use designation, and current zoning classification of the property. The department shall provide a recommendation, based on this grouping, to the office of financial management and appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by December 1st of each year.
(3) Upon written request, the department shall provide a copy of the inventory of state-owned and publicly owned lands and buildings to parties interested in developing the sites for affordable housing.
(4) As used in this section:
(a) "Affordable housing" means residential housing that is rented or owned by a person who qualifies as a very low-income, low-income, or moderate-income household or who is from a special needs population, and whose monthly housing costs, including utilities other than telephone, do not exceed thirty percent of the household's monthly income.
(b) "Very low-income household" means a single person, family, or unrelated persons living together whose income is at or below fifty percent of the median income, adjusted for household size, for the county where the affordable housing is located.
(c) "Low-income household" means a single person, family, or unrelated persons living together whose income is more than fifty percent but is at or below eighty percent of the median income where the affordable housing is located.
(d) "Moderate-income household" means a single person, family, or unrelated persons living together whose income is more than eighty percent but is at or below one hundred fifteen percent of the median income where the affordable housing is located.
(e) "Affordable housing development" means state-owned real property appropriate for sale, transfer, or lease to an affordable housing developer capable of:
(i) Receiving the property within one hundred eighty days; and
(ii) Creating affordable housing units for occupancy within thirty-six months from the time of transfer.
(f) "Designated agencies" means the Washington state patrol, the state parks and recreation commission, and the departments of natural resources, social and health services, corrections, and enterprise services.
[ 2018 c 217 s 1; 1993 c 461 s 2; 1990 c 253 s 6.]
Notes:
Finding—1993 c 461: "(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) The lack of affordable housing for very low-income, low-income, or moderate-income households and special needs populations is intensified by the rising cost of land and construction; and
(b) There are publicly owned land and buildings which may be suitable to be marketed, sold, leased, or exchanged for the development of affordable housing.
(2) The legislature declares that the purpose of this act is to:
(a) Provide for an analysis of the inventory of state-owned lands and buildings prepared by the departments of natural resources, transportation, corrections, and *general administration;
(b) Identify other publicly owned land and buildings that may be suitable for the development of affordable housing for very-low income, low-income, or moderate-income households and special needs populations;
(c) Provide a central location of inventories of state and publicly owned land and buildings that may be suitable to be marketed, sold, leased, or exchanged for the development of affordable housing; and
(d) Encourage an effective use of publicly owned surplus and underutilized land and buildings suitable for the development of affordable housing for very low-income, low-income, or moderate-income households and special needs populations." [ 1993 c 461 s 1.]
*Reviser's note: The "department of general administration" was renamed the "department of enterprise services" by 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 107.
Legislative finding and purpose—1990 c 253: See note following RCW 43.70.340.

catchline: Affordable housing—Inventory of state-owned land.


title: RCW 43.63A.550

text:
(1) The department shall assist in the process of inventorying and collecting data on public and private land for the acquisition of data describing land uses, demographics, infrastructure, critical areas, transportation corridors physical features, housing, and other information useful in managing growth throughout the state. For this purpose the department may contract with Washington technology solutions and shall form an advisory group consisting of representatives from state, local, and federal agencies, colleges and universities, and private firms with expertise in land planning, and geographic information systems.
(2) The department shall establish a sequence for acquiring data, giving priority to rapidly growing areas. The data shall be retained in a manner to facilitate its use in preparing maps, aggregating with data from multiple jurisdictions, and comparing changes over time. Data shall further be retained in a manner which permits its access via computer.
(3) The department shall work with other state agencies, local governments, and private organizations that are inventorying public and private lands to ensure close coordination and to ensure that duplication of efforts does not occur.
[ 2024 c 54 s 45; 2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 814; 1998 c 245 s 71; 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 21.]
Notes:
Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.
Severability—Part, section headings not law—1990 1st ex.s. c 17: See RCW 36.70A.900 and 36.70A.901.

catchline: Growth management—Inventorying and collecting data.


title: RCW 43.63A.610

text:
Emergency mortgage assistance shall be provided under the following general guidelines:
(1) Loans provided under the program shall not exceed an amount equal to twenty-four months of mortgage payments.
(2) The maximum loan amount allowed under the program shall not exceed twenty thousand dollars.
(3) Loans shall be made to applicants who meet specific income guidelines established by the department.
(4) Loan payments shall be made directly to the mortgage lender.
(5) Loans shall be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
(6) Repayment of loans provided under the program shall be made to eligible local organizations, and must not take more than twenty years. Funds repaid to the program shall be used as grants or loans under the provisions of RCW * 43.63A.600 through 43.63A.640.
[ 1994 c 114 s 2; 1991 c 315 s 24.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.63A.600 was repealed by 1995 c 226 s 35, effective June 30, 2001.
Effective date—1994 c 114: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1994." [ 1994 c 114 s 6.]
Intent—1991 c 315: See note following RCW 28B.50.030.
Conflict with federal requirements—1991 c 315: See RCW 50.70.901.


title: RCW 43.63A.620

text:
Emergency rental assistance shall be provided under the following general guidelines:
(1) Rental assistance provided under the program may be in the form of loans or grants and shall not exceed an amount equal to twenty-four months of rental payments.
(2) Rental assistance shall be made to applicants who meet specific income guidelines established by the department.
(3) Rental payments shall be made directly to the landlord.
(4) Rental assistance shall be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
[ 1994 c 114 s 3; 1991 c 315 s 25.]
Notes:
Effective date—1994 c 114: See note following RCW 43.63A.610.
Intent—1991 c 315: See note following RCW 28B.50.030.
Conflict with federal requirements—1991 c 315: See RCW 50.70.901.

catchline: Emergency rental assistance—Guidelines.


title: RCW 43.63A.630

text:
To be eligible for assistance under the program, an applicant must:
(1) Be unable to keep mortgage or rental payments current, due to a loss of employment, and shall be at significant risk of eviction;
(2) Have his or her permanent residence located in an eligible community;
(3) If requesting emergency mortgage assistance, be the owner of an equitable interest in the permanent residence and intend to reside in the home being financed;
(4) Be actively seeking new employment or be enrolled in a training program approved by the director; and
(5) Submit an application for assistance to an organization eligible to receive funds under *RCW 43.63A.600.
[ 1994 c 114 s 4; 1991 c 315 s 26.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.63A.600 was repealed by 1995 c 226 s 35, effective June 30, 2001.
Effective date—1994 c 114: See note following RCW 43.63A.610.
Intent—1991 c 315: See note following RCW 28B.50.030.
Conflict with federal requirements—1991 c 315: See RCW 50.70.901.

catchline: Emergency mortgage and rental assistance program—Eligibility.


title: RCW 43.63A.640

text:
The department shall carry out the following duties:
(1) Administer the program;
(2) Identify organizations eligible to receive funds to implement the program;
(3) Develop and adopt the necessary rules and procedures for implementation of the program and for dispersal [disbursal] of program funds to eligible organizations;
(4) Establish the interest rate for repayment of loans at two percent below the market rate;
(5) Work with lending institutions and social service providers in the eligible communities to assure that all eligible persons are informed about the program;
(6) Utilize federal and state programs that complement or facilitate carrying out the program;
(7) Ensure that local eligible organizations that dissolve or become ineligible assign their program funds, rights to loan repayments, and loan security instruments, to the government of the county in which the local organization is located. If the county government accepts the program assets described in this subsection, it shall act as a local eligible organization under the provisions of RCW * 43.63A.600 through 43.63A.640. If the county government declines to participate, the program assets shall revert to the department.
[ 1994 c 114 s 5; 1991 c 315 s 27.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.63A.600 was repealed by 1995 c 226 s 35, effective June 30, 2001.
Effective date—1994 c 114: See note following RCW 43.63A.610.
Intent—1991 c 315: See note following RCW 28B.50.030.
Conflict with federal requirements—1991 c 315: See RCW 50.70.901.

catchline: Emergency mortgage and rental assistance program—Duties—Interest rate, assignment, eligibility.


title: RCW 43.63A.645

text:
The department shall, by rule, establish program standards, eligibility standards, eligibility criteria, and administrative rules for emergency housing programs and specify other benefits that may arise in consultation with providers.
[ 1999 c 267 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Severability—1999 c 267: See notes following RCW 43.20A.790.

catchline: Emergency housing programs—Rules.


title: RCW 43.63A.650

text:
(1) The department shall be the principal state department responsible for coordinating federal and state resources and activities in housing, except for programs administered by the Washington state housing finance commission under chapter 43.180 RCW, and for evaluating the operations and accomplishments of other state departments and agencies as they affect housing.
(2) The department shall work with local governments, tribal organizations, local housing authorities, nonprofit community or neighborhood-based organizations, and regional or statewide nonprofit housing assistance organizations, for the purpose of coordinating federal and state resources with local resources for housing.
(3) The department shall be the principal state department responsible for providing shelter and housing services to homeless families with children. The department shall have the principal responsibility to coordinate, plan, and oversee the state's activities for developing a coordinated and comprehensive plan to serve homeless families with children. The plan shall be developed collaboratively with the department of social and health services. The department shall include community organizations involved in the delivery of services to homeless families with children, and experts in the development and ongoing evaluation of the plan. The department shall follow professionally recognized standards and procedures. The plan shall be implemented within amounts appropriated by the legislature for that specific purpose in the operating and capital budgets. The department shall submit the plan to the appropriate committees of the senate and house of representatives no later than September 1, 1999, and shall update the plan and submit it to the appropriate committees of the legislature by January 1st of every odd-numbered year through 2007. The plan shall address at least the following: (a) The need for prevention assistance; (b) the need for emergency shelter; (c) the need for transitional assistance to aid families into permanent housing; (d) the need for linking services with shelter or housing; and (e) the need for ongoing monitoring of the efficiency and effectiveness of the plan's design and implementation.
[ 1999 c 267 s 3; 1993 c 478 s 13.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Severability—1999 c 267: See notes following RCW 43.20A.790.

catchline: Housing—Department's responsibilities.


title: RCW 43.63A.660

text:
The department shall provide technical assistance and information to state agencies and local governments to assist in the identification and removal of regulatory barriers to the development and placement of affordable housing. In providing assistance the department may:
(1) Analyze the costs and benefits of state legislation, rules, and administrative actions and their impact on the development and placement of affordable housing;
(2) Analyze the costs and benefits of local legislation, rules, and administrative actions and their impact on the development and placement of affordable housing;
(3) Assist state agencies and local governments in determining the impact of existing and anticipated actions, legislation, and rules on the development and placement of affordable housing;
(4) Investigate techniques and opportunities for reducing the life-cycle housing costs through regulatory reform;
(5) Develop model standards and ordinances designed to reduce regulatory barriers to affordable housing and assisting in their adoption and use at the state and local government level;
(6) Provide technical assistance and information to state agencies and local governments for implementation of legislative and administrative reform programs to remove barriers to affordable housing;
(7) Prepare state regulatory barrier removal strategies;
(8) Provide staffing to the affordable housing advisory board created in RCW 43.185B.020; and
(9) Perform other activities as the director deems necessary to assist the state, local governments, and the housing industry in meeting the affordable housing needs of the state.
[ 1993 c 478 s 14.]

catchline: Housing—Technical assistance and information, affordable housing.


title: RCW 43.63A.670

text:
(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) The trend toward smaller household sizes will continue into the foreseeable future;
(b) Many of these households are in housing units that contain more bedrooms than occupants;
(c) There are older homeowners on relatively low, fixed income who are experiencing difficulties maintaining their homes; and
(d) There are single parents, recently widowed persons, people in the midst of divorce or separation, and persons with disabilities that are faced with displacement due to the high cost of housing.
(2) The legislature declares that the purpose of RCW 43.63A.680 is to develop a pilot program designed to:
(a) Provide home-matching services that can enable people to continue living in their homes while promoting continuity of homeownership and community stability; and
(b) Counter the problem of displacement among people on relatively low, fixed incomes by linking people offering living space with people seeking housing.
[ 2020 c 274 s 24; 1993 c 478 s 18.]

catchline: Home-matching program—Finding, purpose.


title: RCW 43.63A.680

text:
(1) The department may develop and administer a home-matching program for the purpose of providing grants and technical assistance to eligible organizations to operate local home-matching programs. For purposes of this section, "eligible organizations" are those organizations eligible to receive assistance through the Washington housing trust fund, chapter 43.185A RCW.
(2) The department may select up to five eligible organizations for the purpose of implementing a local home-matching program. The local home-matching programs are designed to facilitate: (a) Intergenerational homesharing involving older homeowners sharing homes with younger persons; (b) homesharing arrangements that involve an exchange of services such as cooking, housework, gardening, or babysitting for room and board or some financial consideration such as rent; and (c) the more efficient use of available housing.
(3) In selecting local pilot programs under this section, the department shall consider:
(a) The eligible organization's ability, stability, and resources to implement the local home-matching program;
(b) The eligible organization's efforts to coordinate other support services needed by the individual or family participating in the local home-matching program; and
(c) Other factors the department deems appropriate.
(4) The eligible organizations shall establish criteria for participation in the local home-matching program. The eligible organization shall make a determination of eligibility regarding the individuals' or families' participation in the local home-matching program. The determination shall include, but is not limited to a verification of the individual's or family's history of making rent payments in a consistent and timely manner.
[ 2023 c 275 s 17; 1993 c 478 s 19.]

catchline: Home-matching program—Pilot programs.


title: RCW 43.63A.690

text:
(1) The department shall provide technical assistance and loan packaging services that enable minority and women-owned business enterprises to obtain financing under the linked deposit program created under RCW 43.86A.060.
(2) The department, in consultation with the office of minority and women's business enterprises, shall develop indicators to measure the performance of the linked deposit program in the areas of job creation or retention and providing access to capital to minority or women's business enterprises.
[ 2005 c 302 s 6; 2002 c 305 s 3; 1993 c 512 s 31.]
Notes:
Intent—2005 c 302: See note following RCW 43.86A.030.
Finding—Intent—1993 c 512: See note following RCW 43.86A.060.

catchline: Minority and women-owned business enterprises—Linked deposit program.


title: RCW 43.63A.720

text:
There is established in the department of commerce a grant program to enhance funding for prostitution prevention and intervention services. Activities that can be funded through this grant program shall provide effective prostitution prevention and intervention services, such as counseling, parenting, housing relief, education, and vocational training, that:
(1) Comprehensively address the problems of persons who are prostitutes; and
(2) Enhance the ability of persons to leave or avoid prostitution.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2054; 1995 c 353 s 7.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.

catchline: Prostitution prevention and intervention services—Grant program.


title: RCW 43.63A.725

text:
(1) Applications for funding under this chapter must:
(a) Meet the criteria in RCW 43.63A.720; and
(b) Contain evidence of active participation of the community and its commitment to providing effective prevention and intervention services for prostitutes through the participation of local governments, tribal governments, networks under chapter 70.190 RCW, human service and health organizations, and treatment entities and through meaningful involvement of others, including citizen groups.
(2) Local governments, networks under chapter 70.190 RCW, nonprofit community groups, and nonprofit treatment providers including organizations that provide services, such as emergency housing, counseling, and crisis intervention shall, among others, be eligible for grants established under RCW 43.63A.720.
[ 1995 c 353 s 8.]

catchline: Prostitution prevention and intervention grants—Eligibility.


title: RCW 43.63A.730

text:
At a minimum, grant applications must include the following:
(1) The proposed geographic service area;
(2) A description of the extent and effect of the needs for prostitution prevention and intervention within the relevant geographic area;
(3) An explanation of how the funds will be used, their relationship to existing services available within the community, and the need that they will fulfill;
(4) An explanation of what organizations were involved in the development of the proposal; and
(5) The methods that will be employed to measure the success of the program.
[ 1995 c 353 s 9.]

catchline: Prostitution prevention and intervention grants—Applications, contents.


title: RCW 43.63A.735

text:
(1) Subject to funds appropriated by the legislature, including funds in the prostitution prevention and intervention account, the department of commerce shall make awards under the grant program established by RCW 43.63A.720.
(2) Awards shall be made competitively based on the purposes of and criteria in RCW 43.63A.720 through 43.63A.730.
(3) Activities funded under this section may be considered for funding in future years, but shall be considered under the same terms and criteria as new activities. Funding of a program or activity under this chapter shall not constitute an obligation by the state of Washington to provide ongoing funding.
(4) The department of commerce may receive such gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources as may be made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the purposes of the grant program established under RCW 43.63A.720 and expend the same or any income from these sources according to the terms of the gifts, grants, or endowments.
(5) The department of commerce may expend up to five percent of the funds appropriated for the grant program for administrative costs and grant supervision.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2055; 1995 c 353 s 10.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.

catchline: Prostitution prevention and intervention grants—Award and use.


title: RCW 43.63A.740

text:
The prostitution prevention and intervention account is created in the state treasury. Expenditures from the account may be used in the following order of priority:
(1) Funding the statewide coordinating committee on sex trafficking;
(2) Programs that provide mental health and substance abuse counseling, parenting skills training, housing relief, education, and vocational training for youth who have been diverted for a prostitution or prostitution loitering offense pursuant to RCW 13.40.213;
(3) Funding for services provided to sexually exploited children as defined in RCW 13.32A.030 in secure and semi-secure crisis residential centers with access to staff trained to meet their specific needs;
(4) Funding for services specified in RCW * 74.14B.060 and 74.14B.070 for sexually exploited children; and
(5) Funding the grant program to enhance prostitution prevention and intervention services under RCW 43.63A.720.
[ 2013 c 121 s 3; 2010 c 289 s 18; 2009 c 387 s 2; 1995 c 353 s 11.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 74.14B.060 was repealed by 2012 c 29 s 14.
Intent—Finding—2013 c 121: "The legislature recognizes there are many state agencies and private organizations that might be called on to provide services to victims of sex trafficking. Victims of human trafficking are often in need of services such as emergency medical attention, food and shelter, vocational and English language training, mental health counseling, and legal support. The state intends to improve the response of state, local, and private entities to incidents of trafficking of humans. Victims would be better served if there is an established, coordinated system of identifying the needs of sex trafficking victims, training of service delivery agencies and staff, timely and appropriate delivery of services, and better investigations and prosecutions of trafficking.
Leadership in providing services to victims of sex trafficking also extends beyond government efforts and is grounded in the work of highly dedicated individuals and community-based groups. Without these efforts the struggle against human trafficking will be very difficult to win. The legislature, therefore, finds that such efforts merit regular public recognition and appreciation. Such recognition and appreciation will encourage the efforts of all persons to end sex trafficking, and provide the public with information and education about the necessity of its involvement in this struggle." [ 2013 c 121 s 1.]

catchline: Prostitution prevention and intervention account.


title: RCW 43.63A.750

text:
(1) A competitive grant program to assist nonprofit organizations in acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating performing arts, art museums, and cultural facilities is created.
(2)(a) The department shall submit a list of recommended performing arts, art museum projects, and cultural organization projects eligible for funding to the governor and the legislature in the department's biennial capital budget request beginning with the 2001-2003 biennium and thereafter. The list, in priority order, shall include a description of each project, the amount of recommended state funding, and documentation of nonstate funds to be used for the project. The total amount of recommended state funding for projects on a biennial project list shall not exceed $18,000,000.
(b) The department shall establish a competitive process to prioritize applications for state assistance as follows:
(i) The department shall conduct a statewide solicitation of project applications from nonprofit organizations, local governments, and other entities, as determined by the department. For applications submitted during the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, nonprofit organizations that are certified by the association of zoos and aquariums and that have long-term operating or management agreements are eligible to apply. The department shall evaluate and rank applications in consultation with a citizen advisory committee, including a representative from the state arts commission, using objective criteria. The evaluation and ranking process shall also consider local community support for projects and an examination of existing assets that applicants may apply to projects.
(ii) The department may establish the amount of state grant assistance for individual project applications but the amount shall not exceed 33.33 percent of the estimated total capital cost or actual cost of a project, whichever is less. The remaining portions of the project capital cost shall be a match from nonstate sources. The nonstate match may include cash, the value of real property when acquired solely for the purpose of the project, and in-kind contributions. The department is authorized to set matching requirements for individual projects. State assistance may be used to fund separate definable phases of a project if the project demonstrates adequate progress and has secured the necessary match funding.
(iii) The department shall not sign contracts or otherwise financially obligate funds under this section until the legislature has approved a specific list of projects. In contracts for grants authorized under this section, the department shall include provisions requiring that capital improvements be held by the grantee for a specified period of time appropriate to the amount of the grant and that facilities be used for the express purpose of the grant. If the grantee is found to be out of compliance with provisions of the contract, the grantee shall repay to the state general fund the principal amount of the grant plus interest calculated at the rate of interest on state of Washington general obligation bonds issued most closely to the date of authorization of the grant.
[ 2025 c 414 s 8046; 2024 c 375 s 8014; 2022 c 121 s 1; 2021 c 332 s 7042; 2020 c 356 s 7008; 2006 c 371 s 235; 2005 c 160 s 2; 1999 c 295 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 414: See note following RCW 79A.25.210.
Effective date—2024 c 375: See note following RCW 70A.65.305.
Effective date—2021 c 332: See note following RCW 43.19.501.
Effective date—2020 c 356: See note following RCW 43.19.501.
Effective date—2006 c 371: See note following RCW 27.34.330.

catchline: Performing arts, art museums, cultural facilities—Competitive grant program for nonprofit organizations.


title: RCW 43.63A.764

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 43.63A.125, this section, and RCW * 43.63A.766 and 43.63A.768 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Department" means the department of commerce.
(2) "Distressed community" means: (a) A county that has an unemployment rate that is twenty percent above the state average for the immediately previous three years; (b) an area within a county that the department determines to be a low-income community, using as guidance the low-income community designations under the community development financial institutions fund's new markets tax credit program of the United States department of the treasury; or (c) a school district in which at least fifty percent of local elementary students receive free and reduced-price meals.
(3) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization that is tax exempt, or not required to apply for an exemption, under section 501(c)(3) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended.
(4) "Technical assistance" means professional services provided under contract to nonprofit organizations for feasibility studies, planning, and project management related to acquiring, constructing, or rehabilitating nonresidential community services facilities.
[ 2023 c 470 s 2056; 2008 c 327 s 13.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.63A.766 was repealed by 2025 c 399 s 1.
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.

catchline: Building communities fund program—Definitions.


title: RCW 43.63A.768

text:
(1) The department shall develop accountability and reporting standards for grant recipients. At a minimum, the department shall use the criteria listed in RCW 43.63A.125(2)(b) to evaluate the progress of each grant recipient.
(2) Beginning January 1, 2011, the department shall submit an annual report to the appropriate committees of the legislature, including:
(a) A list of projects currently under contract with the department under the building communities fund program; a description of each project, its total cost, the amount of state funding awarded and expended to date, the project status, the number of low-income people served, and the extent to which the project has met the criteria in RCW 43.63A.125(2)(b); and
(b) Recommendations, if any, for policy and programmatic changes to the building communities fund program to better achieve program objectives.
[ 2008 c 327 s 16.]

catchline: Building communities fund program—Accountability and reporting standards—Annual report.


title: RCW 43.63A.770

text:
(1) The department shall establish the renewable energy development local investment distribution program.
(a) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this purpose, the department must provide funds through the program to each county that hosts a qualifying energy project under this section. The total distribution under this subsection must be in a proportion equal to the amount of state excise tax under RCW 82.96.040 attributable to a county during the previous tax reporting period.
(b)(i) Except for a rural county as defined in RCW 82.14.370, each county must distribute funds received from the department to the local taxing districts within the county in which each qualifying energy project is located, according to the taxing district's relative share of the local property tax levy.
(ii) For distributions for qualifying energy projects in a rural county, as defined in RCW 82.14.370, the rural county may elect to retain the full amount provided by the department, without distribution to local taxing districts.
(2)(a) In order for a county to be eligible to receive funds in a proportion equal to the amount of state excise tax under RCW 82.96.040 attributable to a county, the department must determine that:
(i) The qualifying energy project is located in the county, and the project was operating before January 1, 2029;
(ii) The qualifying energy project is located in the county, and the project submitted a completed application under chapter 43.21C RCW as of November 2025; or
(iii) The qualifying energy project is located in the county, and the county has adopted or substantially adopted the model ordinance published by the department under RCW 43.63A.772. For the purposes of this section, "substantially adopted" means, in the opinion of the department, the county has adopted development regulations that achieve the intent of the model ordinance published by the department, are not more restrictive or burdensome than the model ordinance, and do not unnecessarily impede the development of renewable energy projects within the county.
(b) In order for a county to be determined to be eligible to receive funds under this subsection (2) for a project that applies to and completes the county's process for development approval and files an environmental policy checklist pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW after January 1, 2028, a county must include in its development regulations that:
(i) A qualifying energy project developer must:
(A) Initiate and document the offer to conduct early and meaningful engagement, before the submission of an environmental policy checklist under chapter 43.21C RCW, related to the qualifying energy project with each federally recognized Indian tribe within whose ceded territory and usual and accustomed area the qualifying energy project is proposed to be located in a manner that recognizes the sovereignty and legal rights of the tribe, with the objective of agreeing on a plan for protecting the archaeological and cultural resources that are potentially affected by the project;
(B) Notify, and offer to meet with, the department of archaeology and historic preservation regarding the geographical location, detailed scope of the proposed project, preliminary application details available to federal, state, or local jurisdictions, and all publicly available materials, with the objective of agreeing on a plan for protecting the archaeological and cultural resources that are potentially affected by the project; and
(C) Survey the proposed project site in a manner that reflects input solicited from the department of archaeology and historic preservation and each federally recognized Indian tribe whose lands described in this section are impacted, if any such input is received by the project developer within 60 days of the notification in (b)(i)(B) of this subsection (2); and
(ii) The county may condition an application by a qualifying energy project developer in accordance with a plan agreement between the qualifying energy project developer and either the federally recognized Indian tribe or the department of archaeology and historic preservation, or both, for protecting the archaeological cultural resources that are potentially affected by the project.
(3) A qualifying energy project may be eligible under this section if the project has received applicable permits under the energy facility site evaluation council process established in chapter 80.50 RCW, the clean energy coordinated permit process pursuant to RCW 43.394.020, or through permit processes overseen by the city or county.
(4)(a) The department must establish an application process for the program.
(b) The department may charge a reasonable fee for administrative costs. Fees must be deposited in the local investment distribution account created in RCW 82.96.080.
(5) Beginning in fiscal year 2029, the legislature intends to dedicate at least 75 percent of the local investment distribution account appropriations each biennium to the funding of the local investment distribution program described in this section. It is the intent of the legislature to apply any balance in the local investment distribution account that is in excess of the eligible expenses for the local investment distribution program under this section first to the tribal capacity grant program in RCW 43.21A.608 and second to the general fund.
(6) Nothing in this section limits the authority of a county or city to administratively object to or legally appeal a qualifying energy project or component thereof or to be eligible for grant funds under this section if they file such an objection or appeal.
(7) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a)(i) "Energy storage system" means commercially available technology that is capable of retaining electricity, storing the energy for a period of time, and delivering the electricity after storage by chemical, thermal, mechanical, or other means.
(ii) "Energy storage system" does not include a solar or wind energy production facility.
(b) "Qualifying energy project" means an energy storage system, a wind or solar energy production facility, associated facilities, or any combination thereof, constructed after January 1, 2028.
[ 2026 c 260 s 202.]
Notes:
Intent—2026 c 260: "It is the intent of the legislature to create favorable conditions that result in investments in communities hosting renewable energy project development. Encouraging such developments, including by increasing revenues for local governments, will help achieve state clean energy goals under the clean energy transformation act, achieve energy reliability and affordability, and ensure that the economic benefits of these projects accrue to the benefit of the local community." [ 2026 c 260 s 201.]
Effective date—2026 c 260: See note following RCW 82.96.005.

catchline: Renewable energy development local investment distribution program—Qualifying energy projects—Application. (Effective January 1, 2028.)


title: RCW 43.63A.772

text:
(1)(a) The department shall provide technical assistance and ongoing liaison support to local governments, including methods and best practices for siting qualifying energy projects specified in RCW 43.63A.770, for use by local governments.
(b) As part of this work, the department must develop and publish a model ordinance applicable to the siting of qualifying energy projects specified in RCW 43.63A.770 by July 1, 2028. The model ordinance must include, but is not limited to, standards for the decommissioning of and provision of financial assurance for wind energy facilities and means to avoid detrimental impact to natural resources and cultural resource areas. The model ordinance must also consider local government compliance with the growth management act. The department must consider whether the model ordinance should specify or encourage expedited timelines for permit review that are adhered to by the county or city. The department must develop the model ordinance in consultation with qualifying energy project developers, qualifying energy project owners, counties where at least one energy storage system or wind or solar energy production facility is located, federally recognized tribes, and other interested stakeholders.
(2) Effective six months after the department's publication of a model ordinance under subsection (1) of this section, to be eligible for the grant program in RCW 43.63A.770, a county or city ordinance or other restriction that limits the siting of a qualifying energy project may not contain standards that are more restrictive or burdensome than the applicable model ordinance published by the department under subsection (1) of this section.
(3)(a) The department must review the model ordinance created in this section under the provisions of chapter 43.21C RCW. To the maximum extent appropriate consistent with WAC 197-11-600 as it existed as of January 1, 2028, the department must use the nonproject environmental impact statements prepared by the department of ecology under RCW 43.21C.535 and by the energy facility site evaluation council under RCW 43.21C.405.
(b) A county that adopts the model ordinance under this section that has been reviewed by the department under the provisions of chapter 43.21C RCW is not required to review the ordinance under the provisions of chapter 43.21C RCW.
(4) Nothing in this section renders qualifying energy projects ineligible for the grant program in RCW 43.63A.770 on the basis of:
(a) Being located in a jurisdiction that imposes requirements, standards, or restrictions on qualifying energy projects that are consistent with the permit requirements, guidelines, or best practices for the siting, development, or operation of qualifying energy facilities imposed by a state agency or otherwise required under state law; or
(b) Mitigation being imposed as a result of environmental review under chapter 43.21C or 80.50 RCW to address a probable significant adverse environmental impact.
(5) For purposes of this section, "qualifying energy project" has the same meaning as in RCW 43.63A.770.
[ 2026 c 260 s 203.]
Notes:
Intent—2026 c 260: See note following RCW 43.63A.770.
Effective date—2026 c 260: See note following RCW 82.96.005.

catchline: Qualifying energy projects—Model ordinance. (Effective January 1, 2028.)


title: RCW 43.70.005

text:
The legislature finds and declares that it is of importance to the people of Washington state to live in a healthy environment and to expect a minimum standard of quality in health care. The legislature further finds that the social and economic vitality of the state depends on a healthy and productive population. The legislature further declares where it is a duty of the state to assure a healthy environment and minimum standards of quality in health care facilities and among health care professionals, the ultimate responsibility for a healthy society lies with the citizens themselves.
For these reasons, the legislature recognizes the need for a strong, clear focus on health issues in state government and among state health agencies to give expression to the needs of individual citizens and local communities as they seek to preserve the public health. It is the intent of the legislature to form such focus by creating a single department in state government with the primary responsibilities for the preservation of public health, monitoring health care costs, the maintenance of minimal standards for quality in health care delivery, and the general oversight and planning for all the state's activities as they relate to the health of its citizenry.
Further, it is the intent of the legislature to improve illness and injury prevention and health promotion, and restore the confidence of the citizenry in the efficient and accountable expenditure of public funds on health activities that further the mission of the agency via grants and contracts, and to ensure that this new health agency delivers quality health services in an efficient, effective, and economical manner that is faithful and responsive to policies established by the legislature.
[ 2005 c 32 s 1; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 101.]

catchline: Intent.


title: RCW 43.70.010

text:
As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise:
(1) "Assessment" means the regular collection, analysis, and sharing of information about health conditions, risks, and resources in a community. Assessment activities identify trends in illness, injury, and death and the factors that may cause these events. They also identify environmental risk factors, community concerns, community health resources, and the use of health services. Assessment includes gathering statistical data as well as conducting epidemiologic and other investigations and evaluations of health emergencies and specific ongoing health problems;
(2) "Board" means the state board of health;
(3) "Department" means the department of health;
(4) "Policy development" means the establishment of social norms, organizational guidelines, operational procedures, rules, ordinances, or statutes that promote health or prevent injury, illness, or death; and
(5) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
[ 1995 c 269 s 2201; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 206; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 102.]
Notes:
Effective date—Part headings not law—Severability—1995 c 269: See notes following RCW 18.16.050.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 43.70.020

text:
(1) There is hereby created a department of state government to be known as the department of health. The department shall be vested with all powers and duties transferred to it by chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. and such other powers and duties as may be authorized by law. The main administrative office of the department shall be located in the city of Olympia. The secretary may establish administrative facilities in other locations, if deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the department, and if consistent with the principles set forth in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) The department of health shall be organized consistent with the goals of providing state government with a focus in health and serving the people of this state. The legislature recognizes that the secretary needs sufficient organizational flexibility to carry out the department's various duties. To the extent practical, the secretary shall consider the following organizational principles:
(a) Clear lines of authority which avoid functional duplication within and between subelements of the department;
(b) A clear and simplified organizational design promoting accessibility, responsiveness, and accountability to the legislature, the consumer, and the general public;
(c) Maximum span of control without jeopardizing adequate supervision;
(d) A substate or regional organizational structure for the department's health service delivery programs and activities that encourages joint working agreements with local health departments and that is consistent between programs;
(e) Decentralized authority and responsibility, with clear accountability;
(f) A single point of access for persons receiving like services from the department which would limit the number of referrals between divisions.
(3) The department shall provide leadership and coordination in identifying and resolving threats to the public health by:
(a) Working with local health departments and local governments to strengthen the state and local governmental partnership in providing public protection;
(b) Developing intervention strategies;
(c) Providing expert advice to the executive and legislative branches of state government;
(d) Providing active and fair enforcement of rules;
(e) Working with other federal, state, and local agencies and facilitating their involvement in planning and implementing health preservation measures;
(f) Providing information to the public; and
(g) Carrying out such other related actions as may be appropriate to this purpose.
(4) In accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW, the department shall ensure an opportunity for consultation, review, and comment by the department's clients before the adoption of standards, guidelines, and rules.
(5) Consistent with the principles set forth in subsection (2) of this section, the secretary may create such administrative divisions, offices, bureaus, and programs within the department as the secretary deems necessary. The secretary shall have complete charge of and supervisory powers over the department, except where the secretary's authority is specifically limited by law.
(6) The secretary shall appoint such personnel as are necessary to carry out the duties of the department in accordance with chapter 41.06 RCW.
(7) The secretary shall appoint the state health officer and such deputy secretaries, assistant secretaries, and other administrative positions as deemed necessary consistent with the principles set forth in subsection (2) of this section. All persons who administer the necessary divisions, offices, bureaus, and programs, and five additional employees shall be exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW. The officers and employees appointed under this subsection shall be paid salaries to be fixed by the governor in accordance with the procedure established by law for the fixing of salaries for officers exempt from the state civil service law.
(8) The secretary shall administer family services and programs to promote the state's policy as provided in RCW 74.14A.025.
[ 1992 c 198 s 8; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 103.]

catchline: Department created.


title: RCW 43.70.030

text:
The executive head and appointing authority of the department shall be the secretary of health. The secretary shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the governor in accordance with RCW 43.17.020. The secretary shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the governor in accordance with RCW 43.03.040.
[ 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 104.]

catchline: Secretary of health.


title: RCW 43.70.040

text:
In addition to any other powers granted the secretary, the secretary may:
(1) Adopt, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, rules necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.: PROVIDED, That for rules adopted after July 23, 1995, the secretary may not rely solely on a section of law stating a statute's intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule;
(2) Appoint such advisory committees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. Members of such advisory committees are authorized to receive travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. The secretary and the board of health shall review each advisory committee within their jurisdiction and each statutory advisory committee on a biennial basis to determine if such advisory committee is needed;
(3) Undertake studies, research, and analysis necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. in accordance with RCW 43.70.050;
(4) Delegate powers, duties, and functions of the department to employees of the department as the secretary deems necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.;
(5) Enter into contracts and enter into and distribute grants on behalf of the department to carry out the purposes of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. The department must report to the legislature a summary of the grants distributed under this authority, for each year of the first biennium after the department receives authority to distribute grants under this section, and make it electronically available;
(6) Act for the state in the initiation of, or the participation in, any intergovernmental program to the purposes of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.; or
(7) Solicit and accept gifts, grants, bequests, devises, or other funds from public and private sources.
[ 2005 c 32 s 2; 2001 c 80 s 2; 1995 c 403 s 105; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 106.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2001 c 80: "(1) The legislature finds that developing, creating, and maintaining partnerships between the public and private sectors can enhance and augment current public health services. The legislature further finds that the department of health should have the ability to establish such partnerships, and seek out and accept gifts, grants, and other funding to advance worthy public health goals and programs.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature that gifts and other funds received by the department of health under the authority granted by RCW 43.70.040 may be used to expand or enhance program operations so long as program standards established by the department are maintained, but may not supplant or replace funds for federal, state, county, or city-supported programs." [ 2001 c 80 s 1.]
Findings—Short title—Intent—1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.

catchline: Secretary's powers—Rule-making authority—Report to the legislature.


title: RCW 43.70.041

text:
The department of health must establish and perform, within existing funds, a formal review process of its existing rules every five years. The goal of the review is to decrease the numbers of, simplify the process, and decrease the time required for obtaining licenses, permits, and inspections, as applicable, in order to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses without compromising public health and safety. Benchmarks must be adopted to assess the effectiveness of streamlining efforts. The department must establish a process for effectively applying sunset provisions to rules when applicable. The department must report back to the applicable committees of the legislature with its review process and benchmarks by January 2014.
[ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 30 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2013 2nd sp.s. c 30: See note following RCW 43.21A.081.

catchline: Five-year formal review process of existing rules.


title: RCW 43.70.045

text:
There is created an award to honor and recognize cost-effective and quality health care services. This award shall be known as the "Warren Featherstone Reid Award for Excellence in Health Care."
[ 1994 c 7 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—1994 c 7: "The legislature recognizes the critical importance of ensuring that all Washington residents have access to quality and affordable health care. The legislature further recognizes that substantial improvements can be made in health care delivery when providers, including health care facilities, are encouraged to continuously strive for excellence in quality management practices, value, and consumer satisfaction. The legislature finds that when centers of quality are highlighted and honored publicly they become examples for other health care providers to emulate, thereby further promoting the implementation of improved health care delivery processes." [ 1994 c 7 s 1.]


title: RCW 43.70.047

text:
The governor, in conjunction with the secretary of health, shall identify and honor health care providers and facilities in Washington state who exhibit exceptional quality and value in the delivery of health services. The award shall be given annually consistent with the availability of qualified nominees. The secretary may appoint an advisory committee to assist in the selection of nominees, if necessary.
[ 1994 c 7 s 3.]

catchline: Warren Featherstone Reid Award for Excellence in Health Care.


title: RCW 43.70.050

text:
(1) The legislature intends that the department and board promote and assess the quality, cost, and accessibility of health care throughout the state as their roles are specified in chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. In furtherance of this goal, the secretary shall create an ongoing program of data collection, storage, assessability, and review. The legislature does not intend that the department conduct or contract for the conduct of basic research activity. The secretary may request appropriations for studies according to this section from the legislature, the federal government, or private sources.
(2) All state agencies which collect or have access to population-based, health-related data are directed to allow the secretary access to such data. This includes, but is not limited to, data on needed health services, facilities, and personnel; future health issues; emerging bioethical issues; health promotion; recommendations from state and national organizations and associations; and programmatic and statutory changes needed to address emerging health needs. Private entities, such as insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and private purchasers are also encouraged to give the secretary access to such data in their possession. The secretary's access to and use of all data shall be in accordance with state and federal confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines. Such data in any form where the patient or provider of health care can be identified shall not be disclosed, subject to disclosure according to chapter 42.56 RCW, discoverable or admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings. Such data can be used in proceedings in which the use of the data is clearly relevant and necessary and both the department and the patient or provider are parties.
(3) The department shall serve as the clearinghouse for information concerning innovations in the delivery of health care services, the enhancement of competition in the health care marketplace, and federal and state information affecting health care costs.
(4) The secretary shall review any data collected, pursuant to this chapter, to:
(a) Identify high-priority health issues that require study or evaluation. Such issues may include, but are not limited to:
(i) Identification of variations of health practice which indicate a lack of consensus of appropriateness;
(ii) Evaluation of outcomes of health care interventions to assess their benefit to the people of the state;
(iii) Evaluation of specific population groups to identify needed changes in health practices and services;
(iv) Evaluation of the risks and benefits of various incentives aimed at individuals and providers for both preventing illnesses and improving health services;
(v) Identification and evaluation of bioethical issues affecting the people of the state; and
(vi) Other such objectives as may be appropriate;
(b) Further identify a list of high-priority health study issues for consideration by the board, within their authority, for inclusion in the state health report required by *RCW 43.20.050. The list shall specify the objectives of each study, a study timeline, the specific improvements in the health status of the citizens expected as a result of the study, and the estimated cost of the study; and
(c) Provide background for the state health report required by *RCW 43.20.050.
(5) Any data, research, or findings may also be made available to the general public, including health professions, health associations, the governor, professional boards and regulatory agencies and any person or group who has allowed the secretary access to data.
(6) Information submitted as part of the health professional licensing application and renewal process, excluding social security number and background check information, shall be available to the office of financial management consistent with RCW 43.370.020, whether the license is issued by the secretary of the department of health or a board or commission. The department shall replace any social security number with an alternative identifier capable of linking all licensing records of an individual. The office of financial management shall also have access to information submitted to the department of health as part of the medical or health facility licensing process.
(7) The secretary may charge a fee to persons requesting copies of any data, research, or findings. The fee shall be no more than necessary to cover the cost to the department of providing the copy.
[ 2009 c 343 s 2; 2005 c 274 s 301; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 107.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.20.050 was amended by 2011 c 27 s 1, eliminating the "state health report."

catchline: Collection, use, and accessibility of health-related data.


title: RCW 43.70.052

text:
(1)(a) To promote the public interest consistent with the purposes of chapter 492, Laws of 1993 as amended by chapter 267, Laws of 1995, the department shall require hospitals to submit hospital financial and patient discharge information, including any applicable information reported pursuant to RCW 43.70.053, which shall be collected, maintained, analyzed, and disseminated by the department. The department shall, if deemed cost-effective and efficient, contract with a private entity for any or all parts of data collection. Data elements shall be reported in conformance with a uniform reporting system established by the department. This includes data elements identifying each hospital's revenues, expenses, contractual allowances, charity care, bad debt, other income, total units of inpatient and outpatient services, and other financial and employee compensation information reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section.
(b) Data elements relating to use of hospital services by patients shall be the same as those currently compiled by hospitals through inpatient discharge abstracts. The department shall encourage and permit reporting by electronic transmission or hard copy as is practical and economical to reporters.
(c) By January 1, 2023, the department must revise the uniform reporting system to further delineate hospital expenses reported in the other direct expense category in the statement of revenue and expense. The department must include the following additional categories of expenses within the other direct expenses category:
(i) Blood supplies;
(ii) Contract staffing;
(iii) Information technology, including licenses and maintenance;
(iv) Insurance and professional liability;
(v) Laundry services;
(vi) Legal, audit, and tax professional services;
(vii) Purchased laboratory services;
(viii) Repairs and maintenance;
(ix) Shared services or system office allocation;
(x) Staff recruitment;
(xi) Training costs;
(xii) Taxes;
(xiii) Utilities; and
(xiv) Other noncategorized expenses.
(d) The department must revise the uniform reporting system to further delineate hospital revenues reported in the other operating revenue category in the statement of revenue and expense. The department must include the following additional categories of revenues within the other operating revenues category:
(i) Donations;
(ii) Grants;
(iii) Joint venture revenue;
(iv) Local taxes;
(v) Outpatient pharmacy;
(vi) Parking;
(vii) Quality incentive payments;
(viii) Reference laboratories;
(ix) Rental income;
(x) Retail cafeteria; and
(xi) Other noncategorized revenues.
(e)(i) A hospital, other than a hospital designated by medicare as a critical access hospital or sole community hospital, must report line items and amounts for any expenses or revenues in the other noncategorized expenses category in (c)(xiv) of this subsection or the other noncategorized revenues category in (d)(xi) of this subsection that either have a value: (A) Of $1,000,000 or more; or (B) representing one percent or more of the total expenses or total revenues; or
(ii) A hospital designated by medicare as a critical access hospital or sole community hospital must report line items and amounts for any expenses or revenues in the other noncategorized expenses category in (c)(xiv) of this subsection or the other noncategorized revenues category in (d)(xi) of this subsection that represent the greater of: (A) $1,000,000; or (B) one percent or more of the total expenses or total revenues.
(f) A hospital must report any money, including loans, received by the hospital or a health system to which it belongs from a federal, state, or local government entity in response to a national or state-declared emergency, including a pandemic. Hospitals must report this information as it relates to federal, state, or local money received after January 1, 2020, in association with the COVID-19 pandemic. The department shall provide guidance on reporting pursuant to this subsection.
(2) In identifying financial reporting requirements, the department may require both annual reports and condensed quarterly reports from hospitals, so as to achieve both accuracy and timeliness in reporting, but shall craft such requirements with due regard of the data reporting burdens of hospitals.
(3)(a) Beginning with compensation information for 2012, unless a hospital is operated on a for-profit basis, the department shall require a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW to annually submit employee compensation information. To satisfy employee compensation reporting requirements to the department, a hospital shall submit information as directed in (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection. A hospital may determine whether to report under (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection for purposes of reporting.
(i) Within one hundred thirty-five days following the end of each hospital's fiscal year, a nonprofit hospital shall file the appropriate schedule of the federal internal revenue service form 990 that identifies the employee compensation information with the department. If the lead administrator responsible for the hospital or the lead administrator's compensation is not identified on the schedule of form 990 that identifies the employee compensation information, the hospital shall also submit the compensation information for the lead administrator as directed by the department's form required in (b) of this subsection.
(ii) Within one hundred thirty-five days following the end of each hospital's calendar year, a hospital shall submit the names and compensation of the five highest compensated employees of the hospital who do not have any direct patient responsibilities. Compensation information shall be reported on a calendar year basis for the calendar year immediately preceding the reporting date. If those five highest compensated employees do not include the lead administrator for the hospital, compensation information for the lead administrator shall also be submitted. Compensation information shall include base compensation, bonus and incentive compensation, other payments that qualify as reportable compensation, retirement and other deferred compensation, and nontaxable benefits.
(b) To satisfy the reporting requirements of this subsection (3), the department shall create a form and make it available no later than August 1, 2012. To the greatest extent possible, the form shall follow the format and reporting requirements of the portion of the internal revenue service form 990 schedule relating to compensation information. If the internal revenue service substantially revises its schedule, the department shall update its form.
(4) The health care data collected, maintained, and studied by the department shall only be available for retrieval in original or processed form to public and private requestors pursuant to subsection (9) of this section and shall be available within a reasonable period of time after the date of request. The cost of retrieving data for state officials and agencies shall be funded through the state general appropriation. The cost of retrieving data for individuals and organizations engaged in research or private use of data or studies shall be funded by a fee schedule developed by the department that reflects the direct cost of retrieving the data or study in the requested form.
(5) The department shall, in consultation and collaboration with tribes, urban or other Indian health service organizations, and the federal area Indian health service, design, develop, and maintain an American Indian-specific health data, statistics information system.
(6)(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, beginning January 1, 2023, patient discharge information reported by hospitals to the department must identify patients by race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, preferred language, any disability, and zip code of primary residence. The department shall provide guidance on reporting pursuant to this subsection. When requesting demographic information under this subsection, a hospital must inform patients that providing the information is voluntary. If a hospital fails to report demographic information under this subsection because a patient refused to provide the information, the department may not take any action against the hospital for failure to comply with reporting requirements or other licensing standards on that basis.
(b) The department must develop a waiver process for the requirements of (a) of this subsection for a hospital that is certified by the centers for medicare and medicaid services as a critical access hospital, is certified by the centers of medicare and medicaid services as a sole community hospital, or qualifies as a medicare dependent hospital due to economic hardship, technological limitations that are not reasonably in the control of the hospital, or other exceptional circumstance demonstrated by the hospital. The waiver must be limited to one year or less, or for any other specified time frame set by the department. Hospitals may apply for waiver extensions.
(c) Subject to funding appropriated specifically for this purpose, the department shall establish a process no later than October 1, 2022, for any hospital that is certified by the centers for medicare and medicaid services as a critical access hospital, is certified by the centers for medicare and medicaid services as a sole community hospital, or qualifies as a medicare dependent hospital, to apply for a grant to support updating the hospital's electronic health records system to comply with the requirements of this subsection, subject to the following:
(i) A hospital owned or operated by a health system that owns or operates two or more hospitals is not eligible to apply for a grant under this subsection;
(ii) In considering a hospital application, the department may consider information about the hospital's need for financial support to alter the hospital's electronic health records system, including, but not limited to, demonstrated costs necessary to update the hospital's current electronic health record system to comply with the requirements in this section and evidence of need for financial assistance. The department may provide grant amounts of varying sizes depending on the need of the applicant hospital;
(iii) A hospital that receives a grant under this section must update the hospital's electronic health records system to comply with the requirements of this section before the hospital may make other changes to its electronic health records system, except for changes that are required for security, compliance, or privacy purposes; and
(iv) A hospital that receives a grant under this section must comply with subsection (a) of this section no later than July 1, 2023.
(d) The department shall adopt rules to implement this subsection (6) no later than July 1, 2022.
(7) Beginning January 1, 2023, each hospital must report to the department, on a quarterly basis, the number of submitted and completed charity care applications that the hospital received in the prior quarter and the number of charity care applications approved in the prior quarter pursuant to the hospital's charity care policy, consistent with chapter 70.170 RCW. The department shall develop a standard form for hospitals to use in submitting information pursuant to this subsection.
(8) All persons subject to the data collection requirements of this section shall comply with departmental requirements established by rule in the acquisition of data.
(9) The department must maintain the confidentiality of patient discharge data it collects under subsections (1) and (6) of this section. Patient discharge data that includes direct and indirect identifiers is not subject to public inspection and the department may only release such data as allowed for in this section. Any agency that receives patient discharge data under (a) or (b) of this subsection must also maintain the confidentiality of the data and may not release the data except as consistent with subsection (10)(b) of this section. The department may release the data as follows:
(a) Data that includes direct and indirect patient identifiers, as specifically defined in rule, may be released to:
(i) Federal, state, and local government agencies upon receipt of a signed data use agreement with the department; and
(ii) Researchers with approval of the Washington state institutional review board upon receipt of a signed confidentiality agreement with the department.
(b) Data that does not contain direct patient identifiers but may contain indirect patient identifiers may be released to agencies, researchers, and other persons upon receipt of a signed data use agreement with the department.
(c) Data that does not contain direct or indirect patient identifiers may be released on request.
(10) Recipients of data under subsection (9)(a) and (b) of this section must agree in a written data use agreement, at a minimum, to:
(a) Take steps to protect direct and indirect patient identifying information as described in the data use agreement; and
(b) Not redisclose the data except as authorized in their data use agreement consistent with the purpose of the agreement.
(11) Recipients of data under subsection (9)(b) and (c) of this section must not attempt to determine the identity of persons whose information is included in the data set or use the data in any manner that identifies individuals or their families.
(12) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Direct patient identifier" means information that identifies a patient; and
(b) "Indirect patient identifier" means information that may identify a patient when combined with other information.
(13) The department must adopt rules necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this section. The department must consider national standards when adopting rules.
[ 2021 c 162 s 1; 2014 c 220 s 2; 2012 c 98 s 1; 1995 c 267 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2014 c 220: See note following RCW 70.02.290.
Captions not law—1995 c 267: "Captions as used in this act constitute no part of the law." [ 1995 c 267 s 16.]
Severability—1995 c 267: "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." [ 1995 c 267 s 17.]
Effective dates—1995 c 267: "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 July 1, 1995, except sections 8 through 11 of this act which shall take effect immediately [May 8, 1995]." [ 1995 c 267 s 18.]

catchline: Hospital financial and patient discharge data—Financial reports—Data retrieval—American Indian health data—Reporting—Patient discharge data—Confidentiality and protection.


title: RCW 43.70.053

text:
(1)(a) Beginning July 1, 2022, for a health system operating a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW, the health system must annually submit to the department a consolidated annual income statement and balance sheet, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, health clinics, urgent care clinics, physician groups, health-related laboratories, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, dialysis facilities, ambulance services, behavioral health settings, and virtual care entities that are operated in Washington.
(b) The state auditor's office shall provide the department with audited financial statements for all hospitals owned or operated by a public hospital district under chapter 70.44 RCW. Public hospital districts are not required to submit additional information to the department under this subsection.
(2) The department must make information submitted under this section available in the same manner as hospital financial data.
[ 2021 c 162 s 2.]

catchline: Hospital consolidated annual income—Reporting.


title: RCW 43.70.054

text:
(1) To promote the public interest consistent with chapter 267, Laws of 1995, the department of health, in cooperation with the director of Washington technology solutions established in RCW 43.105.025, shall develop health care data standards to be used by, and developed in collaboration with, consumers, purchasers, health carriers, providers, and state government as consistent with the intent of chapter 492, Laws of 1993 as amended by chapter 267, Laws of 1995, to promote the delivery of quality health services that improve health outcomes for state residents. The data standards shall include content, coding, confidentiality, and transmission standards for all health care data elements necessary to support the intent of this section, and to improve administrative efficiency and reduce cost. Purchasers, as allowed by federal law, health carriers, health facilities and providers as defined in chapter 48.43 RCW, and state government shall utilize the data standards. The information and data elements shall be reported as the department of health directs by rule in accordance with data standards developed under this section.
(2) The health care data collected, maintained, and studied by the department under this section or any other entity: (a) Shall include a method of associating all information on health care costs and services with discrete cases; (b) shall not contain any means of determining the personal identity of any enrollee, provider, or facility; (c) shall only be available for retrieval in original or processed form to public and private requesters; (d) shall be available within a reasonable period of time after the date of request; and (e) shall give strong consideration to data standards that achieve national uniformity.
(3) The cost of retrieving data for state officials and agencies shall be funded through state general appropriation. The cost of retrieving data for individuals and organizations engaged in research or private use of data or studies shall be funded by a fee schedule developed by the department that reflects the direct cost of retrieving the data or study in the requested form.
(4) All persons subject to this section shall comply with departmental requirements established by rule in the acquisition of data, however, the department shall adopt no rule or effect no policy implementing the provisions of this section without an act of law.
(5) The department shall submit developed health care data standards to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 1995.
[ 2024 c 54 s 46; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 s 408; 1997 c 274 s 2; 1995 c 267 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 1 ss 101-109, 201-224, 406-408, 410, 501-507, 601, and 602: See note following RCW 43.105.007.
Effective date—1997 c 274: See note following RCW 41.05.021.
Captions not law—Severability—Effective dates—1995 c 267: See notes following RCW 43.70.052.

catchline: Health care data standards—Submittal of standards to legislature.


title: RCW 43.70.056

text:
(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Health care-associated infection" means a localized or systemic condition that results from adverse reaction to the presence of an infectious agent or its toxins and that was not present or incubating at the time of admission to the hospital.
(b) "Hospital" means a health care facility licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW.
(2)(a) A hospital shall collect data related to health care-associated infections as required under this subsection (2) on the following:
(i) Central line-associated bloodstream infection in all hospital inpatient areas where patients normally reside at least twenty-four hours;
(ii) Surgical site infection for colon and abdominal hysterectomy procedures.
(b) The department shall, by rule, delete, add, or modify categories of reporting when the department determines that doing so is necessary to align state reporting with the reporting categories of the centers for medicare and medicaid services. The department shall begin rule making forty-five calendar days, or as soon as practicable, after the centers for medicare and medicaid services adopts changes to reporting requirements.
(c) A hospital must routinely collect and submit the data required to be collected under (a) and (b) of this subsection to the national healthcare safety network of the United States centers for disease control and prevention in accordance with national healthcare safety network definitions, methods, requirements, and procedures.
If the centers for medicare and medicaid services changes reporting from the national healthcare safety network to another database or through another process, the department shall review the new reporting database or process and consider whether it aligns with the purposes of this section.
(d) Data collection and submission required under this subsection (2) must be overseen by a qualified individual with the appropriate level of skill and knowledge to oversee data collection and submission.
(e)(i) A hospital must release to the department, or grant the department access to, its hospital-specific information contained in the reports submitted under this subsection (2), as requested by the department consistent with *RCW 70.02.050.
(ii) The hospital reports obtained by the department under this subsection (2), and any of the information contained in them, are not subject to discovery by subpoena or admissible as evidence in a civil proceeding, and are not subject to public disclosure as provided in RCW 42.56.360.
(3) The department shall:
(a) Provide oversight of the health care-associated infection reporting program established in this section;
(b) By November 1, 2013, and biennially thereafter, submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature that contains: (i) Categories of reporting currently required of hospitals under subsection (2)(a) of this section; (ii) categories of reporting the department plans to add, delete, or modify by rule; and (iii) a description of the evaluation process used under (d) of this subsection;
(c) By December 1, 2009, and by each December 1st thereafter, prepare and publish a report on the department's website that compares the health care-associated infection rates at individual hospitals in the state using the data reported in the previous calendar year pursuant to subsection (2) of this section. The department may update the reports quarterly. In developing a methodology for the report and determining its contents, the department shall consider the recommendations of the advisory committee established in subsection (5) of this section. The report is subject to the following:
(i) The report must disclose data in a format that does not release health information about any individual patient; and
(ii) The report must not include data if the department determines that a data set is too small or possesses other characteristics that make it otherwise unrepresentative of a hospital's particular ability to achieve a specific outcome;
(d) Evaluate, on a regular basis, the quality and accuracy of health care-associated infection reporting required under subsection (2) of this section and the data collection, analysis, and reporting methodologies; and
(e) Provide assistance to hospitals with the reporting requirements of this chapter including definitions of required reporting elements.
(4) The department may respond to requests for data and other information from the data required to be reported under subsection (2) of this section, at the requestor's expense, for special studies and analysis consistent with requirements for confidentiality of patient records.
(5)(a) The department shall establish an advisory committee which may include members representing infection control professionals and epidemiologists, licensed health care providers, nursing staff, organizations that represent health care providers and facilities, health maintenance organizations, health care payers and consumers, and the department. The advisory committee shall make recommendations to assist the department in carrying out its responsibilities under this section, including making recommendations on allowing a hospital to review and verify data to be released in the report and on excluding from the report selected data from certified critical access hospitals.
(b) In developing its recommendations, the advisory committee shall consider methodologies and practices related to health care-associated infections of the United States centers for disease control and prevention, the centers for medicare and medicaid services, the joint commission, the national quality forum, the institute for healthcare improvement, and other relevant organizations.
(6) The department shall adopt rules as necessary to carry out its responsibilities under this section.
[ 2013 c 319 s 2; 2013 c 319 s 1; 2010 c 113 s 1; 2009 c 244 s 2; 2007 c 261 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 70.02.050 was amended by 2013 c 200 s 3, eliminating many of the provisions relating to disclosure of health care information without patient's authorization, effective July 1, 2014. See RCW 70.02.200 through 70.02.260.
Effective date—2013 c 319 s 2: "Section 2 of this act takes effect July 1, 2017." [ 2013 c 319 s 4.]
Effective date—2010 c 113: "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 takes effect immediately [March 18, 2010]." [ 2010 c 113 s 2.]
Findings—2007 c 261: "The legislature finds that each year health care-associated infections affect two million Americans. These infections result in the unnecessary death of ninety thousand patients and costs the health care system 4.5 billion dollars. Hospitals should be implementing evidence-based measures to reduce hospital-acquired infections. The legislature further finds the public should have access to data on outcome measures regarding hospital-acquired infections. Data reporting should be consistent with national hospital reporting standards." [ 2007 c 261 s 1.]

catchline: Health care-associated infections—Data collection and reporting—Advisory committee—Rules.