title: RCW 70.02.260

text:
(1)(a) A mental health service agency shall release to the persons authorized under subsection (2) of this section, upon request:
(i) The fact, place, and date of an involuntary commitment, the fact and date of discharge or release, and the last known address of a person who has been committed under chapter 71.05 or 71.34 RCW.
(ii) Information and records related to mental health services, in the format determined under subsection (9) of this section, concerning a person who:
(A) Is currently committed to the custody or supervision of the department of corrections or the indeterminate sentence review board under chapter 9.94A or 9.95 RCW;
(B) Has been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of a serious violent offense; or
(C) Was charged with a serious violent offense and the charges were dismissed under RCW 10.77.645.
(b) Legal counsel for the mental health service agency, including a county prosecutor or assistant attorney general who represents the mental health service agency for the purpose of involuntary commitment proceedings, may release this information on behalf of the mental health service agency.
(c) Nothing in this subsection requires the disclosure of attorney work product or attorney-client privileged information.
(2) The information subject to release under subsection (1) of this section must be released to law enforcement officers, city or county prosecuting attorneys, personnel of a county, city, or tribal jail or tribal detention or holding facility, designated mental health professionals or designated crisis responders, as appropriate, public health officers, therapeutic court personnel as defined in RCW 71.05.020, or personnel of the department of corrections, including the indeterminate sentence review board and personnel assigned to perform board-related duties, when such information is requested during the course of business and for the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities of the requesting person's office. No mental health service agency or person employed by a mental health service agency, or its legal counsel, may be liable for information released to or used under the provisions of this section or rules adopted under this section except under RCW 71.05.680.
(3) A person who requests information under subsection (1)(a)(ii) of this section must comply with the following restrictions:
(a) Information must be requested only for the purposes permitted by this subsection and for the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities of the requesting person's office. Appropriate purposes for requesting information under this section include:
(i) Completing presentence investigations or risk assessment reports;
(ii) Assessing a person's risk to the community;
(iii) Assessing a person's risk of harm to self or others when confined in a city or county jail;
(iv) Planning for and provision of supervision of an offender, including decisions related to sanctions for violations of conditions of community supervision; and
(v) Responding to an offender's failure to report for department of corrections supervision; and
(vi) Assessing the need for an extreme risk protection order under chapter 7.105 RCW;
(b) Information may not be requested under this section unless the requesting person has reasonable suspicion that the individual who is the subject of the information:
(i) Has engaged in activity indicating that a crime or a violation of community custody or parole has been committed or, based upon his or her current or recent past behavior, is likely to be committed in the near future; or
(ii) Is exhibiting signs of a deterioration in mental functioning which may make the individual appropriate for civil commitment under chapter 71.05 or 71.34 RCW, or which is associated with a recent detention or order of commitment under chapter 71.05 or 71.34 RCW or an order of commitment or dismissal of charges under chapter 10.77 RCW; and
(c) Any information received under this section must be held confidential and subject to the limitations on disclosure outlined in this chapter, except:
(i) The information may be shared with other persons who have the right to request similar information under subsection (2) of this section, solely for the purpose of coordinating activities related to the individual who is the subject of the information in a manner consistent with the official responsibilities of the persons involved;
(ii) The information may be shared with a prosecuting attorney who is acting in an advisory capacity for a person who receives information under this section or who is carrying out other official duties within the scope of this section. A prosecuting attorney under this subsection is subject to the same restrictions and confidentiality limitations as the person who requested the information; and
(iii) As provided in RCW 72.09.585.
(4) A request for information and records related to mental health services under this section does not require the consent of the subject of the records. The request must be provided in writing, except to the extent authorized in subsection (5) of this section. A written request may include requests made by email or facsimile so long as the requesting person is clearly identified. The request must specify the information being requested.
(5) In the event of an emergency situation that poses a significant risk to the public or the offender, a mental health service agency, or its legal counsel, shall release information related to mental health services delivered to the offender and, if known, information regarding where the offender is likely to be found to the department of corrections or law enforcement upon request. The initial request may be written or oral. All oral requests must be subsequently confirmed in writing. Information released in response to an oral request is limited to a statement as to whether the offender is or is not being treated by the mental health service agency and the address or information about the location or whereabouts of the offender.
(6) Disclosure under this section to state or local law enforcement authorities is mandatory for the purposes of the federal health insurance portability and accountability act.
(7) Whenever federal law or federal regulations restrict the release of information contained in the treatment records of any patient who receives treatment for alcoholism or drug dependency, the release of the information may be restricted as necessary to comply with federal law and regulations.
(8) This section does not modify the terms and conditions of disclosure of information related to sexually transmitted diseases under this chapter.
(9) In collaboration with interested organizations, the authority shall develop a standard form for requests for information related to mental health services made under this section and a standard format for information provided in response to the requests. Consistent with the goals of the health information privacy provisions of the federal health insurance portability and accountability act, in developing the standard form for responsive information, the authority shall design the form in such a way that the information disclosed is limited to the minimum necessary to serve the purpose for which the information is requested.
[ 2024 c 290 s 6; 2024 c 209 s 34; 2018 c 201 s 8005; 2013 c 200 s 10.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2024 c 209 s 34 and by 2024 c 290 s 6, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Mental health services—Requests for information and records.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 70.02.265

text:
(1)(a) When an adolescent voluntarily consents to his or her own mental health treatment under RCW 71.34.500 or 71.34.530, a mental health professional shall not proactively exercise his or her discretion under RCW 70.02.240 to release information or records related to solely mental health services received by the adolescent to a parent of the adolescent, beyond any notification required under RCW 71.34.510, unless the adolescent states a clear desire to do so which is documented by the mental health professional, except in situations concerning an imminent threat to the health and safety of the adolescent or others, or as otherwise may be required by law.
(b) In the event a mental health professional discloses information or releases records, or both, that relate solely to mental health services of an adolescent, to a parent pursuant to RCW 70.02.240(3), the mental health professional must provide notice of this disclosure to the adolescent and the adolescent must have a reasonable opportunity to express any concerns about this disclosure to the mental health professional prior to the disclosure of the information or records related solely to mental health services. The mental health professional shall document any objections to disclosure in the adolescent's medical record if the mental health professional subsequently discloses information or records related solely to mental health services over the objection of the adolescent.
(2) When an adolescent receives a mental health evaluation or treatment at the direction of a parent under RCW 71.34.600 through 71.34.670, the mental health professional is encouraged to exercise his or her discretion under RCW 70.02.240 to proactively release to the parent such information and records related to solely mental health services received by the adolescent, excluding psychotherapy notes, that are necessary to assist the parent in understanding the nature of the evaluation or treatment and in supporting their child. Such information includes:
(a) Diagnosis;
(b) Treatment plan and progress in treatment;
(c) Recommended medications, including risks, benefits, side effects, typical efficacy, dose, and schedule;
(d) Psychoeducation about the child's mental health;
(e) Referrals to community resources;
(f) Coaching on parenting or behavioral management strategies; and
(g) Crisis prevention planning and safety planning.
(3) If, after receiving a request from a parent for release of mental health treatment information relating to an adolescent, the mental health professional determines that disclosure of information or records related solely to mental health services pursuant to RCW 70.02.240(3) would be detrimental to the adolescent and declines to disclose such information or records, the mental health professional shall document the reasons for the lack of disclosure in the adolescent's medical record.
(4) Information or records about an adolescent's substance use disorder evaluation or treatment may be provided to a parent without the written consent of the adolescent only if permitted by federal law. A mental health professional or chemical dependency professional providing substance use disorder evaluation or treatment to an adolescent may seek the written consent of the adolescent to provide substance use disorder treatment information or records to a parent when the mental health professional or chemical dependency professional determines that both seeking the written consent and sharing the substance use disorder treatment information or records of the adolescent would not be detrimental to the adolescent.
(5) A mental health professional providing inpatient or outpatient mental health evaluation or treatment is not civilly liable for the decision to disclose information or records related to solely mental health services or not disclose such information or records so long as the decision was reached in good faith and without gross negligence.
(6) A chemical dependency professional or mental health professional providing inpatient or outpatient substance use disorder evaluation or treatment is not civilly liable for the decision to disclose information or records related to substance use disorder treatment information with the written consent of the adolescent or to not disclose such information or records to a parent without an adolescent's consent pursuant to this section so long as the decision was reached in good faith and without gross negligence.
(7) For purposes of this section, "adolescent" means a minor thirteen years of age or older.
[ 2019 c 381 s 18.]
Notes:
Short title—2019 c 381: See note following RCW 71.34.500.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Adolescent behavioral health services—Disclosure of treatment information and records—Restrictions and requirements—Immunity from liability.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 70.02.270

text:
(1) No person who receives health care information for health care education, or to provide planning, quality assurance, peer review, or administrative, legal, financial, or actuarial services, or other health care operations for or on behalf of a health care provider or health care facility, may use or disclose any health care information received from the health care provider or health care facility in any manner that would violate the requirements of this chapter if performed by the health care provider or health care facility.
(2) A health care provider or health care facility that has a contractual relationship with a person to provide services described under subsection (1) of this section may terminate the contractual relationship with the person if the health care provider or health care facility learns that the person has engaged in a pattern of activity that violates the person's duties under subsection (1) of this section, unless the person took reasonable steps to correct the breach of confidentiality or has discontinued the violating activity.
[ 2014 c 220 s 10; 2013 c 200 s 11.]
Notes:
Effective date—2014 c 220: See note following RCW 70.02.290.
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Health care information—Use or disclosure prohibited.


title: RCW 70.02.280

text:
A health care provider, health care facility, and their assistants, employees, agents, and contractors may not:
(1) Use or disclose health care information for marketing or fund-raising purposes, unless permitted by federal law; or
(2) Sell health care information to a third party, except:
(a) For purposes of treatment or payment;
(b) For purposes of sale, transfer, merger, or consolidation of a business;
(c) For purposes of remuneration to a third party for services;
(d) As disclosures are required by law;
(e) For purposes of providing access to or accounting of disclosures to an individual;
(f) For public health purposes;
(g) For research;
(h) With an individual's authorization;
(i) Where a reasonable cost-based fee is paid to prepare and transmit health information, where authority to disclose the information is provided in this chapter; or
(j) In a format that is deidentified and aggregated.
[ 2014 c 220 s 11; 2013 c 200 s 12.]
Notes:
Effective date—2014 c 220: See note following RCW 70.02.290.
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Health care providers and facilities—Prohibited actions.


title: RCW 70.02.290

text:
(1) All state or local agencies obtaining patient health care information pursuant to RCW 70.02.050 and 70.02.200 through 70.02.240 that are not health care facilities or providers shall adopt rules establishing their record acquisition, retention, destruction, and security policies that are consistent with this chapter.
(2) State and local agencies that are not health care facilities or providers that have not requested health care information and are not authorized to receive this information under this chapter:
(a) Must not use or disclose this information unless permitted under this chapter; and
(b) Must destroy the information in accordance with the policy developed under subsection (1) of this section or return the information to the entity that provided the information to the state or local agency if the entity is a health care facility or provider and subject to this chapter.
(3) A person who has health care information disclosed in violation of subsection (2)(a) of this section, must be informed of the disclosure by the state or local agency improperly making the disclosure. State and local agencies that are not health care facilities or providers must develop a policy to establish a reasonable notification period and what information must be included in the notice, including whether the name of the entity that originally provided the information to the agency must be included.
(4) Rules or policies adopted under this section must be available through each agency's website.
[ 2014 c 220 s 1; 2013 c 200 s 13.]
Notes:
Effective date—2014 c 220: "Sections 1 through 7 and 9 through *16 of this act take effect July 1, 2014." [ 2014 c 220 s 17.]
*Reviser's note: 2014 c 220 s 16 was vetoed.
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Agency rule-making requirements—Use/destruction of health care information by certain state and local agencies—Unauthorized disclosure—Notice—Rules/policies available on agency's website.


title: RCW 70.02.300

text:
Whenever disclosure is made of information and records related to sexually transmitted diseases pursuant to this chapter, except for RCW 70.02.050(1)(a) and 70.02.220 (2) (a) and (b) and (7), it must be accompanied by a statement in writing which includes the following or substantially similar language: "This information has been disclosed to you from records whose confidentiality is protected by state law. State law prohibits you from making any further disclosure of it without the specific written authorization of the person to whom it pertains, or as otherwise permitted by state law. A general authorization for the release of medical or other information is NOT sufficient for this purpose." An oral disclosure must be accompanied or followed by such a notice within ten days.
[ 2013 c 200 s 14.]
Notes:
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Sexually transmitted diseases—Required statement upon disclosure.


title: RCW 70.02.310

text:
(1) Resource management services shall establish procedures to provide reasonable and timely access to information and records related to mental health services for an individual. However, access may not be denied at any time to records of all medications and somatic treatments received by the person.
(2) Following discharge, a person who has received mental health services has a right to a complete record of all medications and somatic treatments prescribed during evaluation, admission, or commitment and to a copy of the discharge summary prepared at the time of his or her discharge. A reasonable and uniform charge for reproduction may be assessed.
(3) Information and records related to mental health services may be modified prior to inspection to protect the confidentiality of other patients or the names of any other persons referred to in the record who gave information on the condition that his or her identity remain confidential. Entire documents may not be withheld to protect such confidentiality.
(4) At the time of discharge resource management services shall inform all persons who have received mental health services of their rights as provided in this chapter and RCW 71.05.620.
[ 2014 c 220 s 12; 2013 c 200 s 15.]
Notes:
Effective date—2014 c 220: See note following RCW 70.02.290.
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Mental health services—Information and records.


title: RCW 70.02.320

text:
When disclosure of information and records related to mental services pertaining to a minor, as defined in RCW 71.34.020, is made, the date and circumstances under which the disclosure was made, the name or names of the persons or agencies to whom such disclosure was made and their relationship if any, to the minor, and the information disclosed must be entered promptly in the minor's clinical record.
[ 2013 c 200 s 16.]
Notes:
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Mental health services—Minors—Prompt entry in record upon disclosure.


title: RCW 70.02.330

text:
Any person who requests or obtains confidential information and records related to mental health services pursuant to this chapter under false pretenses is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2013 c 200 s 17.]
Notes:
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Obtaining confidential records under false pretenses—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.02.340

text:
The authority shall adopt rules related to the disclosure of information and records related to mental health services.
[ 2018 c 201 s 8006; 2014 c 220 s 13; 2013 c 200 s 18.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Effective date—2014 c 220: See note following RCW 70.02.290.
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Disclosure of information and records related to mental health services—Agency rule-making authority.


title: RCW 70.02.350

text:
In addition to any other information required to be released under this chapter, the department of social and health services and the authority are authorized, pursuant to RCW 4.24.550, to release relevant information that is necessary to protect the public, concerning a specific person committed under RCW * 71.05.280(3) or ** 71.05.320(3)(c) following dismissal of a sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.
[ 2018 c 201 s 8007; 2013 c 200 s 19.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 71.05.280 was amended by 2013 c 289 s 4, substantially modifying the provisions of subsection (3).
**(2) RCW 71.05.320 was amended by 2013 c 289 s 5, substantially modifying the provisions of subsection (3)(c). RCW 71.05.320 was subsequently amended by 2015 c 250 s 11, changing subsection (3) to subsection (4).
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.

catchline: Release of information to protect the public.


title: RCW 70.02.360

text:
A disclosure authorization to a health care provider or health care facility authorizing disclosure of information to law enforcement regarding a forensic examination performed for the purposes of gathering evidence for possible prosecution of a criminal offense must be valid until the end of all related criminal proceedings or a later event selected by the provider, facility, patient, or patient's representative, unless the patient or patient's representative requests a different expiration date or event for the disclosure authorization.
[ 2023 c 197 s 9.]

catchline: Disclosure authorizations for forensic examinations—Duration.


title: RCW 70.02.370

text:
(1) A health care provider shall provide a certification of a serious health condition required by chapter 50A.15 RCW for qualifying a patient for paid family or medical leave, including any required documentation of a serious health condition, within seven calendar days of receipt of a request and authorization from the patient. Nothing in this section requires a provider to complete a certification for a serious health condition for which the provider does not have the necessary patient information.
(2) If a health care facility requires administrative review of information or documentation required by chapter 50A.15 RCW prior to allowing a provider to submit the certification of a serious health condition, then the facility shall implement and maintain policies and practices in conformance with subsection (1) of this section.
(3) A health care provider or health care facility may not charge a fee for the execution of a certification of a serious health condition under this section. This does not prohibit or limit the ability of a health care provider to charge a fee associated with any office visit necessary for evaluating the patient.
[ 2024 c 150 s 1.]

catchline: Certification of serious health conditions for paid family or medical leave qualification.


title: RCW 70.02.900

text:
(1) This chapter does not restrict a health care provider, a third-party payor, or an insurer regulated under Title 48 RCW from complying with obligations imposed by federal or state health care payment programs or federal or state law.
(2) This chapter does not modify the terms and conditions of disclosure under Title 51 RCW and chapters 13.50, 26.09, 70.24, *70.96A, and 74.09 RCW and rules adopted under these provisions.
[ 2013 c 200 s 20; 2011 c 305 s 10; 2000 c 5 s 4; 1991 c 335 s 901.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: Chapter 70.96A RCW was repealed and/or recodified in its entirety pursuant to 2016 sp.s. c 29 ss 301, 601, and 701.
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.
Findings—2011 c 305: See note following RCW 74.09.295.
Intent—Purpose—2000 c 5: See RCW 48.43.500.
Application—Short title—Captions not law—Construction—Severability—Application to contracts—Effective dates—2000 c 5: See notes following RCW 48.43.500.

catchline: Conflicting laws.


title: RCW 70.02.901

text:
This act shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this act among states enacting it.
[ 1991 c 335 s 903.]

catchline: Application and construction—1991 c 335.


title: RCW 70.02.902

text:
This act may be cited as the uniform health care information act.
[ 1991 c 335 s 904.]

catchline: Short title.


title: RCW 70.02.905

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 149.]

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


title: RCW 70.03.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Department" means the department of health.
(2) "Health care entity" means an entity that supervises, controls, grants privileges to, directs the practice of, or directly or indirectly restricts the practice of, a health care provider.
(3) "Health care provider" has the same meaning as in RCW 70.02.010.
(4) "Medically accurate" means information that is verified or supported by research in compliance with scientific methods, is published in peer-reviewed journals, where appropriate, and is recognized as accurate and objective by professional organizations and agencies with expertise in the relevant field.
[ 2020 c 102 s 1.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 70.03.020

text:
(1) If a health care provider is acting in good faith, within the provider's scope of practice, education, training, and experience, including specialty areas of practice and board certification, and within the accepted standard of care, a health care entity may not:
(a) Limit the health care provider's provision of:
(i) Medically accurate and comprehensive information and counseling to a patient regarding the patient's health status including, but not limited to, diagnosis, prognosis, recommended treatment, treatment alternatives, and any potential risks to the patient's health or life; and
(ii) Information about available services and about what relevant resources are available in the community and how to access those resources for obtaining the care of the patient's choice;
(b) Limit the health care provider's provision of information about and regarding Washington's death with dignity act, chapter 70.245 RCW, information about what relevant resources are available in the community, and how to access those resources for obtaining the care of the patient's choice.
(2) A health care entity may not discharge, demote, suspend, discipline, or otherwise discriminate against a health care provider for providing information in compliance with this section.
(3) If any part of this section is found to be in conflict with federal requirements which are a prescribed condition to the receipts of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this section is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict with respect to the agencies directly affected, and such finding or determination shall not affect the operation of the remainder of the section.
[ 2020 c 102 s 2.]

catchline: Providing medical information to patients.


title: RCW 70.03.030

text:
A health care entity must provide the information prepared by the department under RCW 43.70.810(1) at the time of hiring, contracting with, or privileging health care providers and staff, and on a yearly basis thereafter. Hospitals must also provide information to clearly inform health care providers and staff of the provisions of the federal emergency medical treatment and labor act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395dd), including obligations to screen, stabilize, and transfer patients, at the time of hiring, contracting with, or privileging health care providers and staff, and on a yearly basis thereafter.
[ 2020 c 102 s 3.]

catchline: Information for health care providers and staff.


title: RCW 70.05.010

text:
For the purposes of chapters 70.05 and 70.46 RCW and unless the context thereof clearly indicates to the contrary:
(1) "Local health departments" means the county or district which provides public health services to persons within the area.
(2) "Local health officer" means the legally qualified physician who has been appointed as the health officer for the county or district public health department.
(3) "Local board of health" means the county or district board of health.
(4) "Health district" means all the territory consisting of one or more counties organized pursuant to the provisions of chapters 70.05 and 70.46 RCW.
(5) "Department" means the department of health.
[ 1993 c 492 s 234; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 1.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.
Severability—1967 ex.s. c 51: "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." [ 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 24.]


title: RCW 70.05.030

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, for counties without a home rule charter, the board of county commissioners and the members selected under (a) and (e) of this subsection, shall constitute the local board of health, unless the county is part of a health district pursuant to chapter 70.46 RCW. For counties without a home rule charter where the board of county commissioners is comprised of five commissioners, the board of county commissioners may adopt an ordinance reducing the number of county commissioners that are members of the local board of health, provided that the board of health includes at least one county commissioner. The jurisdiction of the local board of health shall be coextensive with the boundaries of the county.
(a) The remaining board members must be persons who are not elected officials and must be selected from the following categories consistent with the requirements of this section and the rules adopted by the state board of health under RCW 43.20.300:
(i) Public health, health care facilities, and providers. This category consists of persons practicing or employed in the county who are:
(A) Medical ethicists;
(B) Epidemiologists;
(C) Experienced in environmental public health, such as a registered sanitarian;
(D) Community health workers;
(E) Holders of master's degrees or higher in public health or the equivalent;
(F) Employees of a hospital located in the county; or
(G) Any of the following providers holding an active or retired license in good standing under Title 18 RCW:
(I) Physicians or osteopathic physicians;
(II) Advanced practice registered nurses;
(III) Physician assistants or osteopathic physician assistants;
(IV) Registered nurses;
(V) Dentists;
(VI) Naturopaths; or
(VII) Pharmacists;
(ii) Consumers of public health. This category consists of county residents who have self-identified as having faced significant health inequities or as having lived experiences with public health-related programs such as: The special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children; the supplemental nutrition program; home visiting; or treatment services. It is strongly encouraged that individuals from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities are given preference. These individuals may not be elected officials and may not have any fiduciary obligation to a health facility or other health agency, and may not have a material financial interest in the rendering of health services; and
(iii) Other community stakeholders. This category consists of persons representing the following types of organizations located in the county:
(A) Community-based organizations or nonprofits that work with populations experiencing health inequities in the county;
(B) Active, reserve, or retired armed services members;
(C) The business community; or
(D) The environmental public health regulated community.
(b) The board members selected under (a) of this subsection must be approved by a majority vote of the board of county commissioners.
(c) If the number of board members selected under (a) of this subsection is evenly divisible by three, there must be an equal number of members selected from each of the three categories. If there are one or two members over the nearest multiple of three, those members may be selected from any of the three categories. However, if the board of health demonstrates that it attempted to recruit members from all three categories and was unable to do so, the board may select members only from the other two categories.
(d) There may be no more than one member selected under (a) of this subsection from one type of background or position.
(e) If a federally recognized Indian tribe holds reservation or trust lands within the county, or if an urban Indian organization recognized by the Indian health service and registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in Washington that serves American Indian and Alaska Native people provides services within the county, the board of health must allow a tribal representative from each tribe and each organization, as selected by such tribe or organization, to serve as a member and must notify the American Indian health commission.
(f) The board of county commissioners may, at its discretion, adopt an ordinance expanding the size and composition of the board of health to include elected officials from cities and towns and persons other than elected officials as members so long as the city and county elected officials do not constitute a majority of the total membership of the board.
(g) Except as provided in (a) and (e) of this subsection, an ordinance adopted under this section shall include provisions for the appointment, term, and compensation, or reimbursement of expenses.
(h) The jurisdiction of the local board of health shall be coextensive with the boundaries of the county.
(i) The local health officer, as described in RCW 70.05.050, shall be appointed by the official designated under the provisions of the county charter. The same official designated under the provisions of the county charter may appoint an administrative officer, as described in RCW 70.05.045.
(j) The number of members selected or included under (a) and (e) of this subsection must equal the number of city and county elected officials on the board of health. If a member is added under (e) of this subsection, the board of county commissioners shall modify the membership of the board:
(i) In compliance with timelines established by the state board of health in rule once such rules are in effect; and
(ii) Until the rules in (j)(i) of this subsection are in effect, within 60 days of receipt of notice of the selection of a tribal representative.
(k) At the first meeting of a district board of health the members shall elect a chair to serve for a period of one year.
(l) Any decision by the board of health related to the setting or modification of permit, licensing, and application fees may only be determined by the city and county elected officials on the board.
(2) A local board of health comprised solely of elected officials may retain this composition if the local health jurisdiction had a public health advisory committee or board with its own bylaws established on January 1, 2021. By January 1, 2022, the public health advisory committee or board must meet the requirements established in RCW 70.46.140 for community health advisory boards. Any future changes to local board of health composition must meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2025 c 260 s 1; 2024 c 37 s 1; 2021 c 205 s 3; 1995 c 43 s 6; 1993 c 492 s 235; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 3.]
Notes:
Rule making—2025 c 260: "The state board of health shall adopt rules establishing timelines for modifying the membership of a local board of health as required by sections 1 through 4 of this act, which must go into effect no later than one year after July 27, 2025." [ 2025 c 260 s 5.]
Effective date—2021 c 205 ss 3-6: "Sections 3 through 6 of this act take effect July 1, 2022." [ 2021 c 205 s 9.]
Finding—2021 c 205: See note following RCW 43.70.675.
Effective dates—Contingent effective dates—1995 c 43: "(1) Sections 15 and 16 of this act are 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 June 30, 1995.
(2) Sections 1 through 5, 12, and 13 of this act are 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.
(3) Section 9 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [April 17, 1995].
(4) *Sections 6 through 8, 10, and 11 of this act take effect January 1, 1996, if funding of at least two million two hundred fifty thousand dollars, is provided by June 30, 1995, in the 1995 omnibus appropriations act or as a result of the passage of Senate Bill No. 6058, to implement the changes in public health governance as outlined in this act. If such funding is not provided, sections 6 through 8, 10, and 11 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1998." [ 1995 c 43 s 17.]
*Reviser's note: The 1995 omnibus appropriations act, chapter 18, Laws of 1995 2nd sp. sess. provided two million two hundred fifty thousand dollars.
Severability—1995 c 43: See note following RCW 43.70.570.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Counties—Local board of health—Jurisdiction.


title: RCW 70.05.035

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, for home rule charter counties, the county legislative authority shall establish a local board of health and may prescribe the membership and selection process for the board. The membership of the local board of health must also include the members selected under (a) and (e) of this subsection.
(a) The remaining board members must be persons who are not elected officials and must be selected from the following categories consistent with the requirements of this section and the rules adopted by the state board of health under RCW 43.20.300:
(i) Public health, health care facilities, and providers. This category consists of persons practicing or employed in the county who are:
(A) Medical ethicists;
(B) Epidemiologists;
(C) Experienced in environmental public health, such as a registered sanitarian;
(D) Community health workers;
(E) Holders of master's degrees or higher in public health or the equivalent;
(F) Employees of a hospital located in the county; or
(G) Any of the following providers holding an active or retired license in good standing under Title 18 RCW:
(I) Physicians or osteopathic physicians;
(II) Advanced practice registered nurses;
(III) Physician assistants or osteopathic physician assistants;
(IV) Registered nurses;
(V) Dentists;
(VI) Naturopaths; or
(VII) Pharmacists;
(ii) Consumers of public health. This category consists of county residents who have self-identified as having faced significant health inequities or as having lived experiences with public health-related programs such as: The special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children; the supplemental nutrition program; home visiting; or treatment services. It is strongly encouraged that individuals from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities are given preference. These individuals may not be elected officials and may not have any fiduciary obligation to a health facility or other health agency, and may not have a material financial interest in the rendering of health services; and
(iii) Other community stakeholders. This category consists of persons representing the following types of organizations located in the county:
(A) Community-based organizations or nonprofits that work with populations experiencing health inequities in the county;
(B) Active, reserve, or retired armed services members;
(C) The business community; or
(D) The environmental public health regulated community.
(b) The board members selected under (a) of this subsection must be approved by a majority vote of the board of county commissioners.
(c) If the number of board members selected under (a) of this subsection is evenly divisible by three, there must be an equal number of members selected from each of the three categories. If there are one or two members over the nearest multiple of three, those members may be selected from any of the three categories. However, if the board of health demonstrates that it attempted to recruit members from all three categories and was unable to do so, the board may select members only from the other two categories.
(d) There may be no more than one member selected under (a) of this subsection from one type of background or position.
(e) If a federally recognized Indian tribe holds reservation or trust lands within the county, or if an urban Indian organization recognized by the Indian health service and registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in Washington that serves American Indian and Alaska Native people provides services within the county, the board of health must allow a tribal representative from each tribe and each organization, as selected by such tribe or organization, to serve as a member and must notify the American Indian health commission.
(f) The county legislative authority may appoint to the board of health elected officials from cities and towns and persons other than elected officials as members so long as the city and county elected officials do not constitute a majority of the total membership of the board.
(g) Except as provided in (a) and (e) of this subsection, the county legislative authority shall specify the appointment, term, and compensation or reimbursement of expenses.
(h) The jurisdiction of the local board of health shall be coextensive with the boundaries of the county.
(i) The local health officer, as described in RCW 70.05.050, shall be appointed by the official designated under the provisions of the county charter. The same official designated under the provisions of the county charter may appoint an administrative officer, as described in RCW 70.05.045.
(j) The number of members selected or included under (a) and (e) of this subsection must equal the number of city and county elected officials on the board of health. If a member is added under (e) of this subsection, the county legislative authority shall modify the membership of the board:
(i) In compliance with timelines established by the state board of health in rule once such rules are in effect; and
(ii) Until the rules in (j)(i) of this subsection are in effect, within 60 days of receipt of notice of the selection of a tribal representative.
(k) At the first meeting of a district board of health the members shall elect a chair to serve for a period of one year.
(l) Any decision by the board of health related to the setting or modification of permit, licensing, and application fees may only be determined by the city and county elected officials on the board.
(2) A local board of health comprised solely of elected officials may retain this composition if the local health jurisdiction had a public health advisory committee or board with its own bylaws established on January 1, 2021. By January 1, 2022, the public health advisory committee or board must meet the requirements established in RCW 70.46.140 for community health advisory boards. Any future changes to local board of health composition must meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2025 c 260 s 2; 2021 c 205 s 4; 1995 c 43 s 7; 1993 c 492 s 237.]
Notes:
Rule making—2025 c 260: See note following RCW 70.05.030.
Effective date—2021 c 205 ss 3-6: See note following RCW 70.05.030.
Finding—2021 c 205: See note following RCW 43.70.675.
Effective dates—Contingent effective dates—1995 c 43: See note following RCW 70.05.030.
Severability—1995 c 43: See note following RCW 43.70.570.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Home rule charter counties—Local board of health.


title: RCW 70.05.040

text:
The local board of health shall elect a chair and may appoint an administrative officer. A local health officer shall be appointed pursuant to RCW 70.05.050. Vacancies on the local board of health shall be filled by appointment within thirty days and made in the same manner as was the original appointment. At the first meeting of the local board of health, the members shall elect a chair to serve for a period of one year.
[ 1993 c 492 s 236; 1984 c 25 s 1; 1983 1st ex.s. c 39 s 1; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Local board of health—Chair—Administrative officer—Vacancies.


title: RCW 70.05.045

text:
The administrative officer shall act as executive secretary and administrative officer for the local board of health, and shall be responsible for administering the operations of the board including such other administrative duties required by the local health board, except for duties assigned to the health officer as enumerated in RCW 70.05.070 and other applicable state law.
[ 1984 c 25 s 2.]


title: RCW 70.05.050

text:
The local health officer shall be an experienced physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in this state and who is qualified or provisionally qualified in accordance with the standards prescribed in RCW 70.05.051 through 70.05.055 to hold the office of local health officer. No term of office shall be established for the local health officer but the local health officer shall not be removed until after notice is given, and an opportunity for a hearing before the board or official responsible for his or her appointment under this section as to the reason for his or her removal. The local health officer shall act as executive secretary to, and administrative officer for the local board of health and shall also be empowered to employ such technical and other personnel as approved by the local board of health except where the local board of health has appointed an administrative officer under RCW 70.05.040. The local health officer shall be paid such salary and allowed such expenses as shall be determined by the local board of health. In home rule counties that are part of a health district under this chapter and chapter 70.46 RCW the local health officer and administrative officer shall be appointed by the local board of health.
[ 1996 c 178 s 19; 1995 c 43 s 8; 1993 c 492 s 238; 1984 c 25 s 5; 1983 1st ex.s. c 39 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 114 s 1; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective date—1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.
Effective dates—Contingent effective dates—1995 c 43: See note following RCW 70.05.030.
Severability—1995 c 43: See note following RCW 43.70.570.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Local health officer—Qualifications—Employment of personnel—Salary and expenses.


title: RCW 70.05.051

text:
The following persons holding licenses as required by RCW 70.05.050 shall be deemed qualified to hold the position of local health officer:
(1) Persons holding the degree of master of public health or its equivalent;
(2) Persons not meeting the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, who upon August 11, 1969 are currently employed in this state as a local health officer and whom the secretary of social and health services recommends in writing to the local board of health as qualified; and
(3) Persons qualified by virtue of completing three years of service as a provisionally qualified officer pursuant to RCW 70.05.053 through 70.05.055.
[ 1979 c 141 s 75; 1969 ex.s. c 114 s 2.]

catchline: Local health officer—Qualifications.


title: RCW 70.05.053

text:
A person holding a license required by RCW 70.05.050 but not meeting any of the requirements for qualification prescribed by RCW 70.05.051 may be appointed by the board or official responsible for appointing the local health officer under RCW 70.05.050 as a provisionally qualified local health officer for a maximum period of three years upon the following conditions and in accordance with the following procedures:
(1) He or she shall participate in an in-service orientation to the field of public health as provided in RCW 70.05.054, and
(2) He or she shall satisfy the secretary of health pursuant to the periodic interviews prescribed by RCW 70.05.055 that he or she has successfully completed such in-service orientation and is conducting such program of good health practices as may be required by the jurisdictional area concerned.
[ 1991 c 3 s 305; 1983 1st ex.s. c 39 s 3; 1979 c 141 s 76; 1969 ex.s. c 114 s 3.]

catchline: Provisionally qualified local health officers—Appointment—Term—Requirements.


title: RCW 70.05.054

text:
The secretary of health shall provide an in-service public health orientation program for the benefit of provisionally qualified local health officers.
Such program shall consist of—
(1) A three months course in public health training conducted by the secretary either in the state department of health, in a county and/or city health department, in a local health district, or in an institution of higher education; or
(2) An on-the-job, self-training program pursuant to a standardized syllabus setting forth the major duties of a local health officer including the techniques and practices of public health principles expected of qualified local health officers: PROVIDED, That each provisionally qualified local health officer may choose which type of training he or she shall pursue.
[ 1991 c 3 s 306; 1979 c 141 s 77; 1969 ex.s. c 114 s 4.]

catchline: Provisionally qualified local health officers—In-service public health orientation program.


title: RCW 70.05.055

text:
Each year, on a date which shall be as near as possible to the anniversary date of appointment as provisional local health officer, the secretary of health or his or her designee shall personally visit such provisional officer's office for a personal review and discussion of the activity, plans, and study being carried on relative to the provisional officer's jurisdictional area: PROVIDED, That the third such interview shall occur three months prior to the end of the three year provisional term. A standardized checklist shall be used for all such interviews, but such checklist shall not constitute a grading sheet or evaluation form for use in the ultimate decision of qualification of the provisional appointee as a public health officer.
Copies of the results of each interview shall be supplied to the provisional officer within two weeks following each such interview.
Following the third such interview, the secretary shall evaluate the provisional local health officer's in-service performance and shall notify such officer by certified mail of his or her decision whether or not to qualify such officer as a local public health officer. Such notice shall be mailed at least sixty days prior to the third anniversary date of provisional appointment. Failure to so mail such notice shall constitute a decision that such provisional officer is qualified.
[ 1991 c 3 s 307; 1979 c 141 s 78; 1969 ex.s. c 114 s 5.]

catchline: Provisionally qualified local health officers—Interview—Evaluation as to qualification as local public health officer.


title: RCW 70.05.060

text:
Each local board of health shall have supervision over all matters pertaining to the preservation of the life and health of the people within its jurisdiction and shall:
(1) Enforce through the local health officer or the administrative officer appointed under RCW 70.05.040, if any, the public health statutes of the state and rules promulgated by the state board of health and the secretary of health;
(2) Supervise the maintenance of all health and sanitary measures for the protection of the public health within its jurisdiction;
(3) Enact such local rules and regulations as are necessary in order to preserve, promote and improve the public health and provide for the enforcement thereof;
(4) Provide for the control and prevention of any dangerous, contagious or infectious disease within the jurisdiction of the local health department;
(5) Provide for the prevention, control and abatement of nuisances detrimental to the public health;
(6) Make such reports to the state board of health through the local health officer or the administrative officer as the state board of health may require; and
(7) Establish fee schedules for issuing or renewing licenses or permits or for such other services as are authorized by the law and the rules of the state board of health: PROVIDED, That such fees for services shall not exceed the actual cost of providing any such services.
[ 1991 c 3 s 308; 1984 c 25 s 6; 1979 c 141 s 79; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 10.]

catchline: Powers and duties of local board of health.


title: RCW 70.05.070

text:
The local health officer, acting under the direction of the local board of health or under direction of the administrative officer appointed under RCW 70.05.040 or 70.05.035, if any, shall:
(1) Enforce the public health statutes of the state, rules of the state board of health and the secretary of health, and all local health rules, regulations and ordinances within his or her jurisdiction including imposition of penalties authorized under RCW 70A.125.030 and 70A.105.120, the confidentiality provisions in RCW 70.02.220 and rules adopted to implement those provisions, and filing of actions authorized by RCW 43.70.190;
(2) Take such action as is necessary to maintain health and sanitation supervision over the territory within his or her jurisdiction;
(3) Control and prevent the spread of any dangerous, contagious or infectious diseases that may occur within his or her jurisdiction;
(4) Inform the public as to the causes, nature, and prevention of disease and disability and the preservation, promotion and improvement of health within his or her jurisdiction;
(5) Prevent, control or abate nuisances which are detrimental to the public health;
(6) Attend all conferences called by the secretary of health or his or her authorized representative;
(7) Collect such fees as are established by the state board of health or the local board of health for the issuance or renewal of licenses or permits or such other fees as may be authorized by law or by the rules of the state board of health;
(8) Inspect, as necessary, expansion or modification of existing public water systems, and the construction of new public water systems, to assure that the expansion, modification, or construction conforms to system design and plans;
(9) Take such measures as he or she deems necessary in order to promote the public health, to participate in the establishment of health educational or training activities, and to authorize the attendance of employees of the local health department or individuals engaged in community health programs related to or part of the programs of the local health department.
[ 2020 c 20 s 1066; 2013 c 200 s 26; 2007 c 343 s 10; 1999 c 391 s 5; 1993 c 492 s 239; 1991 c 3 s 309; 1990 c 133 s 10; 1984 c 25 s 7; 1979 c 141 s 80; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 12.]
Notes:
Effective date—2013 c 200: See note following RCW 70.02.010.
Findings—Purpose—1999 c 391: See note following RCW 70.05.180.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.
Findings—Severability—1990 c 133: See notes following RCW 36.94.140.

catchline: Local health officer—Powers and duties.


title: RCW 70.05.072

text:
The local health officer may grant a waiver from specific requirements adopted by the state board of health for on-site sewage systems if:
(1) The on-site sewage system for which a waiver is requested is for sewage flows under three thousand five hundred gallons per day;
(2) The waiver request is evaluated by the local health officer on an individual, site-by-site basis;
(3) The local health officer determines that the waiver is consistent with the standards in, and the intent of, the state board of health rules; and
(4) The local health officer submits quarterly reports to the department regarding any waivers approved or denied.
Based on review of the quarterly reports, if the department finds that the waivers previously granted have not been consistent with the standards in, and intent of, the state board of health rules, the department shall provide technical assistance to the local health officer to correct the inconsistency, and may notify the local and state boards of health of the department's concerns.
If upon further review of the quarterly reports, the department finds that the inconsistency between the waivers granted and the state board of health standards has not been corrected, the department may suspend the authority of the local health officer to grant waivers under this section until such inconsistencies have been corrected.
[ 1995 c 263 s 1.]

catchline: Local health officer—Authority to grant waiver from on-site sewage system requirements.


title: RCW 70.05.074

text:
(1) The local health officer must respond to the applicant for an on-site sewage system permit within thirty days after receiving a fully completed application. The local health officer must respond that the application is either approved, denied, or pending.
(2) If the local health officer denies an application to install an on-site sewage system, the denial must be for cause and based upon public health and environmental protection concerns, including concerns regarding the ability to operate and maintain the system, or conflicts with other existing laws, regulations, or ordinances. The local health officer must provide the applicant with a written justification for the denial, along with an explanation of the procedure for appeal.
(3) If the local health officer identifies the application as pending and subject to review beyond thirty days, the local health officer must provide the applicant with a written justification that the site-specific conditions or circumstances necessitate a longer time period for a decision on the application. The local health officer must include any specific information necessary to make a decision and the estimated time required for a decision to be made.
(4) A local health officer may not limit the number of alternative sewage systems within his or her jurisdiction without cause. Any such limitation must be based upon public health and environmental protection concerns, including concerns regarding the ability to operate and maintain the system, or conflicts with other existing laws, regulations, or ordinances. If such a limitation is established, the local health officer must justify the limitation in writing, with specific reasons, and must provide an explanation of the procedure for appealing the limitation.
[ 1997 c 447 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—Purpose—1997 c 447: "The legislature finds that improperly designed, installed, or maintained on-site sewage disposal systems are a major contributor to water pollution in this state. The legislature also recognizes that evolving technology has produced many viable alternatives to traditional on-site septic systems. It is the purpose of this act to help facilitate the siting of new alternative on-site septic systems and to assist local governments in promoting efficient operation of on-site septic *these systems." [ 1997 c 447 s 1.]
*Reviser's note: Due to a drafting error, the word "these" was not removed when this sentence was rewritten.
Construction—1997 c 447 ss 2-4: "Nothing in sections 2 through 4 of this act may be deemed to eliminate any requirements for approval from public health agencies under applicable law in connection with the siting, design, construction, and repair of on-site septic systems." [ 1997 c 447 s 6.]

catchline: On-site sewage system permits—Application—Limitation of alternative sewage systems.


title: RCW 70.05.077

text:
(1) The department of health, in consultation and cooperation with local environmental health officers, shall develop a one-day course to train local environmental health officers, health officers, and environmental health specialists and technicians to address the application of the waiver authority granted under RCW 70.05.072 as well as other existing statutory or regulatory flexibility for siting on-site sewage systems.
(2) The training course shall include the following topics:
(a) The statutory authority to grant waivers from the state on-site sewage system rules;
(b) The regulatory framework for the application of on-site sewage treatment and disposal technologies, with an emphasis on the differences between rules, standards, and guidance. The course shall include instruction on interpreting the intent of a rule rather than the strict reading of the language of a rule, and also discuss the liability assumed by a unit of local government when local rules, policies, or practices deviate from the state administrative code;
(c) The application of site evaluation and assessment methods to match the particular site and development plans with the on-site sewage treatment and disposal technology suitable to protect public health to at least the level provided by state rule; and
(d) Instruction in the concept and application of mitigation waivers.
(3) The training course shall be made available to all local health departments and districts in various locations in the state without fee. Updated guidance documents and materials shall be provided to all participants, including examples of the types of waivers and processes that other jurisdictions in the region have granted and used. The first training conducted under this section shall take place by June 30, 1999.
[ 1998 c 34 s 3.]
Notes:
Intent—1998 c 34: "(1) The 1997 legislature directed the department of health to convene a work group for the purpose of making recommendations to the legislature for the development of a certification program for occupations related to on-site septic systems, including those who pump, install, design, perform maintenance, inspect, or regulate on-site septic systems. The work group was convened and studied issues relating to certification of people employed in these occupations, bonding levels, and other standards related to these occupations. In addition, the work group examined the application of a risk analysis pertaining to the installation and maintenance of different types of septic systems in different parts of the state. A written report containing the work group's findings and recommendations was submitted to the legislature as directed.
(2) The legislature recognizes that the recommendations of the work group must be phased-in over a time period in order to develop the necessary scope of work requirements, knowledge requirements, public protection requirements, and other criteria for the upgrading of these occupations. It is the intent of the legislature to start implementing the work group's recommendations by focusing first on the occupations that are considered to be the highest priority, and to address the other occupational recommendations in subsequent sessions." [ 1998 c 34 s 1.]

catchline: Department of health—Training—On-site sewage systems—Application of the waiver authority—Topics—Availability.


title: RCW 70.05.080

text:
If the local board of health or other official responsible for appointing a local health officer under RCW 70.05.050 refuses or neglects to appoint a local health officer after a vacancy exists, the secretary of health may appoint a local health officer and fix the compensation. The local health officer so appointed shall have the same duties, powers and authority as though appointed under RCW 70.05.050. Such local health officer shall serve until a qualified individual is appointed according to the procedures set forth in RCW 70.05.050. The board or official responsible for appointing the local health officer under RCW 70.05.050 shall also be authorized to appoint an acting health officer to serve whenever the health officer is absent or incapacitated and unable to fulfill his or her responsibilities under the provisions of chapters 70.05 and 70.46 RCW.
[ 1993 c 492 s 240; 1991 c 3 s 310; 1983 1st ex.s. c 39 s 4; 1979 c 141 s 81; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 13.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Local health officer—Failure to appoint—Procedure.


title: RCW 70.05.090

text:
Whenever any physician shall attend any person sick with any dangerous contagious or infectious disease, or with any diseases required by the state board of health to be reported, he or she shall, within twenty-four hours, give notice thereof to the local health officer within whose jurisdiction such sick person may then be or to the state department of health in Olympia.
[ 1991 c 3 s 311; 1979 c 141 s 82; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 14.]

catchline: Physicians to report diseases.


title: RCW 70.05.100

text:
In case of the question arising as to whether or not any person is affected or is sick with a dangerous, contagious or infectious disease, the opinion of the local health officer shall prevail until the state department of health can be notified, and then the opinion of the executive officer of the state department of health, or any physician he or she may appoint to examine such case, shall be final.
[ 1991 c 3 s 312; 1979 c 141 s 83; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 15.]

catchline: Determination of character of disease.


title: RCW 70.05.110

text:
It shall be the duty of the local board of health, health authorities or officials, and of physicians in localities where there are no local health authorities or officials, to report to the state board of health, promptly upon discovery thereof, the existence of any one of the following diseases which may come under their observation, to wit: Asiatic cholera, yellow fever, smallpox, scarlet fever, diphtheria, typhus, typhoid fever, bubonic plague or leprosy, and of such other contagious or infectious diseases as the state board may from time to time specify.
[ 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 16.]

catchline: Local health officials and physicians to report contagious diseases.


title: RCW 70.05.120

text:
(1) Any local health officer or administrative officer appointed under RCW 70.05.040, if any, who shall refuse or neglect to obey or enforce the provisions of chapters 70.05, 70.24, and 70.46 RCW or the rules, regulations or orders of the state board of health or who shall refuse or neglect to make prompt and accurate reports to the state board of health, may be removed as local health officer or administrative officer by the state board of health and shall not again be reappointed except with the consent of the state board of health. Any person may complain to the state board of health concerning the failure of the local health officer or administrative officer to carry out the laws or the rules and regulations concerning public health, and the state board of health shall, if a preliminary investigation so warrants, call a hearing to determine whether the local health officer or administrative officer is guilty of the alleged acts. Such hearings shall be held pursuant to the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, and the rules and regulations of the state board of health adopted thereunder.
(2) Any member of a local board of health who shall violate any of the provisions of chapters 70.05, 70.24, and 70.46 RCW or refuse or neglect to obey or enforce any of the rules, regulations or orders of the state board of health made for the prevention, suppression or control of any dangerous contagious or infectious disease or for the protection of the health of the people of this state, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined not less than ten dollars nor more than two hundred dollars.
(3) Any physician who shall refuse or neglect to report to the proper health officer or administrative officer within twelve hours after first attending any case of contagious or infectious disease or any diseases required by the state board of health to be reported or any case suspicious of being one of such diseases, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined not less than ten dollars nor more than two hundred dollars for each case that is not reported.
(4) Any person violating any of the provisions of chapters 70.05, 70.24, and 70.46 RCW or violating or refusing or neglecting to obey any of the rules, regulations or orders made for the prevention, suppression and control of dangerous contagious and infectious diseases by the local board of health or local health officer or administrative officer or state board of health, or who shall leave any isolation hospital or quarantined house or place without the consent of the proper health officer or who evades or breaks quarantine or conceals a case of contagious or infectious disease or assists in evading or breaking any quarantine or concealing any case of contagious or infectious disease, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than one hundred dollars or to imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed ninety days or to both fine and imprisonment.
[ 2003 c 53 s 350; 1999 c 391 s 6; 1993 c 492 s 241; 1984 c 25 s 8; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 17.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Findings—Purpose—1999 c 391: See note following RCW 70.05.180.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Violations—Remedies—Penalties.


title: RCW 70.05.130

text:
All expenses incurred by the state, health district, or county in carrying out the provisions of chapters 70.05 and 70.46 RCW or any other public health law, or the rules of the department of health enacted under such laws, shall be paid by the county and such expenses shall constitute a claim against the general fund as provided in this section.
[ 1993 c 492 s 242; 1991 c 3 s 313; 1979 c 141 s 84; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 18.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Expenses of state, health district, or county in enforcing health laws and rules—Payment by county.


title: RCW 70.05.150

text:
In addition to powers already granted them, any county, district, or local health department may contract for either the sale or purchase of any or all health services from any local health department.
[ 2011 c 27 s 4; 1993 c 492 s 243; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 22.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.

catchline: Contracts for sale or purchase of health services authorized.


title: RCW 70.05.160

text:
A local board of health that adopts a moratorium affecting water hookups, sewer hookups, or septic systems without holding a public hearing on the proposed moratorium, shall hold a public hearing on the adopted moratorium within at least sixty days of its adoption. If the board does not adopt findings of fact justifying its action before this hearing, then the board shall do so immediately after this public hearing. A moratorium adopted under this section may be effective for not longer than six months, but may be effective for up to one year if a work plan is developed for related studies providing for such a longer period. A moratorium may be renewed for one or more six-month periods if a subsequent public hearing is held and findings of fact are made prior to each renewal.
[ 1992 c 207 s 7.]

catchline: Moratorium on water, sewer hookups, or septic systems—Public hearing—Limitation on length.


title: RCW 70.05.170

text:
(1)(a) The legislature finds that the mortality rate in Washington state among infants and children less than 19 years of age is unacceptably high, and that such mortality may be preventable. The legislature further finds that, through the performance of child fatality reviews, preventable causes of child mortality can be identified and addressed, thereby reducing the infant and child mortality in Washington state.
(b) It is the intent of the legislature to encourage the performance of child fatality reviews by local health departments by providing necessary legal protections to the families of children whose deaths are studied, local health department officials and employees, and health care professionals participating in child fatality review committee activities.
(2) As used in this section, "child fatality review" means a process authorized by a local health department as such department is defined in RCW 70.05.010 for examining factors that contribute to deaths of children up to 19 years of age. The process may include a systematic review of medical, clinical, and hospital records; home interviews of parents and caretakers of children who have died; analysis of individual case information; and review of this information by a team of professionals in order to identify modifiable medical, socioeconomic, public health, behavioral, administrative, educational, and environmental factors associated with each death.
(3) Local health departments are authorized to conduct child fatality reviews. In conducting such reviews, the following provisions shall apply:
(a) All health care information collected as part of a child fatality review is confidential, subject to the restrictions on disclosure provided for in chapter 70.02 RCW. When documents are collected as part of a child fatality review, the records may be used solely by local health departments for the purposes of the review.
(b) Local health departments and the department may retain identifiable information and geographic information on each case for the purposes of determining trends, performing analysis over time, and for quality improvement efforts. Information and records prepared, owned, used, or retained by the local health departments, their respective offices, or staff that reveals the identification and location of any person or persons being the subject of review shall not be made public in accordance with RCW 42.56.365.
(c) Any witness statements or documents collected from witnesses, or summaries or analyses of those statements or records prepared exclusively for purposes of a child fatality review, are not subject to public disclosure, discovery, subpoena, or introduction into evidence in any administrative or civil proceeding related to the death of a child reviewed. This provision does not restrict or limit the discovery or subpoena from a health care provider of records or documents maintained by such health care provider in the ordinary course of business, whether or not such records or documents may have been supplied to a local health department pursuant to this section. This provision shall not restrict or limit the discovery or subpoena of documents from such witnesses simply because a copy of a document was collected as part of a child fatality review.
(d) No local health department official or employee, and no members of technical committees established to perform case reviews of selected child deaths may be examined in any administrative or civil proceeding as to the existence or contents of documents assembled, prepared, or maintained for purposes of a child fatality review.
(e) This section shall not be construed to prohibit or restrict any person from reporting suspected child abuse or neglect under chapter 26.44 RCW, nor to limit access to or use of any records, documents, information, or testimony in any civil or criminal action arising out of any report made pursuant to chapter 26.44 RCW, nor to require disclosures in conflict with state or federal law.
(f) If the team identifies a current, reportable, and unresolved concern about child abuse or neglect, it may designate one member to make a report to the child abuse hotline. This subsection does not create a mandatory duty under RCW 26.44.030 for any review team or individual review team member.
(4) To aid in a child fatality review, the local health department may:
(a) Request and receive data for specific fatalities including, but not limited to, all medical records related to the child death, autopsy reports, medical examiner reports, coroner reports, and school, the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and social services records; and
(b) Request and receive data described in (a) of this subsection from health care providers, health care facilities, clinics, schools, the criminal justice system, law enforcement, laboratories, medical examiners, coroners, professions and facilities licensed by the department, local health departments, the health care authority and its licensees and providers, the department of social and health services and its licensees and providers, and the department of children, youth, and families and its licensees and providers.
(5) Upon request by the local health department, health care providers, health care facilities, clinics, schools, the criminal justice system, law enforcement, laboratories, medical examiners, coroners, professions and facilities licensed by the department of health, local health departments, the health care authority and its licensees and providers, the department of social and health services and its licensees and providers, and the department of children, youth, and families and its licensees and providers must provide all medical records related to the child, autopsy reports, medical examiner reports, coroner reports, social services records, and other data requested for specific child fatality reviews to the local health department. Data described in certifications and informational copies of birth and death records issued from the state vital records system shall be provided at no charge.
(6) The department shall assist local health departments to collect the reports of any child fatality reviews conducted by local health departments and assist with entering the reports into a database. All information submitted to the department and local health departments pursuant to this subsection is not subject to public disclosure, discovery, subpoena, or introduction into evidence in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding related to the death of a child reviewed. In addition, the department shall provide technical assistance to local health departments and child death review coordinators conducting child fatality reviews and encourage communication among child fatality review teams.
(a) This subsection does not prevent any person from testifying in a civil, criminal, or administrative action concerning facts that form the basis of a child fatality review for which the person had personal knowledge acquired independently of the child fatality review or which is public information.
(b) This subsection does not prevent the introduction of evidence into any civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding of information related to a child death acquired independently of the department or a local health jurisdiction or which is public information.
(7) This section does not prevent the department or a local health department from publishing statistical compilations and reports related to the child fatality review. Any portions of such compilations and reports that identify individual cases and sources of information must be redacted. These reports may be used in the development and coordination of statewide child fatality prevention strategies and interventions.
[ 2025 c 123 s 1; 2010 c 128 s 1; 2009 c 134 s 1; 1993 c 41 s 1; 1992 c 179 s 1.]

catchline: Child fatality review.


title: RCW 70.05.180

text:
A person rendering emergency care or transportation, commonly known as a "Good Samaritan," as described in RCW 4.24.300 and 4.24.310, may request and receive appropriate infectious disease testing free of charge from the local health department of the county of her or his residence, if: (1) While rendering emergency care she or he came into contact with bodily fluids; and (2) she or he does not have health insurance that covers the testing. Nothing in this section requires a local health department to provide health care services beyond testing. The department shall adopt rules implementing this section.
The information obtained from infectious disease testing is subject to statutory confidentiality provisions, including those of chapters 70.24 and 70.05 RCW.
[ 1999 c 391 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Purpose—1999 c 391: "The legislature finds that citizens who assist individuals in emergency situations perform a needed and valuable role that deserves recognition and support. The legislature further finds that emergency assistance in the form of mouth to mouth resuscitation or other emergency medical procedures resulting in the exchange of bodily fluids significantly increases the odds of being exposed to a deadly infectious disease. Some of the more life-threatening diseases that can be transferred during an emergency procedure where bodily fluids are exchanged include hepatitis A, B, and C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Individuals infected by these diseases value confidentiality regarding this information. A number of good samaritans who perform lifesaving emergency procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation are unable to pay for the tests necessary for detecting infectious diseases that could have been transmitted during the emergency procedure. It is the purpose of this act to provide infectious disease testing at no cost to good samaritans who request testing for infectious diseases after rendering emergency assistance that has brought them into contact with a bodily fluid and to further protect the testing information once obtained through confidentiality provisions." [ 1999 c 391 s 1.]
Effective date—1999 c 391 ss 1 and 2: "Sections 1 and 2 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [May 18, 1999]." [ 1999 c 391 s 7.]

catchline: Infectious disease testing—Good samaritans—Rules.


title: RCW 70.05.190

text:
(1) A local board of health in the twelve counties bordering Puget Sound implementing an on-site sewage program management plan may:
(a) Impose and collect reasonable rates or charges in an amount sufficient to pay for the actual costs of administration and operation of the on-site sewage program management plan; and
(b) Contract with the county treasurer to collect the rates or charges imposed under this section in accordance with RCW 84.56.035.
(2) In executing the provisions in subsection (1) of this section, a local board of health does not have the authority to impose a lien on real property for failure to pay rates and charges imposed by this section.
(3) Nothing in this section provides a local board of health with the ability to impose and collect rates and charges related to the implementation of an on-site sewage program management plan beyond those powers currently designated under RCW 70.05.060(7).
[ 2012 c 175 s 1.]

catchline: On-site sewage program management plans—Authority of certain boards of health.


title: RCW 70.05.200

text:
Nothing in this chapter prohibits a county from relying on self-inspection of on-site sewage systems consistent with RCW 36.70A.690 or eliminates the requirement that counties protect water quality consistent with RCW 36.70A.070 (1) and (5).
[ 2017 c 105 s 3.]

catchline: On-site sewage system self-inspection.


title: RCW 70.05.210

text:
(1) The legislature finds that the mortality rate in Washington state due to overdose, withdrawal related to substance abuse such as opiates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, and suicide is unacceptably high and that such mortality may be preventable. The legislature further finds that, through the performance of overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality reviews, preventable causes of mortality can be identified and addressed, thereby reducing the number of overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatalities in Washington state.
(2)(a) A local health department may establish multidisciplinary overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review teams to review overdose, withdrawal, and suicide deaths and to develop strategies for the prevention of overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatalities.
(b) The department shall assist local health departments to collect the reports of any overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality reviews conducted by local health departments and assist with entering the reports into a database to the extent that the data is not protected under subsection (3) of this section. Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, the department shall respond to any requests for data from the database to the extent permitted for health care information under chapters 70.02 and 70.225 RCW. In addition, the department shall provide technical assistance to local health departments and overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review teams conducting overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality reviews and encourage communication among overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review teams.
(c) All overdose, withdrawal, or suicide fatality reviews undertaken under this section shall be shared with the department, subject to the same confidentiality restrictions described in this section.
(3)(a) All health care information collected as part of an overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review is confidential, subject to the restrictions on disclosure provided for in chapter 70.02 RCW. When documents are collected as part of an overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review, the records may be used solely by local health departments for the purposes of the review.
(b) Information, documents, proceedings, records, and opinions created, collected, or maintained by the overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review team or the local health department in support of the review team are confidential and are not subject to public inspection or copying under chapter 42.56 RCW and are not subject to discovery or introduction into evidence in any civil or criminal action.
(c) Any person who was in attendance at a meeting of the review team or who participated in the creation, collection, or maintenance of the review team's information, documents, proceedings, records, or opinions may not be permitted or required to testify in any civil or criminal action as to the content of such proceedings, or the review team's information, documents, records, or opinions. This subsection does not prevent a member of the review team from testifying in a civil or criminal action concerning facts which form the basis for the overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review team's proceedings of which the review team member had personal knowledge acquired independently of the overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review team or which is public information.
(d) Any person who, in substantial good faith, participates as a member of the review team or provides information to further the purposes of the review team may not be subject to an action for civil damages or other relief as a result of the activity or its consequences.
(e) All meetings, proceedings, and deliberations of the overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review team must be confidential and may be conducted in executive session.
(4) This section does not prevent a local health department from publishing statistical compilations and reports related to the overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review. Any portions of such compilations and reports that identify individual cases and sources of information must be redacted.
(5) To aid in an overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review, the local health department has the authority to:
(a) Request and receive data for specific overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatalities including, but not limited to, all medical records related to the overdose, withdrawal, and suicide, autopsy reports, medical examiner reports, coroner reports, schools, criminal justice, law enforcement, and social services records; and
(b) Request and receive data as described in (a) of this subsection from health care providers, health care facilities, clinics, schools, criminal justice, law enforcement, laboratories, medical examiners, coroners, professions and facilities licensed by the department of health, local health jurisdictions, the health care authority and its licensees and providers, the department of health and its licensees, the department of social and health services and its licensees and providers, and the department of children, youth, and families and its licensees and providers.
(6) Upon request by the local health department, health care providers, health care facilities, clinics, schools, criminal justice, law enforcement, laboratories, medical examiners, coroners, professions and facilities licensed by the department of health, local health jurisdictions, the health care authority and its licensees and providers, the department of health and its licensees, the department of social and health services and its licensees and providers, and the department of children, youth, and families and its licensees and providers must provide all medical records related to the overdose, withdrawal, and suicide, autopsy reports, medical examiner reports, coroner reports, social services records, and other data requested for specific overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatalities to perform an overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review to the local health department.
(7) For the purposes of this section, "overdose, withdrawal, and suicide fatality review" means a confidential process to review minor or adult overdose, withdrawal, and suicide deaths as identified through a death certificate; by a medical examiner or coroner; or by a process defined by the local department of health. The process may include a systematic review of medical, clinical, and hospital records related to the overdose, withdrawal, and suicide; confidential interviews conducted with the protections established in subsection (3) of this section; analysis of individual case information; and review of this information by a team of professionals in order to identify modifiable medical, socioeconomic, public health, behavioral, administrative, educational, and environmental factors associated with each death.
[ 2022 c 190 s 1.]

catchline: Fatality review teams.


title: RCW 70.08.005

text:
The powers and duties of the secretary of social and health services under this chapter shall be performed by the secretary of health.
[ 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 244.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Transfer of duties to the department of health.


title: RCW 70.08.010

text:
Any city with one hundred thousand or more population and the county in which it is located, are authorized, as shall be agreed upon between the respective governing bodies of such city and said county, to establish and operate a combined city and county health department, and to appoint the director of public health.
[ 1985 c 124 s 1; (1993 c 492 s 244 repealed by 1995 c 43 s 16); 1949 c 46 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6099-30. Formerly RCW 70.05.037.]

catchline: Combined city-county health departments—Establishment.


title: RCW 70.08.020

text:
The director of public health is authorized to and shall exercise all powers and perform all duties by law vested in the local health officer.
[ 1985 c 124 s 2; 1949 c 46 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6099-31.]

catchline: Director of public health—Powers and duties.


title: RCW 70.08.030

text:
Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in any city or county charter, the director of public health, under this chapter shall meet as a minimum one of the following standards of educational achievement and vocational experience to be qualified for appointment to the office:
(1) Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, hospital administration, management, nursing, environmental health, epidemiology, public health, or its equivalent and five years of experience in administration in a community-related field; or
(2) A graduate degree in any of the fields listed in subsection (1) of this section, or in medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery, plus three years of administrative experience in a community-related field.
The director shall not engage in the private practice of the director's profession during such tenure of office and shall not be included in the classified civil service of the said city or the said county.
If the director of public health does not meet the qualifications of a health officer or a physician under RCW 70.05.050, the director shall employ a person so qualified to advise the director on medical or public health matters.
[ 1996 c 178 s 20; 1985 c 124 s 3; 1984 c 25 s 3; 1949 c 46 s 3; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6099-32.]
Notes:
Effective date—1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.

catchline: Qualifications.


title: RCW 70.08.040

text:
Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in any city or county charter, where a combined department is established under this chapter, the director of public health under this chapter shall be appointed by the county executive of the county and the mayor of the city. The appointment shall be effective only upon a majority vote confirmation of the legislative authority of the county and the legislative authority of the city. The director may be removed by the county executive of the county, after consultation with the mayor of the city, upon filing a statement of reasons therefor with the legislative authorities of the county and the city.
[ 1995 c 188 s 1; 1995 c 43 s 9; 1985 c 124 s 4; 1980 c 57 s 1; 1949 c 46 s 4; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6099-33.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 1995 c 43 s 9 and by 1995 c 188 s 1, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section pursuant to RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective dates—Contingent effective dates—1995 c 43: See note following RCW 70.05.030.
Severability—1995 c 43: See note following RCW 43.70.570.

catchline: Director of public health—Appointment.


title: RCW 70.08.050

text:
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the director of public health as provided herein from acting as health officer for any other city or town within the county, nor from acting as health officer in any adjoining county or any city or town within such county having a contract or agreement as provided in RCW 70.08.090: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That before being appointed health officer for such adjoining county, the secretary of health shall first give his or her approval thereto.
[ 1991 c 3 s 314; 1979 c 141 s 85; 1949 c 46 s 8; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6099-37.]

catchline: May act as health officer for other cities or towns.


title: RCW 70.08.060

text:
The director of public health under this chapter shall be registrar of vital statistics for all cities and counties under his or her jurisdiction and shall conduct such vital statistics work in accordance with the same laws and/or rules and regulations pertaining to vital statistics for a city of the first class.
[ 2012 c 117 s 372; 1961 ex.s. c 5 s 4; 1949 c 46 s 9; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6099-38.]
Notes:
Vital statistics: Chapter 70.58A RCW.

catchline: Director of public health shall be registrar of vital statistics.