title: RCW 70.41.550

text:
(1) Hospitals subject to this chapter may provide hospital at-home services if they have an active federal program waiver prior to when the department adopts rules pursuant to this section. Hospitals that have an active federal program waiver and intend to operate hospital at-home services within Washington state shall notify the department within 30 days of receiving the waiver.
(2)(a) The department shall adopt rules by December 31, 2025, to implement chapter 259, Laws of 2024 and add hospital at-home services to those services that may be provided by an acute care hospital licensed under this chapter. The rules shall establish standards for the operation of a hospital at-home program. In establishing the initial standards, the department shall consider the provisions of the federal program and endeavor to make the standards substantially similar. The standards may not include requirements that would make a hospital ineligible for or preclude a hospital from complying with the requirements of the federal program. The department may adopt additional standards to promote safe care and treatment of patients as needed.
(b) In the event that the federal program expires before the department establishes rules, hospitals shall continue to follow federal program requirements that were in effect as of the date of the federal program's expiration and the department shall enforce such requirements until the department adopts rules.
(c) Once rules are established, hospitals that intend to offer or continue offering hospital at-home services shall apply to the department for approval to add hospital at-home services as a hospital service line. Hospitals that have secured a federal program waiver prior to rule adoption may provide hospital at-home services while applying for approval. The department shall approve a hospital to provide hospital at-home services if the application is consistent with the standards established in rule. RCW 43.70.115 and chapter 34.05 RCW govern notice and adjudicative proceedings related to denial of an application. The department may set a one-time application fee in rule. The application fees charged shall not exceed the actual cost of staff time to review. The administration of the program must be covered by licensing fees set by the department under the authority of RCW 70.41.100 and 43.70.250.
(3) Hospital at-home services are not subject to chapter 70.126 or 70.127 RCW.
(4) Hospital at-home services do not count as an increase in the number of the hospital's licensed beds and are not subject to chapter 70.38 RCW.
(5) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Hospital at-home services" means acute care services provided by a licensed acute care hospital to a patient outside of the hospital's licensed facility and within a home or any location determined by the patient receiving the service.
(b) "Federal program" means the acute hospital care at-home program established by the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1320b-5 and extended by 42 U.S.C Sec. 1395cc-7, or any successor program.
[ 2024 c 259 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2024 c 259: "(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) "Hospital at home" is a service that provides safe and effective care, improves outcomes, and benefits patients. It was developed by Johns Hopkins healthcare solutions and has been used by the veteran's health administration and medical centers in the United States and around the world;
(b) Washington hospitals began offering this service following the launch of the centers for medicare and medicaid services acute hospital care at-home program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, participating Washington patients have experienced fewer readmissions and shorter treatment periods and report high rates of satisfaction;
(c) Authorizing the continuation of this service would benefit patients in Washington, a state with one of the lowest number of beds per patient population in the country and a track record of providing high quality inpatient care; and
(d) Immediate authorization of this service is necessary to preserve continuity of care and provision of services without disruption.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature to authorize acute care hospitals licensed under this chapter to continue providing hospital at-home services and direct the department to adopt rules including those services among those that may be offered by such hospitals." [ 2024 c 259 s 1.]

catchline: Hospital at-home services.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 70.41.560

text:
(1) By July 1, 2027, hospitals shall publish all data and comply with all rules related to hospital price transparency pursuant to 45 C.F.R. Part 180, subparts A and B, as they existed on January 1, 2025.
(2) Beginning July 1, 2027, hospitals shall submit the most recent machine-readable file containing a list of all standard charges for all hospital items or services and the most recent consumer-friendly list of standard charges for a limited set of shoppable services, as required in federal rule, to the department at least once a year.
[ 2025 c 146 s 1.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 70.41.570

text:
When providing emergency services, hospitals shall provide treatment to a pregnant person who comes to the hospital with an emergency medical condition that is consistent with the applicable standard of care for such condition or, if authorized by law, transfer the patient to another hospital capable of providing the treatment, with the informed consent of the patient. If termination of the pregnancy is the treatment that is consistent with the applicable standard of care, the hospital must provide such treatment following and as promptly as dictated by the standard of care or, if authorized by law, transfer the patient to another hospital capable of providing the treatment, with the informed consent of the patient. Neither the continuation of the pregnancy nor the health of any embryo or fetus shall be a basis for withholding care from the pregnant person, and neither the continuation of the pregnancy nor the health of any embryo or fetus shall be prioritized over the health or safety of the pregnant person absent the informed consent of the pregnant person.
[ 2025 c 182 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—2025 c 182: "The legislature finds that access to reproductive health care is a long-established right in Washington state. The people of Washington have repeatedly affirmed this right, and it is the legislature's responsibility to ensure that our residents have access to care that puts patients first regardless of federal actions. Pregnant patients have been able to rely on federal protections when they seek emergency medical care, but due to renewed uncertainty at the federal level, the legislature must provide these rights in state law so that pregnant patients in Washington state have the strongest protections when seeking care. The legislature finds the existing state law, including chapter 70.400 RCW, along with current federal laws ensure that both physicians and hospitals have a shared responsibility to deliver the highest quality of care to pregnant patients to guarantee their legal access to all medically appropriate options." [ 2025 c 182 s 1.]
Effective date—2025 c 182: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 29, 2025]." [ 2025 c 182 s 6.]

catchline: Pregnant persons—Provision of emergency services.


title: RCW 70.41.580

text:
A hospital licensed under this chapter shall establish a policy allowing for the medical use of cannabis in compliance with RCW 69.51A.222.
[ 2026 c 20 s 3.]
Notes:
Intent—Finding—Short title—2026 c 20: See notes following RCW 69.51A.222.

catchline: Medical use of cannabis—Policy.


title: RCW 70.41.900

text:
If any part, or parts, of this chapter shall be held unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall be given full force and effect, as completely as if the part held unconstitutional had not been included herein, if any such remaining part can then be administered for the purpose of establishing and maintaining standards for hospitals.
[ 1955 c 267 s 21.]

catchline: Severability—1955 c 267.


title: RCW 70.410.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Department" means the department of health.
(2) "Emergency declaration" means a proclamation of a state of emergency issued by the governor under RCW 43.06.010.
(3) "Entity" means a person other than an individual.
(4) "Health practitioner" means an individual licensed under the laws of this state to provide health or veterinary services.
(5) "Health practitioner member" means a member who is a health practitioner.
(6) "Health services" means the provision of treatment, care, advice, guidance, or other services or supplies related to the health or death of individuals or human populations.
(7) "License" means authorization by a state to engage in services that are unlawful without the authorization.
(8) "Member" means a person who has registered with the state emergency medical reserve corps.
(9) "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, joint venture, government, governmental subdivision or agency, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(10) "Scope of practice" means the extent of the authorization to provide health or veterinary services granted to a health practitioner by a license issued to the practitioner in this state, including any conditions imposed by the licensing authority.
(11) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health.
(12) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(13) "State emergency medical reserve corps" means the group of members registered with the department and established by this chapter from which the secretary may deploy through an order.
(14) "Support member" means a member who does not hold a health practitioner license or who holds a health practitioner license but does not practice that profession during their service in the state emergency medical reserve corps.
(15) "Support services" means services provided by a member in support of the state emergency medical reserve corps, but does not include health services.
(16) "Veterinary services" means the provision of treatment, care, advice, guidance, or other services or supplies related to the health or death of an animal or to animal populations, to the extent necessary to respond to an emergency, including:
(a) Diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of an animal disease, injury, or other physical or mental condition by the prescription, administration, or dispensing of vaccine, medicine, surgery, or therapy;
(b) Use of a procedure for reproductive management; and
(c) Monitoring and treatment of animal populations for diseases that have spread or demonstrate the potential to spread to humans.
[ 2023 c 210 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—2023 c 210: "To protect the public peace, health, and safety, and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the state, it is hereby found and declared to be necessary to authorize the creation of a state emergency medical reserve corps to serve at the direction and control of the secretary in times of declared emergency and in times where no declared emergency exists but the protection of public health requires the state mobilization of resources to protect the health of the public, and to provide a means of compensating state emergency medical reserve corps members who may suffer any injury, as defined in this chapter, or death; who suffer economic harm including personal property damage or loss; or who incur expenses for transportation, telephone or other methods of communication, and the use of personal supplies as a result of participation in state emergency medical reserve corps activities." [ 2023 c 210 s 1.]
Short title—2023 c 210: "This act may be know and cited as the state emergency medical reserve corps act." [ 2023 c 210 s 13.]
Effective date—2023 c 210: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 1, 2023]." [ 2023 c 210 s 14.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 70.410.020

text:
(1) There is hereby established within the department a state emergency medical reserve corps, which shall serve at the direction and control of the secretary. The secretary may deploy the state emergency medical reserve corps by order as allowed for by this chapter.
(2) The secretary may:
(a) Enter into contracts and enter into and distribute grants on behalf of the department to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and
(b) Promulgate rules to implement this chapter.
[ 2023 c 210 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.

catchline: Emergency medical reserve corps—Establishment—Contracting.


title: RCW 70.410.030

text:
(1) This chapter applies to members registered with the department who provide health, veterinary, or support services while deployed with the state emergency medical reserve corps pursuant to an order of the secretary.
(2) The provisions of this chapter are in addition to and do not affect any program established by Title 38 RCW or chapter 70.15 RCW.
[ 2023 c 210 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.

catchline: Application.


title: RCW 70.410.040

text:
(1) A person must apply to the department to register with the state emergency medical reserve corps.
(2) To qualify to register as a health practitioner member under this chapter, a person must pass a background check and be licensed and in good standing in this state.
(3) To qualify to register as a support member under this chapter, a person must pass a background check. If the person holds a professional license in this state other than a health practitioner license, that license must be in good standing.
(4) The department may by rule establish additional required qualifications for registration as a member.
[ 2023 c 210 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.

catchline: Registration.


title: RCW 70.410.050

text:
(1) The secretary may order the deployment of the state emergency medical reserve corps under any of the following circumstances:
(a) When the secretary determines that there exists a threat to the public health including, but not limited to, outbreaks of diseases, food poisoning, contaminated water supplies, and all other matters injurious to the public health;
(b) While an emergency declaration is in effect; or
(c) For training or exercises, or both.
(2) An order of the secretary deploying the state emergency medical reserve corps shall, at a minimum, include:
(a) The duration of the deployment, which the secretary may extend;
(b) The geographical areas in which members may provide services;
(c) Which members may participate in the deployment;
(d) Whether the members will receive compensation for their participation in the deployment and the amount of such compensation; and
(e) The services the members may provide.
(3) The secretary may include in the order any other matters necessary to effectively coordinate the provision of services or the training or exercises during the deployment.
(4) An order issued pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section may take effect immediately, without prior notice or comment, and is not a rule within the meaning of the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW.
(5) The secretary shall coordinate the deployment of the state emergency medical reserve corps with local health jurisdictions to ensure that local medical reserve corps members are not deployed away from local crises or emergencies that are happening concurrently to a state-declared emergency or threat.
[ 2023 c 210 s 6.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.

catchline: Orders for deployment.


title: RCW 70.410.060

text:
(1) For any deployment of the state emergency medical corps under chapter 210, Laws of 2023, the department must track and account for any costs incurred as a direct result of the deployment, including but not limited to any compensation of members and any costs associated with the logistics of a deployment. Costs incurred as a direct result of a deployment must be borne in accordance with subsections (2) through (4) of this section.
(2) For any deployment under RCW 70.410.050(1) (a) or (b) where the deployment has not been requested by a health care entity, the department may enter into a cost-sharing or billing agreement with a health care entity that is receiving services from the deployment. In the absence of a cost-sharing or billing agreement, the department must absorb the costs of the deployment.
(3) For any deployment under RCW 70.410.050(1) (a) or (b) where the deployment has been requested by a health care entity, the department must charge the requesting health care entity.
(4) For any deployment under RCW 70.410.050(1)(c), or where payment is not charged or not received from the requesting health care entity under subsection (2) or (3) of this section, the department must absorb the costs of the deployment.
(5) The department may seek federal or private funding to support the costs of deployments of the state emergency medical corps under chapter 210, Laws of 2023.
[ 2023 c 210 s 7.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.

catchline: Costs incurred—Cost sharing—Federal funding.


title: RCW 70.410.070

text:
A health practitioner member when serving with the state emergency medical reserve corps shall adhere to the scope of practice for the health practitioner's profession established by applicable law and subject to any restrictions imposed by the secretary.
[ 2023 c 210 s 8.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.

catchline: Health practitioner members—Scope of practice.


title: RCW 70.410.080

text:
Health practitioners are subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, for conduct committed while deployed with the state emergency medical reserve corps, but disciplining authorities shall consider the circumstances in which the conduct took place, including any exigent circumstances, and the practitioner's scope of practice, education, training, experience, and specialized skill.
[ 2023 c 210 s 9.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.

catchline: Health practitioner members—Disciplinary actions.


title: RCW 70.410.090

text:
(1) This chapter does not limit rights, privileges, or immunities provided to health practitioner members by laws other than this chapter.
(2) The department may, as allowed by law or government-to-government agreement, incorporate into the forces of emergency management personnel of this state emergency medical reserve corps members who are not officers or employees of this state, a political subdivision of this state, or a municipality or other local government within this state for the purpose of deployment to other jurisdictions.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, members shall not be deemed or treated as employees of the state for the purpose of the state civil service rules or for any other purpose solely by virtue of their status as a member of the state emergency medical reserve corps.
[ 2023 c 210 s 10.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.


title: RCW 70.410.100

text:
(1) A member who dies or is injured as the result of providing services pursuant to this chapter is deemed to be an employee of this state for the purpose of receiving benefits for the death or injury under the workers' compensation law of this state, Title 51 RCW, if:
(a) The member is not otherwise eligible for such benefits for the injury or death under the law of this or another state; and
(b) The practitioner, or in the case of death the practitioner's personal representative, elects coverage under the workers' compensation law of this state, Title 51 RCW, by making a claim under that law.
(2) The department in consultation with the department of labor and industries may adopt rules, enter into agreements with other states, or take other measures to facilitate the receipt of benefits for injury or death under the workers' compensation law of this state, Title 51 RCW, by members who reside in other states, and may waive or modify requirements for filing, processing, and paying claims that unreasonably burden the practitioners.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "injury" means a physical or mental injury or disease for which an employee of this state who is injured or contracts the disease in the course of the employee's employment would be entitled to benefits under the workers' compensation law of this state, Title 51 RCW.
[ 2023 c 210 s 11.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.

catchline: Workers' compensation—Rules.


title: RCW 70.410.110

text:
No act or omission, except those acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct, by a member providing services reasonably within the provisions of this chapter and an order of the secretary issued pursuant to this chapter shall impose any liability for civil damages resulting from such an act or omission upon:
(1) The member;
(2) The supervisor or supervisors of the member;
(3) Any facility or their officers or employees;
(4) The employer of the member;
(5) The owner of the property or vehicle where the act or omission may have occurred;
(6) The state or any state or local governmental entity; or
(7) Any professional or trade association of the member.
[ 2023 c 210 s 12.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—Effective date—2023 c 210: See notes following RCW 70.410.010.

catchline: Liability.


title: RCW 70.42.005

text:
The legislature intends that medical test sites meet criteria known to promote accurate and reliable analysis, thus improving health care through uniform test site licensure and regulation including quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing. The legislature also intends to meet the requirements of federal laws licensing and regulating medical testing.
The legislature intends that nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to place any liability whatsoever on the state for the action or inaction of test sites or test site personnel. The legislature further intends that nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to expand the state's role regarding medical testing beyond the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1989 c 386 s 1.]

catchline: Intent—Construction.


title: RCW 70.42.010

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Department" means the department of health.
(2) "Designated test site supervisor" means the available individual who is responsible for the technical functions of the test site and who meets the department's qualifications set out in rule by the department.
(3) "Immediate jeopardy" means a situation in which the medical test site's noncompliance with one or more statutory or regulatory requirements has placed the health and safety of patients in its care at risk for serious injury, serious harm, serious impairment, or death.
(4) "Person" means any individual, or any public or private organization, agent, agency, corporation, firm, association, partnership, or business.
(5) "Proficiency testing program" means an external service approved by the department which provides samples to evaluate the accuracy, reliability and performance of the tests at each test site.
(6) "Quality assurance" means a comprehensive set of policies, procedures, and practices to assure that a test site's results are accurate and reliable. Quality assurance means a total program of internal and external quality control, equipment preventative maintenance, calibration, recordkeeping, and proficiency testing evaluation, including a written quality assurance plan.
(7) "Quality control" means internal written procedures and day-to-day analysis of laboratory reference materials at each test site to insure precision and accuracy of test methodology, equipment, and results.
(8) "Test" means any examination or procedure conducted on a sample taken from the human body, including screening.
(9) "Test site" means any facility or site, public or private, which analyzes materials derived from the human body for the purposes of health care, treatment, or screening. A test site does not mean a facility or site, including a residence, where a test approved for home use by the federal food and drug administration is used by an individual to test himself or herself without direct supervision or guidance by another and where this test is not part of a commercial transaction.
[ 2024 c 121 s 5; 1989 c 386 s 2.]


title: RCW 70.42.020

text:
After July 1, 1990, no person may advertise, operate, manage, own, conduct, open, or maintain a test site without first obtaining a license for the tests to be performed, except as provided in RCW 70.42.030.
[ 1989 c 386 s 3.]

catchline: License required.


title: RCW 70.42.030

text:
(1) As a part of the application for licensure, a test site may request a waiver from licensure under this chapter if the test site performs only examinations which are determined to have insignificant risk of an erroneous result, including those which (a) are approved by the federal food and drug administration for home use; (b) are so simple and accurate as to render the likelihood of erroneous results negligible; or (c) pose no reasonable risk of harm to the patient if performed incorrectly.
(2) The department shall determine by rule which tests meet the criteria in subsection (1) of this section and shall be exempt from coverage of this chapter. The standards applied in developing the list shall be consistent with federal law and regulations.
(3) The department shall grant a waiver from licensure for two years for a valid request based on subsections (1) and (2) of this section.
(4) Any test site which has received a waiver under subsection (3) of this section shall report to the department any changes in the type of tests it intends to perform thirty days in advance of the changes. In no case shall a test site with a waiver perform tests which require a license under this chapter.
[ 1989 c 386 s 4.]

catchline: Waiver of license—Conditions.


title: RCW 70.42.040

text:
Test sites accredited, certified, or licensed by an organization or agency approved by the department consistent with federal law and regulations shall receive a license under RCW 70.42.110.
[ 1989 c 386 s 5.]

catchline: Sites approved under federal law—Automatic licensure.


title: RCW 70.42.050

text:
A licensee that desires to perform tests for which it is not currently licensed shall notify the department. To the extent allowed by federal law and regulations, upon notification and pending the department's determination, the department shall grant the licensee temporary permission to perform the additional tests. The department shall amend the license if it determines that the licensee meets all applicable requirements.
[ 1989 c 386 s 6.]

catchline: Permission to perform tests not covered by license—License amendment.


title: RCW 70.42.060

text:
The department shall adopt standards established in rule governing test sites for quality control, quality assurance, recordkeeping, and personnel consistent with federal laws and regulations. "Recordkeeping" for purposes of this chapter means books, files, or records necessary to show compliance with the quality control and quality assurance requirements adopted by the department.
[ 1989 c 386 s 7.]

catchline: Quality control, quality assurance, recordkeeping, and personnel standards.


title: RCW 70.42.070

text:
(1) Except where there is no reasonable proficiency test, each licensed test site must participate in a department-approved proficiency testing program appropriate to the test or tests which it performs. The department may approve proficiency testing programs offered by private or public organizations when the program meets the standards set by the department. Testing shall be conducted quarterly except as otherwise provided for in rule.
(2) The department shall establish proficiency testing standards by rule which include a measure of acceptable performance for tests, and a system for grading proficiency testing performance for tests. The standards may include an evaluation of the personnel performing tests.
[ 1989 c 386 s 8.]

catchline: Proficiency testing program.


title: RCW 70.42.080

text:
A test site shall have a designated test site supervisor who shall meet the qualifications determined by the department in rule. The designated test site supervisor shall be responsible for the testing functions of the test site.
[ 1989 c 386 s 9.]

catchline: Test site supervisor.


title: RCW 70.42.090

text:
(1) The department shall establish a schedule of fees for license applications, renewals, amendments, and waivers. In fixing said fees, the department shall set the fees at a sufficient level to defray the cost of administering the licensure program. All such fees shall be fixed by rule adopted in accordance with the provisions of the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. In determining the fee schedule, the department shall consider the following: (a) Complexity of the license required; (b) number and type of tests performed at the test site; (c) degree of supervision required from the department staff; (d) whether the license is granted under RCW 70.42.040; and (e) general administrative costs of the test site licensing program established under this chapter. For each category of license, fees charged shall be related to program costs.
(2) The medical test site licensure account is created in the state treasury. The state treasurer shall transfer into the medical test site licensure account all revenue received from medical test site license fees. Funds for this account may only be appropriated for the support of the activities defined under this chapter. For the 2013-2015 fiscal biennium, moneys in the account may be spent for laboratory services in the department of health.
(3) The department may establish separate fees for repeat inspections and repeat audits it performs under RCW 70.42.170.
[ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 988; 1989 c 386 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2013 2nd sp.s. c 4: See note following RCW 2.68.020.

catchline: Fees—Account.


title: RCW 70.42.100

text:
An applicant for issuance or renewal of a medical test site license shall:
(1) File a written application on a form provided by the department;
(2) Demonstrate ability to comply with this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter;
(3) Cooperate with any on-site review which may be conducted by the department prior to licensure or renewal.
[ 1989 c 386 s 11.]

catchline: Applicants—Requirements.


title: RCW 70.42.110

text:
Upon receipt of an application for a license and the license fee, the department shall issue a license if the applicant meets the requirements established under this chapter. All persons operating test sites before July 1, 1990, shall submit applications by July 1, 1990. A license issued under this chapter shall not be transferred or assigned without thirty days' prior notice to the department and the department's timely approval. A license, unless suspended or revoked, shall be effective for a period of two years. The department may establish penalty fees or take other appropriate action pursuant to this chapter for failure to apply for licensure or renewal as required by this chapter.
[ 1989 c 386 s 12.]

catchline: Issuance of license—Renewal.


title: RCW 70.42.120

text:
Under this chapter, and chapter 34.05 RCW, the department may deny a license to any applicant who:
(1) Refuses to comply with the requirements of this chapter or the standards or rules adopted under this chapter;
(2) Was the holder of a license under this chapter which was revoked for cause and never reissued by the department;
(3) Has knowingly or with reason to know made a false statement of a material fact in the application for a license or in any data attached thereto or in any record required by the department;
(4) Refuses to allow representatives of the department to examine any book, record, or file required by this chapter to be maintained;
(5) Willfully prevented, interfered with, or attempted to impede in any way the work of a representative of the department; or
(6) Misrepresented, or was fraudulent in, any aspect of the applicant's business.
[ 1989 c 386 s 13.]

catchline: Denial of license.


title: RCW 70.42.130

text:
Under this chapter, and chapter 34.05 RCW, the department may place conditions on a license which limit or cancel a test site's authority to conduct any of the tests or groups of tests of any licensee who:
(1) Fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of this chapter, the rules or standards adopted under this chapter, or other applicable state or federal statutes or rules regulating medical test sites;
(2) Has knowingly or with reason to know made a false statement of a material fact in the application for a license or in any data attached thereto or in any record required by the department;
(3) Refuses to allow representatives of the department to examine any book, record, or file required by this chapter to be maintained;
(4) Willfully prevented, interfered with, or attempted to impede in any way the work of a representative of the department;
(5) Willfully prevented or interfered with preservation of evidence of a known violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter; or
(6) Misrepresented, or was fraudulent in, any aspect of the licensee's business.
[ 2024 c 121 s 6; 1989 c 386 s 14.]

catchline: Conditions upon license.


title: RCW 70.42.140

text:
Under this chapter, and chapter 34.05 RCW, the department may suspend the license of any licensee who:
(1) Fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter;
(2) Has knowingly or with reason to know made a false statement of a material fact in the application for a license or in any data attached thereto or in any record required by the department;
(3) Refuses to allow representatives of the department to examine any book, record, or file required by this chapter to be maintained;
(4) Willfully prevented, interfered with, or attempted to impede in any way the work of a representative of the department;
(5) Willfully prevented or interfered with preservation of evidence of a known violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter;
(6) Misrepresented, or was fraudulent in, any aspect of the licensee's business;
(7) Used false or fraudulent advertising; or
(8) Failed to pay any civil monetary penalty assessed by the department under this chapter within twenty-eight days after the assessment becomes final.
[ 1989 c 386 s 15.]

catchline: Suspension of license.


title: RCW 70.42.150

text:
Under this chapter, and chapter 34.05 RCW, the department may revoke the license of any licensee who:
(1) Fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter;
(2) Has knowingly or with reason to know made a false statement of a material fact in the application for a license or in any data attached thereto or in any record required by the department;
(3) Refuses to allow representatives of the department to examine any book, record, or file required by this chapter to be maintained;
(4) Willfully prevented, interfered with, or attempted to impede in any way the work of a representative of the department;
(5) Willfully prevented or interfered with preservation of evidence of a known violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter;
(6) Misrepresented, or was fraudulent in, any aspect of the licensee's business;
(7) Used false or fraudulent advertising; or
(8) Failed to pay any civil monetary penalty assessed by the department pursuant to this chapter within twenty-eight days after the assessment becomes final.
The department may summarily revoke a license when it finds continued licensure of a test site immediately jeopardizes the public health, safety, or welfare.
[ 1989 c 386 s 16.]

catchline: Revocation of license.


title: RCW 70.42.155

text:
(1) The department may prohibit a specific category or categories of services within the medical test site as related to noncompliance with the requirements of this chapter or the standards or rules adopted under this chapter by imposing a limited stop service. This may only be done if the department finds that noncompliance results in immediate jeopardy.
(2) Prior to imposing a limited stop service, the department shall provide the medical test site a written notification upon identifying deficient practices or conditions that constitute an immediate jeopardy. The medical test site shall have 24 hours from notification to develop and implement a department-approved plan to correct the deficient practices or conditions that constitute an immediate jeopardy. If the deficient practices or conditions that constitute immediate jeopardy are not verified by the department as having been corrected within the same 24-hour period, the department may issue the limited stop service.
(3) When the department imposes a limited stop service, the medical test site may not perform any new testing in the category or categories subject to the limited stop service until the limited stop service is terminated.
(4) The department shall conduct a follow-up inspection within five business days or within the time period requested by the medical test site if more than five business days is needed to verify the violation necessitating the limited stop service has been corrected.
(5) The limited stop service shall be terminated when:
(a) The department verifies the violation necessitating the limited stop service has been corrected or the department determines that the medical test site has taken intermediate action to address the immediate jeopardy; and
(b) The medical test site establishes the ability to maintain correction of the violation previously found deficient.
(6) Except as otherwise provided, RCW 43.70.115 governs notice of actions taken by the department under subsection (1) of this section and provides the right to an adjudicative proceeding. Adjudicative proceedings and hearings under this section are governed by the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The application for an adjudicative proceeding must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the adverse action, include a copy of the department's notice, be served on and received by the department within 28 days of the medical test site's receipt of the adverse notice, and be served in a manner that shows proof of receipt.
(7) When the department determines a licensee's noncompliance results in immediate jeopardy, the department may make the imposition of conditions on a licensee, a limited stop service, or the suspension of a license effective immediately upon receipt of the notice by the licensee, pending any adjudicative proceeding.
(a) When the department makes the suspension of a license or imposition of conditions on a license effective immediately, a licensee is entitled to a show cause hearing before a presiding officer within 14 days of making the request. The licensee must request the show cause hearing within 28 days of receipt of the notice of immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions. At the show cause hearing the department has the burden of demonstrating that more probably than not there is an immediate jeopardy.
(b) At the show cause hearing, the presiding officer may consider the notice and documents supporting the immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions and the licensee's response and shall provide the parties with an opportunity to provide documentary evidence and written testimony, and to be represented by counsel. Prior to the show cause hearing, the department shall provide the licensee with all documentation that supports the department's immediate suspension or imposition of conditions.
(c) If the presiding officer determines there is no immediate jeopardy, the presiding officer may overturn the immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions.
(d) If the presiding officer determines there is immediate jeopardy, the immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions shall remain in effect pending a full hearing.
(e) If the presiding officer sustains the immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions, the licensee may request an expedited full hearing on the merits of the department's action. A full hearing must be provided within 90 days of the licensee's request.
(8) When the department determines an alleged violation, if true, would constitute an immediate jeopardy, and the licensee fails to cooperate with the department's investigation of such an alleged violation, the department may impose an immediate limited stop service, immediate suspension, or immediate imposition of conditions.
(a) When the department imposes an immediate limited stop service, immediate suspension, or immediate imposition of conditions for failure to cooperate, a licensee is entitled to a show cause hearing before a presiding officer within 14 days of making the request. The licensee must request the show cause hearing within 28 days of receipt of the notice of an immediate limited stop service, immediate suspension, or immediate imposition of conditions for failure to cooperate. At the show cause hearing the department has the burden of demonstrating that more probably than not the alleged violation, if true, would constitute an immediate jeopardy and the licensee failed to cooperate with the department's investigation.
(b) At the show cause hearing, the presiding officer may consider the notice and documents supporting the immediate limited stop service, immediate suspension, or immediate imposition of conditions for failure to cooperate, and the licensee's response and shall provide the parties with an opportunity to provide documentary evidence and written testimony, and to be represented by counsel. Prior to the show cause hearing, the department shall provide the licensee with all documentation that supports the department's immediate action for failure to cooperate.
(c) If the presiding officer determines the alleged violation, if true, does not constitute an immediate jeopardy or determines that the licensee cooperated with the department's investigation, the presiding officer may overturn the immediate action for failure to cooperate.
(d) If the presiding officer determines the allegation, if true, would constitute an immediate jeopardy and the licensee failed to cooperate with the department's investigation, the immediate action for failure to cooperate shall remain in effect pending a full hearing.
(e) If the presiding officer sustains the immediate action for failure to cooperate, the licensee may request an expedited full hearing on the merits of the department's action. A full hearing must be provided within 90 days of the licensee's request.
[ 2024 c 121 s 7.]

catchline: Limited stop services.


title: RCW 70.42.157

text:
(1) The department may give written notice to cease and desist to any person whom the department has reason to believe is engaged in the unlicensed operation of a medical test site.
(2)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the requirement to cease and desist unlicensed operation is effective 20 days after the person receives the notice.
(b) The department may make the date the action is effective sooner than 20 days after receipt when necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. When the department does so, it shall state the effective date and the reasons supporting the effective date in the written notice to cease and desist.
(3) The person to whom the notice to cease and desist is issued may request an adjudicative proceeding to contest the notice. The adjudicative proceeding is governed by the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The request for an adjudicative proceeding must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the notice, include a copy of the notice, and be served on and received by the department within 20 days from the date the person receives the notice to cease and desist.
(4)(a) If the department gives a person 20 days' notice to cease and desist and the person requests an adjudicative proceeding before its effective date, the department shall not implement the notice until the final order has been entered. The presiding or reviewing officer may permit the department to implement part or all of the notice while the proceedings are pending if the respondent causes an unreasonable delay in the proceeding, if the circumstances change so that implementation is in the public interest, or for other good cause.
(b) If the department gives a licensee less than 20 days' notice to cease and desist and the respondent timely files a request for an adjudicative proceeding, the department may implement the cease and desist on the effective date stated in the notice. The presiding or reviewing officer may order the department to stay implementation of part or all of the adverse action while the proceedings are pending if staying implementation is in the public interest or for other good cause.
(5) The department may assess a civil fine not exceeding $5,000 for each day a person operates a medical test site without a valid license.
(a) The department shall give written notice to the person against whom it assesses a civil fine.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in (c) and (d) of this subsection, the civil fine is due and payable 20 days after receipt.
(c) The person against whom the department assesses a civil fine has the right to request an adjudicative proceeding. The proceeding is governed by the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The request must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the fine, include a copy of the notice, be served on and received by the department within 20 days of the person receiving the notice of civil fine, and be served in a manner which shows proof of receipt.
(d) If the person files a timely and sufficient request for adjudicative proceeding, the department shall not implement the fine until the final order has been served.
(6) Neither the issuance of a cease and desist order nor payment of a civil fine shall relieve the person so operating a medical test site without a license from criminal prosecution, but the remedy of a cease and desist order or civil fine shall be in addition to any criminal liability. A final notice to cease and desist is conclusive proof of unlicensed operation and may be enforced under RCW 7.21.060. This method of enforcement of the final notice to cease and desist or civil fine may be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, any provisions for enforcement of agency orders set out in chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 2024 c 121 s 8.]

catchline: Cease and desist notices.


title: RCW 70.42.160

text:
Under this chapter, and chapter 34.05 RCW, the department may assess monetary penalties of up to ten thousand dollars per violation in addition to or in lieu of conditioning, suspending, or revoking a license. A violation occurs when a licensee:
(1) Fails or refuses to comply with the requirements of this chapter or the standards or rules adopted under this chapter;
(2) Has knowingly or with reason to know made a false statement of a material fact in the application for a license or in any data attached thereto or in any record required by the department;
(3) Refuses to allow representatives of the department to examine any book, record, or file required by this chapter to be maintained;
(4) Willfully prevents, interferes with, or attempts to impede in any way the work of any representative of the department;
(5) Willfully prevents or interferes with preservation of evidence of any known violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter;
(6) Misrepresents or was fraudulent in any aspect of the applicant's business; or
(7) Uses advertising which is false or fraudulent.
Each day of a continuing violation is a separate violation.
[ 1989 c 386 s 17.]

catchline: Penalties—Acts constituting violations.


title: RCW 70.42.162

text:
If the insurance commissioner reports to the department that he or she has cause to believe that a medical test site has engaged in a pattern of violations of RCW 48.49.020 or 48.49.030 or has violated RCW 48.43.732, and the report is substantiated after investigation, the department may levy a fine upon the medical test site in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars per violation and take other formal or informal disciplinary action as permitted under the authority of the department.
[ 2025 c 389 s 6; 2019 c 427 s 20.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2025 c 389: See note following RCW 48.43.732.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2019 c 427: See RCW 48.49.003 and 48.49.900.

catchline: Pattern of balance billing protection act violations by medical test site—Fines and disciplinary action.


title: RCW 70.42.170

text:
The department may at any time conduct an on-site review of a licensee or applicant in order to determine compliance with this chapter. When the department has reason to believe a waivered site is conducting tests requiring a license, the department may conduct an on-site review of the waivered site in order to determine compliance. The department may also examine and audit records necessary to determine compliance with this chapter. The right to conduct an on-site review and audit and examination of records shall extend to any premises and records of persons whom the department has reason to believe are opening, owning, conducting, maintaining, managing, or otherwise operating a test site without a license.
Following an on-site review, the department shall give written notice of any violation of this chapter or the rules adopted under this chapter. The notice shall describe the reasons for noncompliance and inform the licensee or applicant or test site operator that it shall comply within a specified reasonable time. If the licensee or applicant or test site operator fails to comply, the department may take disciplinary action under RCW 70.42.120 through 70.42.150, or further action as authorized by this chapter.
[ 1989 c 386 s 18.]

catchline: On-site reviews.


title: RCW 70.42.180

text:
(1) Notwithstanding the existence or use of any other remedy, the department may, in the manner provided by law and upon the advice of the attorney general, who shall represent the department in the proceedings, maintain an action in the name of the state for an injunction or other process against any person to restrain or prevent the advertising, operating, maintaining, managing, or opening of a test site without a license under this chapter. It is a misdemeanor to own, operate, or maintain a test site without a license.
(2) The injunction shall not relieve the person operating a medical test site without a license from criminal prosecution, or the imposition of a civil fine under RCW 70.42.157, but the remedy by injunction shall be in addition to any criminal liability or civil fine. A person that violates an injunction issued under this chapter shall pay a civil penalty, as determined by the court, of not more than $25,000, which shall be deposited in the department's local fee account. For the purpose of this section, the superior court issuing any injunction shall retain jurisdiction and the cause shall be continued, and in such cases the attorney general acting in the name of the state may petition for the recovery of civil penalties. All fines, forfeitures, and penalties collected or assessed by a court because of a violation of RCW 70.42.020 shall be deposited in the department's local fee account.
[ 2024 c 121 s 9; 1989 c 386 s 19.]

catchline: Operating without a license—Injunctions or other remedies—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.42.190

text:
Any test site which has had a denial, condition, suspension, or revocation of its license, or a civil monetary penalty upheld after administrative review under chapter 34.05 RCW, may, within sixty days of the administrative determination, petition the superior court for review of the decision.
[ 1989 c 386 s 20.]

catchline: Petition of superior court for review of disciplinary action.


title: RCW 70.42.200

text:
No person who has owned or operated a test site that has had its license revoked may own or operate a test site within two years of the final adjudication of a license revocation.
[ 1989 c 386 s 21.]

catchline: Persons who may not own or operate test site.


title: RCW 70.42.210

text:
All information received by the department through filed reports, audits, or on-site reviews, as authorized under this chapter shall not be disclosed publicly in any manner that would identify persons who have specimens of material from their bodies at a test site, absent a written release from the person, or a court order.
[ 1989 c 386 s 22.]

catchline: Confidentiality of certain information.


title: RCW 70.42.220

text:
The department shall adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter.
[ 1989 c 386 s 23.]

catchline: Rules.


title: RCW 70.42.900

text:
(1) RCW 70.42.005 through 70.42.210 shall take effect July 1, 1990.
(2) RCW 70.42.220 is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1989.
[ 1989 c 386 s 25.]

catchline: Effective dates—1989 c 386.


title: RCW 70.43.010

text:
Within one hundred eighty days of June 11, 1986, the governing body of every hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW shall set standards and procedures to be applied by the hospital and its medical staff in considering and acting upon applications for staff membership or professional privileges.
[ 1986 c 205 s 1.]

catchline: Applications for membership or privileges—Standards and procedures.


title: RCW 70.43.020

text:
The governing body of any hospital, except any hospital which employs its medical staff, in considering and acting upon applications for staff membership or professional privileges within the scope of the applicants' respective licenses, shall not discriminate against a qualified person solely on the basis of whether such person is licensed under chapters 18.71, 18.57, or 18.22 RCW.
[ 1986 c 205 s 2.]

catchline: Applications for membership or privileges—Discrimination based on type of license prohibited—Exception.


title: RCW 70.43.030

text:
Any person may apply to superior court for a preliminary or permanent injunction restraining a violation of RCW 70.43.010 or 70.43.020. This action is an additional remedy not dependent on the adequacy of the remedy at law. Nothing in this chapter shall require a hospital to grant staff membership or professional privileges until a final determination is made upon the merits by the hospital governing body.
[ 1986 c 205 s 3.]

catchline: Violations of RCW 70.43.010 or 70.43.020—Injunctive relief.


title: RCW 70.44.003

text:
The purpose of chapter 70.44 RCW is to authorize the establishment of public hospital districts to own and operate hospitals and other health care facilities and to provide hospital services and other health care services for the residents of such districts and other persons.
[ 1982 c 84 s 1.]

catchline: Purpose.


title: RCW 70.44.007

text:
As used in this chapter, the following words have the meanings indicated:
(1) "Other health care facilities" means nursing home, extended care, long-term care, outpatient, and rehabilitative facilities; ambulances; facilities that promote health, wellness, and prevention of illness and injury; and such other facilities as are appropriate to the health and wellness needs of the population served.
(2) "Other health care services" means nursing home, extended care, long-term care, outpatient, rehabilitative, and ambulance services; services that promote health, wellness, and prevention of illness and injury; and such other services as are appropriate to the health needs of the population served.
(3) "Public hospital district" or "district" means public health care service district.
[ 2018 c 134 s 1; 1997 c 332 s 15; 1982 c 84 s 12; 1974 ex.s. c 165 s 5.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 70.44.010

text:
Municipal corporations, to be known as public hospital districts, are hereby authorized and may be established within the several counties of the state as hereinafter provided.
[ 1947 c 225 s 1; 1945 c 264 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6090-31. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1945 c 264 s 1 now codified as RCW 70.44.005.]

catchline: Districts authorized.


title: RCW 70.44.015

text:
Each and all of the respective areas of land heretofore attempted to be organized into public hospital districts under the provisions of this chapter are validated and declared to be duly existing hospital districts having the respective boundaries set forth in their organization proceedings as shown by the files in the office of the board of county commissioners of the county in question, and by the files of such districts.
[ 1955 c 135 s 2.]

catchline: Validation of existing districts.


title: RCW 70.44.016

text:
Each and all of the respective areas of land attempted to be organized into public hospital districts prior to June 10, 1982, under the provisions of chapter 70.44 RCW where the canvass of the election on the proposition of creating a public hospital district shows the passage of the proposition are validated and declared to be duly existing public hospital districts having the respective boundaries set forth in their organization proceedings as shown by the files in the office of the legislative authority of the county in question, and by the files of such districts.
[ 1982 c 84 s 10.]

catchline: Validation of districts.


title: RCW 70.44.020

text:
At any general election or at any special election which may be called for that purpose, the county legislative authority of a county may, or on petition of ten percent of the registered voters of the county based on the total vote cast in the last general county election, shall, by resolution, submit to the voters of the county the proposition of creating a public hospital district coextensive with the limits of the county. The petition shall be filed with the county auditor, who shall within fifteen days examine the signatures thereon and certify to the sufficiency thereof, and for that purpose the auditor shall have access to all registration books in the possession of election officers in the county. If the petition is found to be insufficient, it shall be returned to the persons filing it, who may amend or add names thereto for ten days, when it shall be returned to the auditor, who shall have an additional fifteen days to examine it and attach the certificate thereto. No person signing the petition may withdraw his or her name therefrom after filing. When the petition is certified as sufficient, the auditor shall forthwith transmit it, together with the certificate of sufficiency attached thereto, to the county legislative authority, who shall immediately transmit the proposition to the supervisor of elections or other election officer of the county, and he or she shall submit the proposition to the voters at the next general election or if such petition so requests, shall call a special election on such proposition in accordance with RCW 29A.04.321 and 29A.04.330. The notice of the election shall state the boundaries of the proposed district and the object of the election, and shall in other respects conform to the requirements of law governing the time and manner of holding elections. In submitting the question to the voters, the proposition shall be expressed on the ballot substantially in the following terms:
For public hospital district No. . . . .
Against public hospital district No. . . . .
[ 2012 c 117 s 378; 1990 c 259 s 38; 1955 c 135 s 1; 1945 c 264 s 3; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 6090-32.]

catchline: Resolution—Petition for countywide district—Conduct of elections.


title: RCW 70.44.028

text:
Unless commenced within thirty days after the date of the filing of the certificate of the canvass of an election on the proposition of creating a new public hospital district pursuant to chapter 70.44 RCW, no lawsuit whatever may be maintained challenging in any way the legal existence of such district or the validity of the proceedings had for the organization and creation thereof. If the creation of a district is not challenged within the period specified in this section, the district conclusively shall be deemed duly and regularly organized under the laws of this state.
[ 1982 c 84 s 9.]

catchline: Limitation on legal challenges.


title: RCW 70.44.030

text:
Any petition for the formation of a public hospital district may describe a less area than the entire county in which the petition is filed, the boundaries of which shall follow the then existing precinct boundaries and not divide any voting precinct; and in the event that such a petition is filed containing not less than ten percent of the voters of the proposed district who voted at the last general election, certified by the auditor in like manner as for a countywide district, the board of county commissioners shall fix a date for a hearing on such petition, and shall publish the petition, without the signatures thereto appended, for two weeks prior to the date of the hearing, together with a notice stating the time of the meeting when such petition will be heard. Such publications required by this chapter shall be in a newspaper published in the proposed or established public hospital district, or, if there be no such newspaper, then in a newspaper published in the county in which such district is situated, and of general circulation in such county. The hearing on such petition may be adjourned from time to time, not exceeding four weeks in all. If upon the final hearing the board of county commissioners shall find that any lands have been unjustly or improperly included within the proposed public hospital district the said board shall change and fix the boundary lines in such manner as it shall deem reasonable and just and conducive to the welfare and convenience, and make and enter an order establishing and defining the boundary lines of the proposed public hospital district: PROVIDED, That no lands shall be included within the boundaries so fixed lying outside the boundaries described in the petition, except upon the written request of the owners of such lands. Thereafter the same procedure shall be followed as prescribed in this chapter for the formation of a public hospital district including an entire county, except that the petition and election shall be confined solely to the lesser public hospital district.
[ 1945 c 264 s 4; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 6090-33.]

catchline: Petition for lesser district—Procedure.


title: RCW 70.44.035

text:
Any petition for the formation of a public hospital district may describe an area lying in more than one county, the boundaries of which shall follow the then existing precinct boundaries and not divide a voting precinct; and if a petition is filed with the county auditor of the respective counties in which a portion of the proposed district is located, containing not less than ten percent of the voters of that area of each county of the proposed district who voted at the last general election, certified by the said respective auditors in like manner as for a countywide district, the board of county commissioners of each of the counties in which a portion of the proposed district is located shall fix a date for a hearing on the petition, and shall publish the petition, without the signatures thereto appended, for two weeks prior to the hearing, together with a notice stating the time of the meeting when the petition will be heard. The publication required by this chapter shall be in a newspaper published in the portion of each county lying within the proposed district, or if there be no such newspaper published in any such portion of a county, then in one published in the county wherein such portion of said district is situated, and of general circulation in the county. The hearing before the respective county commissioners may be adjourned from time to time not exceeding four weeks in all. If upon the final hearing the respective boards of county commissioners find that any land has been unjustly or improperly included within the proposed district they may change and fix the boundary lines of the portion of said district located within their respective counties in such manner as they deem reasonable and just and conducive to the welfare and convenience, and enter an order establishing and defining the boundary lines of the proposed district located within their respective counties: PROVIDED, That no lands shall be included within the boundaries so fixed lying outside the boundaries described in the petition, except upon the written request of the owners of the land to be so included. Thereafter the same procedure shall be followed as prescribed for the formation of a district including an entire county, except that the petition and election shall be confined solely to the portions of each county lying within the proposed district.
[ 1953 c 267 s 1.]

catchline: Petition for district lying in more than one county—Procedure.


title: RCW 70.44.040

text:
(1) The provisions of Title 29A RCW relating to elections shall govern public hospital districts, except as provided in this chapter.
A public hospital district shall be created when the ballot proposition authorizing the creation of the district is approved by a simple majority vote of the voters of the proposed district voting on the proposition and the total vote cast upon the proposition exceeds forty percent of the total number of votes cast in the proposed district at the preceding state general election.
A public hospital district initially may be created with three, five, or seven commissioner districts. At the election at which the proposition is submitted to the voters as to whether a district shall be formed, three, five, or seven commissioners shall be elected from either three, five, or seven commissioner districts, or at large positions, or both, as determined by resolution of the county commissioners of the county or counties in which the proposed public hospital district is located, all in accordance with RCW 70.44.054. The election of the initial commissioners shall be null and void if the district is not authorized to be created.
No primary shall be held. A special filing period shall be opened as provided in RCW 29A.24.171 and 29A.24.181. The person receiving the greatest number of votes for the commissioner of each commissioner district or at large position shall be elected as the commissioner of that district. The terms of office of the initial public hospital district commissioners shall be staggered, with the length of the terms assigned so that the person or persons who are elected receiving the greater number of votes being assigned a longer term or terms of office and each term of an initial commissioner running until a successor assumes office who is elected at one of the next three following district general elections the first of which occurs at least one hundred twenty days after the date of the election where voters approved the ballot proposition creating the district, as follows:
(a) If the public hospital district will have three commissioners, the successor to one initial commissioner shall be elected at such first following district general election, the successor to one initial commissioner shall be elected at the second following district general election, and the successor to one initial commissioner shall be elected at the third following district general election;
(b) If the public hospital district will have five commissioners, the successor to one initial commissioner shall be elected at such first following district general election, the successors to two initial commissioners shall be elected at the second following district general election, and the successors to two initial commissioners shall be elected at the third following district general election;
(c) If the public hospital district will have seven commissioners, the successors to two initial commissioners shall be elected at such first following district general election, the successors to two initial commissioners shall be elected at the second following district general election, and the successors to three initial commissioners shall be elected at the third following district general election.
The initial commissioners shall take office immediately when they are elected and qualified. The term of office of each successor shall be six years. Each commissioner shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified and assumes office in accordance with *RCW 29A.20.040.
(2) Only a registered voter who resides in a commissioner district may be a candidate for, or hold office as, a commissioner of the commissioner district. Voters of the entire public hospital district may vote at a primary or general election to elect a person as a commissioner of the commissioner district.
If the proposed public hospital district initially will have three commissioner districts and the public hospital district is countywide, and if the county has three county legislative authority districts, the county legislative authority districts shall be used as public hospital district commissioner districts. In all other instances the county auditor of the county in which all or the largest portion of the proposed public hospital district is located shall draw the initial public hospital district commissioner districts and designate at large positions, if appropriate, as provided in RCW 70.44.054. Each of the commissioner positions shall be numbered consecutively and associated with the commissioner district or at large position of the same number.
The commissioners of a public hospital district that is not coterminous with the boundaries of a county that has three county legislative authority districts shall at the times required in chapter 29A.76 RCW and may from time to time redraw commissioner district boundaries in a manner consistent with chapter 29A.76 RCW.
(3) No person may hold office as a commissioner while serving as an employee of the public hospital district.
[ 2006 c 322 s 1; 1997 c 99 s 1; 1994 c 223 s 78; 1990 c 259 s 39; 1979 ex.s. c 126 s 41; 1957 c 11 s 1; 1955 c 82 s 1; 1953 c 267 s 2; 1947 c 229 s 1; 1945 c 264 s 5; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6090-34.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 29A.20.040 was recodified as RCW 29A.60.280 pursuant to 2013 c 11 s 93.
Effective date—1997 c 99: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 21, 1997]." [ 1997 c 99 s 8.]
Purpose—1979 ex.s. c 126: See RCW 29A.60.280(1).


title: RCW 70.44.041

text:
No appointment to fill a vacant position on or election to the board of commissioners of any public hospital district made after June 9, 1994, and before April 21, 1997, is deemed to be invalid solely due to the public hospital district's failure to redraw its commissioner district boundaries if necessary to comply with chapter 223, Laws of 1994.
[ 1997 c 99 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—1997 c 99: See note following RCW 70.44.040.

catchline: Validity of appointment or election of commissioners—Compliance with 1994 c 223.


title: RCW 70.44.042

text:
Notwithstanding any provision in RCW 70.44.040 to the contrary, any board of public hospital district commissioners may, by resolution, abolish commissioner districts and permit candidates for any position on the board to reside anywhere in the public hospital district.
At any general or special election which may be called for that purpose, the board of public hospital district commissioners may, or on petition of ten percent of the voters based on the total vote cast in the last district general election in the public hospital district shall, by resolution, submit to the voters of the district the proposition to reestablish commissioner districts.
[ 1997 c 99 s 2; 1967 c 227 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—1997 c 99: See note following RCW 70.44.040.

catchline: Commissioner districts—Resolution to abolish—Proposition to reestablish.


title: RCW 70.44.045

text:
A vacancy in the office of commissioner shall occur as provided in chapter 42.12 RCW or by nonattendance at meetings of the commission for sixty days, unless excused by the commission. A vacancy shall be filled as provided in chapter 42.12 RCW.
[ 1994 c 223 s 79; 1982 c 84 s 13; 1955 c 82 s 2.]

catchline: Commissioners—Vacancies.


title: RCW 70.44.047

text:
If, as the result of redrawing the boundaries of commissioner districts as permitted or required under the provisions of this chapter, chapter 29A.76 RCW, or any other statute, more than the correct number of commissioners who are associated with commissioner districts reside in the same commissioner district, a commissioner or commissioners residing in that redrawn commissioner district equal in number to the number of commissioners in excess of the correct number shall be assigned to the drawn commissioner district or districts in which less than the correct number of commissioners associated with commissioner districts reside. The commissioner or commissioners who are so assigned shall be those with the shortest unexpired term or terms of office, but if the number of such commissioners with the same terms of office exceeds the number that are to be assigned, the board of commissioners shall select by lot from those commissioners which one or ones are assigned. A commissioner who is so assigned shall be deemed to be a resident of the commissioner district to which he or she is assigned for purposes of determining whether a position is vacant.
[ 2015 c 53 s 93; 1997 c 99 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—1997 c 99: See note following RCW 70.44.040.

catchline: Redrawn boundaries—Assignment of commissioners to districts.


title: RCW 70.44.050

text:
Each commissioner shall receive ninety dollars for each day or portion thereof spent in actual attendance at official meetings of the district commission, or in performance of other official services or duties on behalf of the district, to include meetings of the commission of his or her own district, or meetings attended by one or more commissioners of two or more districts called to consider business common to them, except that the total compensation paid to such commissioner during any one year shall not exceed eight thousand six hundred forty dollars. The commissioners may not be compensated for services performed of a ministerial or professional nature.
Any commissioner may waive all or any portion of his or her compensation payable under this section as to any month or months during his or her term of office, by a written waiver filed with the district as provided in this section. The waiver, to be effective, must be filed any time after the commissioner's election and prior to the date on which the compensation would otherwise be paid. The waiver shall specify the month or period of months for which it is made.
Any district providing group insurance for its employees, covering them, their immediate family, and dependents, may provide insurance for its commissioners with the same coverage. Each commissioner shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses actually incurred in connection with such business and meetings, including his or her subsistence and lodging and travel while away from his or her place of residence. No resolution shall be adopted without a majority vote of the whole commission. The commission shall organize by election of its own members of a president and secretary, shall by resolution adopt rules governing the transaction of its business and shall adopt an official seal. All proceedings of the commission shall be by motion or resolution recorded in a book or books kept for such purpose, which shall be public records.
The dollar thresholds established in this section must be adjusted for inflation by the office of financial management every five years, beginning January 1, 2024, based upon changes in the consumer price index during that time period. "Consumer price index" means, for any calendar year, that year's annual average consumer price index, for Washington state, for wage earners and clerical workers, all items, compiled by the bureau of labor and statistics, United States department of labor. If the bureau of labor and statistics develops more than one consumer price index for areas within the state, the index covering the greatest number of people, covering areas exclusively within the boundaries of the state, and including all items shall be used for the adjustments for inflation in this section. The office of financial management must calculate the new dollar threshold and transmit it to the office of the code reviser for publication in the Washington State Register at least one month before the new dollar threshold is to take effect.
A person holding office as commissioner for two or more special purpose districts shall receive only that per diem compensation authorized for one of his or her commissioner positions as compensation for attending an official meeting or conducting official services or duties while representing more than one of his or her districts. However, such commissioner may receive additional per diem compensation if approved by resolution of all boards of the affected commissions.
[ 2020 c 83 s 7; 2008 c 31 s 2; 2007 c 469 s 7; 1998 c 121 s 7; 1985 c 330 s 7; 1982 c 84 s 14; 1975 c 42 s 1; 1965 c 157 s 1; 1945 c 264 s 15; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 6090-44.]

catchline: Commissioners—Compensation and expenses—Insurance—Resolutions by majority vote—Officers—Rules.


title: RCW 70.44.053

text:
At any general or special election which may be called for that purpose the board of public hospital district commissioners may, or on petition of ten percent of the voters based on the total vote cast in the last district general election in the public hospital district shall, by resolution, submit to the voters of the district the proposition increasing the number of commissioners to either five or seven members. The petition or resolution shall specify whether it is proposed to increase the number of commissioners to either five or seven members.
[ 1997 c 99 s 3; 1994 c 223 s 80; 1967 c 77 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—1997 c 99: See note following RCW 70.44.040.

catchline: Increase in number of commissioners—Proposition to voters.


title: RCW 70.44.054

text:
If the voters of the district approve the ballot proposition authorizing the increase in the number of commissioners to either five or seven members, the additional commissioners shall be elected at large from the entire district; provided that, the board of commissioners of the district may by resolution redistrict the public hospital district into five commissioner districts if the district has five commissioners or seven commissioner districts if the district has seven commissioners. The board of commissioners shall draw the boundaries of each commissioner district to include as nearly as possible equal portions of the total population of the public hospital district.
If the board of commissioners increases the number of commissioner districts as provided in this section, one commissioner shall be elected from each commissioner district, and no commissioner may be elected from a commissioner district in which another commissioner resides.
[ 1997 c 99 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—1997 c 99: See note following RCW 70.44.040.

catchline: Increase in number of commissioners—Commissioner districts.


title: RCW 70.44.056

text:
In all existing public hospital districts in which an increase in the number of district commissioners is proposed, the additional commissioner positions shall be deemed to be vacant and the board of commissioners of the public hospital district shall appoint qualified persons to fill those vacancies in accordance with RCW 42.12.080.
Each person who is appointed shall serve until a qualified person is elected at the next general election of the district occurring one hundred twenty days or more after the date of the election at which the voters of the district approved the ballot proposition authorizing the increase in the number of commissioners. If needed, special filing periods shall be authorized as provided in RCW 29A.24.171 and 29A.24.181 for qualified persons to file for the vacant office. A primary shall be held to nominate candidates if sufficient time exists to hold a primary and more than two candidates file for the vacant office. Otherwise, no primary shall be held and the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each position shall be elected. Except for the initial terms of office, persons elected to each of these additional commissioner positions shall be elected to a six-year term. The newly elected commissioners shall assume office as provided in RCW 29A.60.280.
The initial terms of the new commissioners shall be staggered as follows: (1) When the number of commissioners is increased from three to five, the person elected receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected to a six-year term of office, and the other person shall be elected to a four-year term; (2) when the number of commissioners is increased from three or five to seven, the terms of the new commissioners shall be staggered over the next three district general elections so that two commissioners will be elected at the first district general election following the election where the additional commissioners are elected, two commissioners will be at the second district general election after the election of the additional commissioners, and three commissioners will be elected at the third district general election following the election of the additional commissioners, with the persons elected receiving the greatest number of votes elected to serve the longest terms.
[ 2023 c 369 s 4; 2015 c 53 s 94; 1997 c 99 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—1997 c 99: See note following RCW 70.44.040.

catchline: Increase in number of commissioners—Appointments—Election—Terms.


title: RCW 70.44.059

text:
Public hospital districts may employ chaplains for their hospitals, health care facilities, and hospice programs.
[ 1993 c 234 s 1.]
Notes:
Contingent effective date—1993 c 234: "This act shall take effect on January 1, 1994, if the proposed amendment to Article I, section 11 of the state Constitution authorizing the legislature to permit public hospital districts to employ chaplains is validly submitted to and is approved and ratified by the voters at the next general election held. If the proposed amendment is not so approved and ratified, this act is void in its entirety." [ 1993 c 234 s 2.] House Joint Resolution No. 4200 was approved by the voters on November 2, 1993.

catchline: Chaplains—Authority to employ.


title: RCW 70.44.060

text:
All public hospital districts organized under the provisions of this chapter shall have power:
(1) To make a survey of existing hospital and other health care facilities within and without such district.
(2) To construct, condemn and purchase, purchase, acquire, lease, add to, maintain, operate, develop and regulate, sell and convey all lands, property, property rights, equipment, hospital and other health care facilities and systems for the maintenance of hospitals, buildings, structures, and any and all other facilities, and to exercise the right of eminent domain to effectuate the foregoing purposes or for the acquisition and damaging of the same or property of any kind appurtenant thereto, and such right of eminent domain shall be exercised and instituted pursuant to a resolution of the commission and conducted in the same manner and by the same procedure as in or may be provided by law for the exercise of the power of eminent domain by incorporated cities and towns of the state of Washington in the acquisition of property rights: PROVIDED, That no public hospital district shall have the right of eminent domain and the power of condemnation against any health care facility.
(3) To lease existing hospital and other health care facilities and equipment and/or other property used in connection therewith, including ambulances, and to pay such rental therefor as the commissioners shall deem proper; to provide hospital and other health care services for residents of said district by facilities located outside the boundaries of said district, by contract or in any other manner said commissioners may deem expedient or necessary under the existing conditions; and said hospital district shall have the power to contract with other communities, corporations, or individuals for the services provided by said hospital district; and they may further receive in said hospitals and other health care facilities and furnish proper and adequate services to all persons not residents of said district at such reasonable and fair compensation as may be considered proper: PROVIDED, That it must at all times make adequate provision for the needs of the district and residents of said district shall have prior rights to the available hospital and other health care facilities of said district, at rates set by the district commissioners.
(4) For the purpose aforesaid, it shall be lawful for any district so organized to take, condemn and purchase, lease, or acquire, any and all property, and property rights, including state and county lands, for any of the purposes aforesaid, and any and all other facilities necessary or convenient, and in connection with the construction, maintenance, and operation of any such hospitals and other health care facilities, subject, however, to the applicable limitations provided in subsection (2) of this section.
(5) To contract indebtedness or borrow money for corporate purposes on the credit of the corporation or the revenues of the hospitals thereof, and the revenues of any other facilities or services that the district is or hereafter may be authorized by law to provide, and to issue and sell: (a) Revenue bonds, revenue warrants, or other revenue obligations therefor payable solely out of a special fund or funds into which the district may pledge such amount of the revenues of the hospitals thereof, and the revenues of any other facilities or services that the district is or hereafter may be authorized by law to provide, to pay the same as the commissioners of the district may determine, such revenue bonds, warrants, or other obligations to be issued and sold in the same manner and subject to the same provisions as provided for the issuance of revenue bonds, warrants, or other obligations by cities or towns under the municipal revenue bond act, chapter 35.41 RCW, as may hereafter be amended; (b) general obligation bonds therefor in the manner and form as provided in RCW 70.44.110 and 70.44.130, as may hereafter be amended; or (c) interest-bearing warrants to be drawn on a fund pending deposit in such fund of money sufficient to redeem such warrants and to be issued and paid in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the board of commissioners may deem to be in the best interest of the district; and to assign or sell hospital accounts receivable, and accounts receivable for the use of other facilities or services that the district is or hereafter may be authorized by law to provide, for collection with or without recourse. General obligation bonds shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW. Revenue bonds, revenue warrants, or other revenue obligations may be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW. In connection with the issuance of bonds, a public hospital district is, in addition to its other powers, authorized to grant a lien on any or all of its property, whether then owned or thereafter acquired, including the revenues and receipts from the property, pursuant to a mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement, or any other security instrument now or hereafter authorized by applicable law: PROVIDED, That such bonds are issued in connection with a federal program providing mortgage insurance, including but not limited to the mortgage insurance programs administered by the United States department of housing and urban development pursuant to sections 232, 241, and 242 of Title II of the national housing act, as amended.
(6) To raise revenue by the levy of an annual tax on all taxable property within such public hospital district not to exceed fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value, and an additional annual tax on all taxable property within such public hospital district not to exceed twenty-five cents per thousand dollars of assessed value, or such further amount as has been or shall be authorized by a vote of the people. Although public hospital districts are authorized to impose two separate regular property tax levies, the levies shall be considered to be a single levy for purposes of the limitation provided for in chapter 84.55 RCW. Public hospital districts are authorized to levy such a general tax in excess of their regular property taxes when authorized so to do at a special election conducted in accordance with and subject to all of the requirements of the Constitution and the laws of the state of Washington now in force or hereafter enacted governing the limitation of tax levies. The said board of district commissioners is authorized and empowered to call a special election for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the hospital district a proposition or propositions to levy taxes in excess of its regular property taxes. The superintendent shall prepare a proposed budget of the contemplated financial transactions for the ensuing year and file the same in the records of the commission on or before the first day of November. Notice of the filing of said proposed budget and the date and place of hearing on the same shall be published for at least two consecutive weeks, at least one time each week, in a newspaper printed and of general circulation in said county. On or before the fifteenth day of November the commission shall hold a public hearing on said proposed budget at which any taxpayer may appear and be heard against the whole or any part of the proposed budget. Upon the conclusion of said hearing, the commission shall, by resolution, adopt the budget as finally determined and fix the final amount of expenditures for the ensuing year. Taxes levied by the commission shall be certified to and collected by the proper county officer of the county in which such public hospital district is located in the same manner as is or may be provided by law for the certification and collection of port district taxes. The commission is authorized, prior to the receipt of taxes raised by levy, to borrow money or issue warrants of the district in anticipation of the revenue to be derived by such district from the levy of taxes for the purpose of such district, and such warrants shall be redeemed from the first money available from such taxes when collected, and such warrants shall not exceed the anticipated revenues of one year, and shall bear interest at a rate or rates as authorized by the commission.
(7) To enter into any contract with the United States government or any state, municipality, or other hospital district, or any department of those governing bodies, for carrying out any of the powers authorized by this chapter.
(8) To sue and be sued in any court of competent jurisdiction: PROVIDED, That all suits against the public hospital district shall be brought in the county in which the public hospital district is located.
(9) To pay actual necessary travel expenses and living expenses incurred while in travel status for (a) qualified physicians or other health care practitioners who are candidates for medical staff positions, and (b) other qualified persons who are candidates for superintendent or other managerial and technical positions, which expenses may include expenses incurred by family members accompanying the candidate, when the district finds that hospitals or other health care facilities owned and operated by it are not adequately staffed and determines that personal interviews with said candidates to be held in the district are necessary or desirable for the adequate staffing of said facilities.
(10) To employ superintendents, attorneys, and other technical or professional assistants and all other employees; to make all contracts useful or necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including, but not limited to, (a) contracts with private or public institutions for employee retirement programs, and (b) contracts with current or prospective employees, physicians, or other health care practitioners providing for the payment or reimbursement by the public hospital district of health care training or education expenses, including but not limited to debt obligations, incurred by current or prospective employees, physicians, or other health care practitioners in return for their agreement to provide services beneficial to the public hospital district; to print and publish information or literature; and to do all other things necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(11) To solicit and accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise, and to sell, lease, exchange, invest, or expend gifts or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income therefrom, and to enter into contracts with for-profit or nonprofit organizations to support the purposes of this subsection, including, but not limited to, contracts providing for the use of district facilities, property, personnel, or services.
[ 2011 c 37 s 1; 2010 c 95 s 1; 2003 c 125 s 1; 2001 c 76 s 1; 1997 c 3 s 206 (Referendum Bill No. 47, approved November 4, 1997); 1990 c 234 s 2; 1984 c 186 s 59; 1983 c 167 s 172; 1982 c 84 s 15; 1979 ex.s. c 155 s 1; 1979 ex.s. c 143 s 4; 1977 ex.s. c 211 s 1; 1974 ex.s. c 165 s 2; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 83; 1971 ex.s. c 218 s 2; 1970 ex.s. c 56 s 85; 1969 ex.s. c 65 s 1; 1967 c 164 s 7; 1965 c 157 s 2; 1949 c 197 s 18; 1945 c 264 s 6; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6090-35.]
Notes:
Intent—1997 c 3 ss 201-207: See note following RCW 84.55.010.
Application—Severability—Part headings not law—Referral to electorate—1997 c 3: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.
Purpose—1984 c 186: See note following RCW 39.46.110.
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
Severability—1979 ex.s. c 155: "If any provision of this amendatory 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." [ 1979 ex.s. c 155 s 3.]
Severability—1979 ex.s. c 143: See note following RCW 70.44.200.
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.
Purpose—1970 ex.s. c 56: See note following RCW 39.52.020.
Purpose—Severability—1967 c 164: See notes following RCW 4.96.010.
Eminent domain
by cities: Chapter 8.12 RCW.
generally: State Constitution Art. 1 s 16.
Limitation on levies: State Constitution Art. 7 s 2; RCW 84.52.050.
Port districts, collection of taxes: RCW 53.36.020.
Tortious conduct of political subdivisions, municipal corporations and quasi-municipal corporations, liability for damages: Chapter 4.96 RCW.

catchline: Powers and duties.


title: RCW 70.44.062

text:
(1) All meetings, proceedings, and deliberations of the board of commissioners, its staff or agents, concerning the granting, denial, revocation, restriction, or other consideration of the status of the clinical or staff privileges of a physician or other health care provider as that term is defined in RCW 7.70.020, if such other providers at the discretion of the district's commissioners are considered for such privileges, shall be confidential and may be conducted in executive session: PROVIDED, That the final action of the board as to the denial, revocation, or restriction of clinical or staff privileges of a physician or other health care provider as defined in RCW 7.70.020 shall be done in public session.
(2) All meetings, proceedings, and deliberations of a quality improvement committee established under RCW 4.24.250, 43.70.510, or 70.41.200 and all meetings, proceedings, and deliberations of the board of commissioners, its staff or agents, to review the report or the activities of a quality improvement committee established under RCW 4.24.250, 43.70.510, or 70.41.200 may, at the discretion of the quality improvement committee or the board of commissioners, be confidential and may be conducted in executive session. Any review conducted by the board of commissioners or quality improvement committee, or their staffs or agents, shall be subject to the same protections, limitations, and exemptions that apply to quality improvement committee activities under RCW 4.24.240, 4.24.250, 43.70.510, and 70.41.200. However, any final action of the board of commissioners on the report of the quality improvement committee shall be done in public session.
[ 2005 c 169 s 1; 1985 c 166 s 1.]

catchline: Commissioners' meetings, proceedings, and deliberations concerning health care providers' clinical or staff privileges to be confidential—Final action in public session.


title: RCW 70.44.067

text:
In addition to other authority that a public hospital district possesses, a public hospital district may provide any public improvement as defined under RCW 39.89.020, but this additional authority is limited to participating in the financing of the public improvements as provided under RCW 39.89.050.
This section does not limit the authority of a public hospital district to otherwise participate in the public improvements if that authority exists elsewhere.
[ 2001 c 212 s 22.]

catchline: Community revitalization financing—Public improvements.