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State
Washington
Chapter 43.70 RCW Department of health





Chapter 43.70 RCW
Department of health



Notes:
Health, board of: Chapter 43.20 RCW.
Immunization program, departmental participation: RCW 28A.210.060 through 28A.210.170.

Interagency agreement on fetal alcohol exposure programs: RCW 70.96A.510.

Pesticide advisory board, departmental representation: RCW 17.21.230.

Visual and auditory screening of pupils, data transferred to secretary: RCW 28A.210.030.




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43.70.005
Intent.
The legislature finds and declares that it is of importance to the people of Washington state to live in a healthy environment and to expect a minimum standard of quality in health care. The legislature further finds that the social and economic vitality of the state depends on a healthy and productive population. The legislature further declares where it is a duty of the state to assure a healthy environment and minimum standards of quality in health care facilities and among health care professionals, the ultimate responsibility for a healthy society lies with the citizens themselves.

For these reasons, the legislature recognizes the need for a strong, clear focus on health issues in state government and among state health agencies to give expression to the needs of individual citizens and local communities as they seek to preserve the public health. It is the intent of the legislature to form such focus by creating a single department in state government with the primary responsibilities for the preservation of public health, monitoring health care costs, the maintenance of minimal standards for quality in health care delivery, and the general oversight and planning for all the state's activities as they relate to the health of its citizenry.

Further, it is the intent of the legislature to improve illness and injury prevention and health promotion, and restore the confidence of the citizenry in the efficient and accountable expenditure of public funds on health activities that further the mission of the agency via grants and contracts, and to ensure that this new health agency delivers quality health services in an efficient, effective, and economical manner that is faithful and responsive to policies established by the legislature.


[2005 c 32 § 1; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 101.]




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43.70.010
Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise:

(1) "Assessment" means the regular collection, analysis, and sharing of information about health conditions, risks, and resources in a community. Assessment activities identify trends in illness, injury, and death and the factors that may cause these events. They also identify environmental risk factors, community concerns, community health resources, and the use of health services. Assessment includes gathering statistical data as well as conducting epidemiologic and other investigations and evaluations of health emergencies and specific ongoing health problems;

(2) "Board" means the state board of health;

(3) "Department" means the department of health;

(4) "Policy development" means the establishment of social norms, organizational guidelines, operational procedures, rules, ordinances, or statutes that promote health or prevent injury, illness, or death; and

(5) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.


[1995 c 269 § 2201; 1994 sp.s. c 7 § 206; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 102.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1995 c 269: See note following RCW 9.94A.850.

Part headings not law -- Severability -- 1995 c 269: See notes following RCW 13.40.005.


Finding -- Intent -- Severability -- 1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.







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43.70.020
Department created.
(1) There is hereby created a department of state government to be known as the department of health. The department shall be vested with all powers and duties transferred to it by chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. and such other powers and duties as may be authorized by law. The main administrative office of the department shall be located in the city of Olympia. The secretary may establish administrative facilities in other locations, if deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the department, and if consistent with the principles set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) The department of health shall be organized consistent with the goals of providing state government with a focus in health and serving the people of this state. The legislature recognizes that the secretary needs sufficient organizational flexibility to carry out the department's various duties. To the extent practical, the secretary shall consider the following organizational principles:

(a) Clear lines of authority which avoid functional duplication within and between subelements of the department;

(b) A clear and simplified organizational design promoting accessibility, responsiveness, and accountability to the legislature, the consumer, and the general public;

(c) Maximum span of control without jeopardizing adequate supervision;

(d) A substate or regional organizational structure for the department's health service delivery programs and activities that encourages joint working agreements with local health departments and that is consistent between programs;

(e) Decentralized authority and responsibility, with clear accountability;

(f) A single point of access for persons receiving like services from the department which would limit the number of referrals between divisions.

(3) The department shall provide leadership and coordination in identifying and resolving threats to the public health by:

(a) Working with local health departments and local governments to strengthen the state and local governmental partnership in providing public protection;

(b) Developing intervention strategies;

(c) Providing expert advice to the executive and legislative branches of state government;

(d) Providing active and fair enforcement of rules;

(e) Working with other federal, state, and local agencies and facilitating their involvement in planning and implementing health preservation measures;

(f) Providing information to the public; and

(g) Carrying out such other related actions as may be appropriate to this purpose.

(4) In accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW, the department shall ensure an opportunity for consultation, review, and comment by the department's clients before the adoption of standards, guidelines, and rules.

(5) Consistent with the principles set forth in subsection (2) of this section, the secretary may create such administrative divisions, offices, bureaus, and programs within the department as the secretary deems necessary. The secretary shall have complete charge of and supervisory powers over the department, except where the secretary's authority is specifically limited by law.

(6) The secretary shall appoint such personnel as are necessary to carry out the duties of the department in accordance with chapter 41.06 RCW.

(7) The secretary shall appoint the state health officer and such deputy secretaries, assistant secretaries, and other administrative positions as deemed necessary consistent with the principles set forth in subsection (2) of this section. All persons who administer the necessary divisions, offices, bureaus, and programs, and five additional employees shall be exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW. The officers and employees appointed under this subsection shall be paid salaries to be fixed by the governor in accordance with the procedure established by law for the fixing of salaries for officers exempt from the state civil service law.

(8) The secretary shall administer family services and programs to promote the state's policy as provided in RCW 74.14A.025.


[1992 c 198 § 8; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 103.]

Notes: Severability -- Effective date -- 1992 c 198: See RCW 70.190.910 and 70.190.920.






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43.70.030
Secretary of health.
The executive head and appointing authority of the department shall be the secretary of health. The secretary shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the governor in accordance with RCW 43.17.020. The secretary shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the governor in accordance with RCW 43.03.040.


[1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 104.]




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43.70.040
Secretary's powers — Rule-making authority — Report to the legislature.
In addition to any other powers granted the secretary, the secretary may:

(1) Adopt, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, rules necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.: PROVIDED, That for rules adopted after July 23, 1995, the secretary may not rely solely on a section of law stating a statute's intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule;

(2) Appoint such advisory committees as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. Members of such advisory committees are authorized to receive travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. The secretary and the board of health shall review each advisory committee within their jurisdiction and each statutory advisory committee on a biennial basis to determine if such advisory committee is needed;

(3) Undertake studies, research, and analysis necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. in accordance with RCW 43.70.050;

(4) Delegate powers, duties, and functions of the department to employees of the department as the secretary deems necessary to carry out the provisions of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.;

(5) Enter into contracts and enter into and distribute grants on behalf of the department to carry out the purposes of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. The department must report to the legislature a summary of the grants distributed under this authority, for each year of the first biennium after the department receives authority to distribute grants under this section, and make it electronically available;

(6) Act for the state in the initiation of, or the participation in, any intergovernmental program to the purposes of chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess.; or

(7) Solicit and accept gifts, grants, bequests, devises, or other funds from public and private sources.


[2005 c 32 § 2; 2001 c 80 § 2; 1995 c 403 § 105; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 106.]

Notes: Findings -- Intent -- 2001 c 80: "(1) The legislature finds that developing, creating, and maintaining partnerships between the public and private sectors can enhance and augment current public health services. The legislature further finds that the department of health should have the ability to establish such partnerships, and seek out and accept gifts, grants, and other funding to advance worthy public health goals and programs.

(2) It is the intent of the legislature that gifts and other funds received by the department of health under the authority granted by RCW 43.70.040 may be used to expand or enhance program operations so long as program standards established by the department are maintained, but may not supplant or replace funds for federal, state, county, or city-supported programs." [2001 c 80 § 1.]

Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.


Part headings not law -- Severability -- 1995 c 403: See RCW 43.05.903 and 43.05.904.







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43.70.045
Warren Featherstone Reid Award for Excellence in Health Care.
There is created an award to honor and recognize cost-effective and quality health care services. This award shall be known as the "Warren Featherstone Reid Award for Excellence in Health Care."


[1994 c 7 § 2.]

Notes: Finding -- 1994 c 7: "The legislature recognizes the critical importance of ensuring that all Washington residents have access to quality and affordable health care. The legislature further recognizes that substantial improvements can be made in health care delivery when providers, including health care facilities, are encouraged to continuously strive for excellence in quality management practices, value, and consumer satisfaction. The legislature finds that when centers of quality are highlighted and honored publicly they become examples for other health care providers to emulate, thereby further promoting the implementation of improved health care delivery processes." [1994 c 7 § 1.]






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43.70.047
Warren Featherstone Reid Award for Excellence in Health Care.
The governor, in conjunction with the secretary of health, shall identify and honor health care providers and facilities in Washington state who exhibit exceptional quality and value in the delivery of health services. The award shall be given annually consistent with the availability of qualified nominees. The secretary may appoint an advisory committee to assist in the selection of nominees, if necessary.


[1994 c 7 § 3.]




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43.70.050
Collection, utilization, and accessibility of health-related data. (Effective until July 1, 2006.)
(1) The legislature intends that the department, board, and *council promote and assess the quality, cost, and accessibility of health care throughout the state as their roles are specified in chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. In furtherance of this goal, the secretary shall create an ongoing program of data collection, storage, assessability, and review. The legislature does not intend that the department conduct or contract for the conduct of basic research activity. The secretary may request appropriations for studies according to this section from the legislature, the federal government, or private sources.

(2) All state agencies which collect or have access to population-based, health-related data are directed to allow the secretary access to such data. This includes, but is not limited to, data on needed health services, facilities, and personnel; future health issues; emerging bioethical issues; health promotion; recommendations from state and national organizations and associations; and programmatic and statutory changes needed to address emerging health needs. Private entities, such as insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and private purchasers are also encouraged to give the secretary access to such data in their possession. The secretary's access to and use of all data shall be in accordance with state and federal confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines. Such data in any form where the patient or provider of health care can be identified shall not be disclosed, subject to disclosure according to chapter 42.17 RCW, discoverable or admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings. Such data can be used in proceedings in which the use of the data is clearly relevant and necessary and both the department and the patient or provider are parties.

(3) The department shall serve as the clearinghouse for information concerning innovations in the delivery of health care services, the enhancement of competition in the health care marketplace, and federal and state information affecting health care costs.

(4) The secretary shall review any data collected, pursuant to this chapter, to:

(a) Identify high-priority health issues that require study or evaluation. Such issues may include, but are not limited to:

(i) Identification of variations of health practice which indicate a lack of consensus of appropriateness;

(ii) Evaluation of outcomes of health care interventions to assess their benefit to the people of the state;

(iii) Evaluation of specific population groups to identify needed changes in health practices and services;

(iv) Evaluation of the risks and benefits of various incentives aimed at individuals and providers for both preventing illnesses and improving health services;

(v) Identification and evaluation of bioethical issues affecting the people of the state; and

(vi) Other such objectives as may be appropriate;

(b) Further identify a list of high-priority health study issues for consideration by the board or *council, within their authority, for inclusion in the state health report required by RCW 43.20.050. The list shall specify the objectives of each study, a study timeline, the specific improvements in the health status of the citizens expected as a result of the study, and the estimated cost of the study; and

(c) Provide background for the state health report required by RCW 43.20.050.

(5) Any data, research, or findings may also be made available to the general public, including health professions, health associations, the governor, professional boards and regulatory agencies and any person or group who has allowed the secretary access to data.

(6) The secretary may charge a fee to persons requesting copies of any data, research, or findings. The fee shall be no more than necessary to cover the cost to the department of providing the copy.


[1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 107.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 70.170.030, which created the health care access and cost control council, was repealed by 1995 c 269 § 2204, effective July 1, 1995.




RCW 43.70

Collection, use, and accessibility of health-related data. (Effective July 1, 2006.)
(1) The legislature intends that the department and board promote and assess the quality, cost, and accessibility of health care throughout the state as their roles are specified in chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. In furtherance of this goal, the secretary shall create an ongoing program of data collection, storage, assessability, and review. The legislature does not intend that the department conduct or contract for the conduct of basic research activity. The secretary may request appropriations for studies according to this section from the legislature, the federal government, or private sources.

(2) All state agencies which collect or have access to population-based, health-related data are directed to allow the secretary access to such data. This includes, but is not limited to, data on needed health services, facilities, and personnel; future health issues; emerging bioethical issues; health promotion; recommendations from state and national organizations and associations; and programmatic and statutory changes needed to address emerging health needs. Private entities, such as insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and private purchasers are also encouraged to give the secretary access to such data in their possession. The secretary's access to and use of all data shall be in accordance with state and federal confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines. Such data in any form where the patient or provider of health care can be identified shall not be disclosed, subject to disclosure according to chapter 42.56 RCW, discoverable or admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings. Such data can be used in proceedings in which the use of the data is clearly relevant and necessary and both the department and the patient or provider are parties.

(3) The department shall serve as the clearinghouse for information concerning innovations in the delivery of health care services, the enhancement of competition in the health care marketplace, and federal and state information affecting health care costs.

(4) The secretary shall review any data collected, pursuant to this chapter, to:

(a) Identify high-priority health issues that require study or evaluation. Such issues may include, but are not limited to:

(i) Identification of variations of health practice which indicate a lack of consensus of appropriateness;

(ii) Evaluation of outcomes of health care interventions to assess their benefit to the people of the state;

(iii) Evaluation of specific population groups to identify needed changes in health practices and services;

(iv) Evaluation of the risks and benefits of various incentives aimed at individuals and providers for both preventing illnesses and improving health services;

(v) Identification and evaluation of bioethical issues affecting the people of the state; and

(vi) Other such objectives as may be appropriate;

(b) Further identify a list of high-priority health study issues for consideration by the board, within their authority, for inclusion in the state health report required by RCW 43.20.050. The list shall specify the objectives of each study, a study timeline, the specific improvements in the health status of the citizens expected as a result of the study, and the estimated cost of the study; and

(c) Provide background for the state health report required by RCW 43.20.050.

(5) Any data, research, or findings may also be made available to the general public, including health professions, health associations, the governor, professional boards and regulatory agencies and any person or group who has allowed the secretary access to data.

(6) The secretary may charge a fee to persons requesting copies of any data, research, or findings. The fee shall be no more than necessary to cover the cost to the department of providing the copy.


[2005 c 274 § 301; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 107.]

Notes: Part headings not law -- Effective date -- 2005 c 274: See RCW 42.56.901 and 42.56.902.







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43.70.052
Hospital discharge data — Financial reports — Data retrieval — American Indian health data.
(1) To promote the public interest consistent with the purposes of chapter 492, Laws of 1993 as amended by chapter 267, Laws of 1995, the department shall continue to require hospitals to submit hospital financial and patient discharge information, which shall be collected, maintained, analyzed, and disseminated by the department. The department shall, if deemed cost-effective and efficient, contract with a private entity for any or all parts of data collection. Data elements shall be reported in conformance with a uniform reporting system established by the department. This includes data elements identifying each hospital's revenues, expenses, contractual allowances, charity care, bad debt, other income, total units of inpatient and outpatient services, and other financial information reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section. Data elements relating to use of hospital services by patients shall be the same as those currently compiled by hospitals through inpatient discharge abstracts. The department shall encourage and permit reporting by electronic transmission or hard copy as is practical and economical to reporters.

(2) In identifying financial reporting requirements, the department may require both annual reports and condensed quarterly reports from hospitals, so as to achieve both accuracy and timeliness in reporting, but shall craft such requirements with due regard of the data reporting burdens of hospitals.

(3) The health care data collected, maintained, and studied by the department shall only be available for retrieval in original or processed form to public and private requestors and shall be available within a reasonable period of time after the date of request. The cost of retrieving data for state officials and agencies shall be funded through the state general appropriation. The cost of retrieving data for individuals and organizations engaged in research or private use of data or studies shall be funded by a fee schedule developed by the department that reflects the direct cost of retrieving the data or study in the requested form.

(4) The department shall, in consultation and collaboration with the federally recognized tribes, urban or other Indian health service organizations, and the federal area Indian health service, design, develop, and maintain an American Indian-specific health data, statistics information system. The department rules regarding confidentiality shall apply to safeguard the information from inappropriate use or release.

(5) All persons subject to the data collection requirements of this section shall comply with departmental requirements established by rule in the acquisition of data.


[1995 c 267 § 1.]

Notes: Captions not law -- 1995 c 267: "Captions as used in this act constitute no part of the law." [1995 c 267 § 16.]

Severability -- 1995 c 267: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1995 c 267 § 17.]


Effective dates -- 1995 c 267: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1995, except sections 8 through 11 of this act which shall take effect immediately [May 8, 1995]." [1995 c 267 § 18.]







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43.70.054
Health care data standards — Submittal of standards to legislature.
(1) To promote the public interest consistent with chapter 267, Laws of 1995, the department of health, in cooperation with the information services board established under RCW 43.105.032, shall develop health care data standards to be used by, and developed in collaboration with, consumers, purchasers, health carriers, providers, and state government as consistent with the intent of chapter 492, Laws of 1993 as amended by chapter 267, Laws of 1995, to promote the delivery of quality health services that improve health outcomes for state residents. The data standards shall include content, coding, confidentiality, and transmission standards for all health care data elements necessary to support the intent of this section, and to improve administrative efficiency and reduce cost. Purchasers, as allowed by federal law, health carriers, health facilities and providers as defined in chapter 48.43 RCW, and state government shall utilize the data standards. The information and data elements shall be reported as the department of health directs by rule in accordance with data standards developed under this section.

(2) The health care data collected, maintained, and studied by the department under this section or any other entity: (a) Shall include a method of associating all information on health care costs and services with discrete cases; (b) shall not contain any means of determining the personal identity of any enrollee, provider, or facility; (c) shall only be available for retrieval in original or processed form to public and private requesters; (d) shall be available within a reasonable period of time after the date of request; and (e) shall give strong consideration to data standards that achieve national uniformity.

(3) The cost of retrieving data for state officials and agencies shall be funded through state general appropriation. The cost of retrieving data for individuals and organizations engaged in research or private use of data or studies shall be funded by a fee schedule developed by the department that reflects the direct cost of retrieving the data or study in the requested form.

(4) All persons subject to this section shall comply with departmental requirements established by rule in the acquisition of data, however, the department shall adopt no rule or effect no policy implementing the provisions of this section without an act of law.

(5) The department shall submit developed health care data standards to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 1995.


[1997 c 274 § 2; 1995 c 267 § 2.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1997 c 274: See note following RCW 41.05.021.

Captions not law -- Severability -- Effective dates -- 1995 c 267: See notes following RCW 43.70.052.







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43.70.060
Duties of department — Promotion of health care cost-effectiveness.
It is the intent of the legislature to promote appropriate use of health care resources to maximize access to adequate health care services. The legislature understands that the rapidly increasing costs of health care are limiting access to care. To promote health care cost-effectiveness, the department shall:

(1) Implement the certificate of need program;

(2) Monitor and evaluate health care costs;

(3) Evaluate health services and the utilization of services for outcome and effectiveness; and

(4) Recommend strategies to encourage adequate and cost-effective services and discourage ineffective services.


[1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 108.]




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43.70.064
Health care quality — Findings and intent — Requirements for conducting study under RCW 43.70.066.
The legislature finds that it is difficult for consumers of health care services to determine the quality of health care prior to purchase or utilization of medical care. The legislature also finds that accountability is a key component in promoting quality assurance and quality improvement throughout the health care delivery system, including public programs. Quality assurance and improvement standards are necessary to promote the public interest, contribute to cost efficiencies, and improve the ability of consumers to ascertain quality health care purchases.

The legislature intends to have consumers, health carriers, health care providers and facilities, and public agencies participate in the development of quality assurance and improvement standards that can be used to develop a uniform quality assurance program for use by all public and private health plans, providers, and facilities. To that end, in conducting the study required under RCW 43.70.066, the department of health shall:

(1) Consider the needs of consumers, employers, health care providers and facilities, and public and private health plans;

(2) Take full advantage of existing national standards of quality assurance to extend to middle-income populations the protections required for state management of health programs for low-income populations;

(3) Consider the appropriate minimum level of quality assurance standards that should be disclosed to consumers and employers by health care providers and facilities, and public and private health plans; and

(4) Consider standards that permit health care providers and facilities to share responsibility for participation in a uniform quality assurance program.


[1995 c 267 § 3.]

Notes: Captions not law -- Severability -- Effective dates -- 1995 c 267: See notes following RCW 43.70.052.






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43.70.066
Study — Uniform quality assurance and improvement program — Reports to legislature — Limitation on rule making.
(1) The department of health shall study the feasibility of a uniform quality assurance and improvement program for use by all public and private health plans and health care providers and facilities. In this study, the department shall consult with:

(a) Public and private purchasers of health care services;

(b) Health carriers;

(c) Health care providers and facilities; and

(d) Consumers of health services.

(2) In conducting the study, the department shall propose standards that meet the needs of affected persons and organizations, whether public or private, without creation of differing levels of quality assurance. All consumers of health services should be afforded the same level of quality assurance.

(3) At a minimum, the study shall include but not be limited to the following program components and indicators appropriate for consumer disclosure:

(a) Health care provider training, credentialing, and licensure standards;

(b) Health care facility credentialing and recredentialing;

(c) Staff ratios in health care facilities;

(d) Annual mortality and morbidity rates of cases based on a defined set of procedures performed or diagnoses treated in health care facilities, adjusted to fairly consider variable factors such as patient demographics and case severity;

(e) The average total cost and average length of hospital stay for a defined set of procedures and diagnoses;

(f) The total number of the defined set of procedures, by specialty, performed by each physician at a health care facility within the previous twelve months;

(g) Utilization performance profiles by provider, both primary care and specialty care, that have been adjusted to fairly consider variable factors such as patient demographics and severity of case;

(h) Health plan fiscal performance standards;

(i) Health care provider and facility recordkeeping and reporting standards;

(j) Health care utilization management that monitors trends in health service underutilization, as well as overutilization of services;

(k) Health monitoring that is responsive to consumer, purchaser, and public health assessment needs; and

(l) Assessment of consumer satisfaction and disclosure of consumer survey results.

(4) In conducting the study, the department shall develop standards that permit each health care facility, provider group, or health carrier to assume responsibility for and determine the physical method of collection, storage, and assimilation of quality indicators for consumer disclosure. The study may define the forms, frequency, and posting requirements for disclosure of information.

In developing proposed standards under this subsection, the department shall identify options that would minimize provider burden and administrative cost resulting from duplicative private sector data submission requirements.

(5) The department shall submit a preliminary report to the legislature by December 31, 1995, including recommendations for initial legislation pursuant to subsection (6) of this section, and may submit supplementary reports and recommendations as completed, consistent with appropriated funds and staffing.

(6) The department shall not adopt any rule implementing the uniform quality assurance program or consumer disclosure provisions unless expressly directed to do so by an act of law.


[1998 c 245 § 72; 1997 c 274 § 3; 1995 c 267 § 4.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1997 c 274: See note following RCW 41.05.021.

Captions not law -- Severability -- Effective dates -- 1995 c 267: See notes following RCW 43.70.052.







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43.70.068
Quality assurance — Interagency cooperation.
The department of health, the health care authority, the department of social and health services, the office of the insurance commissioner, and the department of labor and industries shall form an interagency group for coordination and consultation on quality assurance activities and collaboration on final recommendations for the study required under RCW 43.70.066.


[1997 c 274 § 4; 1995 c 267 § 5.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1997 c 274: See note following RCW 41.05.021.

Captions not law -- Severability -- Effective dates -- 1995 c 267: See notes following RCW 43.70.052.







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43.70.070
Duties of department — Analysis of health services.
The department shall evaluate and analyze readily available data and information to determine the outcome and effectiveness of health services, utilization of services, and payment methods. This section should not be construed as allowing the department access to proprietary information.

(1) The department shall make its evaluations available to the board for use in preparation of the state health report required by RCW 43.20.050, and to consumers, purchasers, and providers of health care.

(2) The department shall use the information to:

(a) Develop guidelines which may be used by consumers, purchasers, and providers of health care to encourage necessary and cost-effective services; and

(b) Make recommendations to the governor on how state government and private purchasers may be prudent purchasers of cost-effective, adequate health services.


[1995 c 269 § 2202; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 109.]

Notes: Effective date -- 1995 c 269: See note following RCW 9.94A.850.

Part headings not law -- Severability -- 1995 c 269: See notes following RCW 13.40.005.







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43.70.075
Identity of whistleblower protected — Remedy for retaliatory action — Definitions — Rules.
(1) The identity of a whistleblower who complains, in good faith, to the department of health about the improper quality of care by a health care provider, or in a health care facility, as defined in *RCW 43.72.010, shall remain confidential. The provisions of RCW 4.24.500 through 4.24.520, providing certain protections to persons who communicate to government agencies, shall apply to complaints filed under this section. The identity of the whistleblower shall remain confidential unless the department determines that the complaint was not made in good faith. An employee who is a whistleblower, as defined in this section, and who as a result of being a whistleblower has been subjected to workplace reprisal or retaliatory action has the remedies provided under chapter 49.60 RCW.

(2)(a) "Improper quality of care" means any practice, procedure, action, or failure to act that violates any state law or rule of the applicable state health licensing authority under Title 18 or chapters 70.41, 70.96A, 70.127, 70.175, 71.05, 71.12, and 71.24 RCW, and enforced by the department of health. Each health disciplinary authority as defined in RCW 18.130.040 may, with consultation and interdisciplinary coordination provided by the state department of health, adopt rules defining accepted standards of practice for their profession that shall further define improper quality of care. Improper quality of care shall not include good faith personnel actions related to employee performance or actions taken according to established terms and conditions of employment.

(b) "Reprisal or retaliatory action" means but is not limited to: Denial of adequate staff to perform duties; frequent staff changes; frequent and undesirable office changes; refusal to assign meaningful work; unwarranted and unsubstantiated report of misconduct pursuant to Title 18 RCW; letters of reprimand or unsatisfactory performance evaluations; demotion; reduction in pay; denial of promotion; suspension; dismissal; denial of employment; and a supervisor or superior encouraging coworkers to behave in a hostile manner toward the whistleblower.

(c) "Whistleblower" means a consumer, employee, or health care professional who in good faith reports alleged quality of care concerns to the department of health.

(3) Nothing in this section prohibits a health care facility from making any decision exercising its authority to terminate, suspend, or discipline an employee who engages in workplace reprisal or retaliatory action against a whistleblower.

(4) The department shall adopt rules to implement procedures for filing, investigation, and resolution of whistleblower complaints that are integrated with complaint procedures under Title 18 RCW for health professionals or health care facilities.


[1995 c 265 § 19.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 43.72.010 was repealed by 1995 c 265 § 27. RCW 48.43.005 was enacted by chapter 265, Laws of 1995, and includes a definition of "health care facility."

Captions not law -- Effective dates -- Savings -- Severability -- 1995 c 265: See notes following RCW 70.47.015.







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43.70.080
Transfer of powers and duties from the department of social and health services.
The powers and duties of the department of social and health services and the secretary of social and health services under the following statutes are hereby transferred to the department of health and the secretary of health: Chapters 16.70, 18.20, 18.46, 18.71, 18.73, 18.76, 69.30, 70.28, 70.30, *70.32, *70.33, 70.50, 70.58, 70.62, 70.83, **70.83B, 70.90, 70.98, 70.104, 70.116, 70.118, 70.119, 70.119A, 70.121, 70.127, 70.142, and 80.50 RCW. More specifically, the following programs and services presently administered by the department of social and health services are hereby transferred to the department of health:

(1) Personal health and protection programs and related management and support services, including, but not limited to: Immunizations; tuberculosis; sexually transmitted diseases; AIDS; diabetes control; primary health care; cardiovascular risk reduction; kidney disease; regional genetic services; newborn metabolic screening; sentinel birth defects; cytogenetics; communicable disease epidemiology; and chronic disease epidemiology;

(2) Environmental health protection services and related management and support services, including, but not limited to: Radiation, including x-ray control, radioactive materials, uranium mills, low-level waste, emergency response and reactor safety, and environmental radiation protection; drinking water; toxic substances; on-site sewage; recreational water contact facilities; food services sanitation; shellfish; and general environmental health services, including schools, vectors, parks, and camps;

(3) Public health laboratory;

(4) Public health support services, including, but not limited to: Vital records; health data; local public health services support; and health education and information;

(5) Licensing and certification services including, but not limited to: Health and personal care facility survey, construction review, emergency medical services, laboratory quality assurance, and accommodations surveys; and

(6) Effective January 1, 1991, parent and child health services and related management support services, including, but not limited to: Maternal and infant health; child health; parental health; nutrition; handicapped children's services; family planning; adolescent pregnancy services; high priority infant tracking; early intervention; parenting education; prenatal regionalization; and power and duties under RCW 43.20A.635. The director of the office of financial management may recommend to the legislature a delay in this transfer, if it is determined that this time frame is not adequate.


[1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 201.]

Notes: Reviser's note: *(1) Chapters 70.32 and 70.33 RCW were repealed and/or recodified in their entirety pursuant to 1999 c 172.

**(2) Chapter 70.83B RCW expired June 30, 1993, pursuant to 1988 c 276 § 12.






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43.70.090
Authority to administer oaths and issue subpoenas — Provisions governing subpoenas.
(1) The secretary shall have full authority to administer oaths and take testimony thereunder, to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses before the secretary together with all books, memoranda, papers, and other documents, articles or instruments, and to compel the disclosure by such witnesses of all facts known to them relative to the matters under investigation.

(2) Subpoenas issued in adjudicative proceedings shall be governed by RCW 34.05.588(1).

(3) Subpoenas issued in the conduct of investigations required or authorized by other statutory provisions or necessary in the enforcement of other statutory provisions shall be governed by RCW 34.05.588(2).


[1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 252.]




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43.70.095
Civil fines.
This section governs the assessment of a civil fine against a person by the department. This section does not govern actions taken under chapter 18.130 RCW.

(1) The department shall give written notice to the person against whom it assesses a civil fine. The notice shall state the reasons for the adverse action. The notice shall be personally served in the manner of service of a summons in a civil action or shall be given in an other [another] manner that shows proof of receipt.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, the civil fine is due and payable twenty-eight days after receipt. The department may make the date the fine is due later than twenty-eight days after receipt. When the department does so, it shall state the effective date in the written notice given the person against whom it assesses the fine.

(3) The person against whom the department assesses a civil fine has the right to an adjudicative proceeding. The proceeding is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The application must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the fine, include a copy of the adverse notice, be served on and received by the department within twenty-eight days of the person's receiving the notice of civil fine, and be served in a manner which shows proof of receipt.

(4) If the person files a timely and sufficient appeal, the department shall not implement the action until the final order has been served. The presiding or reviewing officer may permit the department to implement part or all of the action while the proceedings are pending if the appellant causes an unreasonable delay in the proceedings or for other good cause.


[1991 c 3 § 378.]




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43.70.097
Enforcement in accordance with RCW 43.05.100 and 43.05.110.
Enforcement action taken after July 23, 1995, by the director or the department shall be in accordance with RCW 43.05.100 and 43.05.110.


[1995 c 403 § 626.]

Notes: Findings -- Short title -- Intent -- 1995 c 403: See note following RCW 34.05.328.

Part headings not law -- Severability -- 1995 c 403: See RCW 43.05.903 and 43.05.904.







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43.70.100
Reports of violations by secretary — Duty to institute proceedings — Notice to alleged violator.
(1) It shall be the duty of each assistant attorney general, prosecuting attorney, or city attorney to whom the secretary reports any violation of chapter 43.20 or 43.70 RCW, or regulations promulgated under them, to cause appropriate proceedings to be instituted in the proper courts, without delay, and to be duly prosecuted as prescribed by law.

(2) Before any violation of chapter 43.20 or 43.70 RCW is reported by the secretary to the prosecuting attorney for the institution of a criminal proceeding, the person against whom such proceeding is contemplated shall be given appropriate notice and an opportunity to present his or her views to the secretary, either orally or in writing, with regard to such contemplated proceeding.


[1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 262.]




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43.70.110
License fees — Exemption — Waiver.
(1) The secretary shall charge fees to the licensee for obtaining a license. After June 30, 1995, municipal corporations providing emergency medical care and transportation services pursuant to chapter 18.73 RCW shall be exempt from such fees, provided that such other emergency services shall only be charged for their pro rata share of the cost of licensure and inspection, if appropriate. The secretary may waive the fees when, in the discretion of the secretary, the fees would not be in the best interest of public health and safety, or when the fees would be to the financial disadvantage of the state.

(2) Except as provided in RCW 18.79.202, until June 30, 2013, fees charged shall be based on, but shall not exceed, the cost to the department for the licensure of the activity or class of activities and may include costs of necessary inspection.

(3) Department of health advisory committees may review fees established by the secretary for licenses and comment upon the appropriateness of the level of such fees.


[2005 c 268 § 2; 1993 sp.s. c 24 § 918; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 263.]

Notes: Finding -- 2005 c 268: See note following RCW 18.79.202.

Severability -- Effective dates -- 1993 sp.s. c 24: See notes following RCW 28A.310.020.







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43.70.115
Licenses — Denial, suspension, revocation, modification.
This section governs the denial of an application for a license or the suspension, revocation, or modification of a license by the department. This section does not govern actions taken under chapter 18.130 RCW. (continued)
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