§ 18.130.380. Budget request -- Specification of employees designated as investigators and attorneys -- Development of formula -- Joint legislative audit and review committee report
(1) When developing its biennial budget request for appropriation of the health professions account created in RCW 43.70.320, beginning in the 2007-2009 budget and continuing in subsequent biennia, the department shall specify the number of full-time employees designated as investigators and attorneys and the costs associated with supporting their activities. The department shall also specify the additional full-time employees designated as investigators and attorneys that are required to achieve a staffing level that is able to respond promptly, competently, and appropriately to the workload associated with health professions disciplinary activities and the costs associated with supporting disciplinary activities. In identifying the need for additional staff, the department shall develop a formula based on its prior experience with staff levels compared to the number of providers, complaints, investigations, and other criteria that the department determines is relevant to staffing level decisions. The department must request additional funds for activities that most critically impact public health and safety. The budget request must specify the methodology used for each biennium.
(2) The joint legislative audit and review committee, in consultation with the department, shall report to the legislature by December 1, 2010, with recommendations for formulas for determining appropriate staffing levels for investigators and attorneys at the department of health involved in the health professions disciplinary process to achieve prompt, competent, and appropriate responses to complaints of unprofessional conduct. The report must be based upon the department's prior experience with staff levels compared to the number of providers, complaints, investigations, and other criteria that the department finds are relevant to determining appropriate staffing levels.
(3) This section expires July 1, 2011.
[2006 c 99 § 9.]
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Last modified: April 7, 2009