Revised Code of Washington - RCW Title 43 State Government -- Executive - Chapter 43.70 Department Of Health

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

43.70.050 Collection, use, and accessibility of health-related data
(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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

43.70.056 Health care-associated infections -- Data collection and reporting -- Advisory committee -- Rules
(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Health care-associated infection" means a localized or systemic ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 § ...

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 ...

43.70.110 License fees -- Costs -- Other charges -- 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 ...

43.70.112 Online access to health care resources -- University of Washington
Within the amounts transferred from the department of health under RCW 43.70.110(3), the University of Washington shall, through the health sciences library, provide online access ...

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 ...

43.70.120 Federal programs -- Rules -- Statutes to be construed to meet federal law
In furtherance of the policy of this state to cooperate with the federal government in the public health programs, the department of health shall adopt ...

43.70.125 Health care facility certification -- Unfunded federal mandates -- Applicant fees
The federal government requires Washington health care facilities to be certified in order to receive federal health care program reimbursement. The department receives funding from ...

43.70.130 Powers and duties of secretary -- General
The secretary of health shall: (1) Exercise all the powers and perform all the duties prescribed by law with respect to public health and vital ...

43.70.140 Annual conference of health officers
In order to receive the assistance and advice of local health officers in carrying out the secretary's duties and responsibilities, the secretary of health shall ...

43.70.150 Registration of vital statistics
The secretary of health shall have charge of the state system of registration of births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages, and decrees of divorce, annulment and ...

43.70.160 Duties of registrar
The state registrar of vital statistics shall prepare, print, and supply to all registrars all blanks and forms used in registering, recording, and preserving the ...

43.70.170 Threat to public health -- Investigation, examination or sampling of articles or conditions constituting -- Access -- Subpoena power
The secretary on his or her own motion or upon the complaint of any interested party, may investigate, examine, sample or inspect any article or ...

43.70.180 Threat to public health -- Order prohibiting sale or disposition of food or other items pending investigation
Pending the results of an investigation provided for under RCW 43.70.170, the secretary may issue an order prohibiting the disposition or sale of any food ...

43.70.185 Inspection of property where marine species located -- Prohibitions on harvest or landing -- Penalties
(1) The department may enter and inspect any property, lands, or waters, of this state in or on which any marine species are located or ...

43.70.190 Violations -- Injunctions and legal proceedings authorized
The secretary of health or local health officer may bring an action to enjoin a violation or the threatened violation of any of the provisions ...

43.70.195 Public water systems -- Receivership actions brought by secretary -- Plan for disposition
(1) In any action brought by the secretary of health or by a local health officer pursuant to chapter 7.60 RCW to place a public ...

43.70.200 Enforcement of health laws and state or local rules and regulations upon request of local health officer
Upon the request of a local health officer, the secretary of health is hereby authorized and empowered to take legal action to enforce the public ...

43.70.210 Right of person to rely on prayer to alleviate ailments not abridged
Nothing in chapter 43.20 or 43.70 RCW, or RCW 43.70.120 shall be construed to abridge the right of any person to rely exclusively on spiritual ...

43.70.220 Transfer of powers and duties from the department of licensing
The powers and duties of the department of licensing and the director of licensing under the following statutes are hereby transferred to the department of ...

43.70.230 Office of health consumer assistance created -- Duties
There is created in the department an office of health consumer assistance. The office shall establish a statewide hot line and shall assist and serve ...

43.70.235 Health care disputes -- Certifying independent review organizations -- Application -- Restrictions -- Maximum fee schedule for conducting reviews -- Rules
(1) The department shall adopt rules providing a procedure and criteria for certifying one or more organizations to perform independent review of health care disputes ...

43.70.240 Written operating agreements
The secretary and each of the professional licensing and disciplinary boards under the administration of the department shall enter into written operating agreements on administrative ...

43.70.250 License fees for professions, occupations, and businesses
It shall be the policy of the state of Washington that the cost of each professional, occupational, or business licensing program be fully borne by ...

43.70.260 Appointment of temporary additional members of boards and committees for administration and grading of examinations
The secretary may, at the request of a board or committee established under Title 18 RCW under the administrative authority of the department of health, ...

43.70.270 License moratorium for persons in the service
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the license of any person licensed by the secretary of health to practice a profession or engage ...

43.70.280 Procedure for issuance, renewal, or reissuance of credentials -- Extension or modification of licensing, certification, or registration period authorized
(1) The secretary, in consultation with health profession boards and commissions, shall establish by rule the administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees for initial issue, ...

43.70.290 Funeral directors and embalmers subject to chapter 18.130 RCW
Funeral directors and embalmers, licensed under chapter 18.39 RCW, are subject to the provisions of chapter 18.130 RCW under the administration of the department of ...

43.70.300 Secretary or secretary's designee ex officio member of health professional licensure and disciplinary boards
In order to provide liaison with the department of health, provide continuity between changes in board membership, achieve uniformity as appropriate in licensure or regulated ...

43.70.310 Cooperation with department of ecology
Where feasible, the department and the state board of health shall consult with the department of ecology in order that, to the fullest extent possible, ...

43.70.320 Health professions account -- Fees credited -- Requirements for biennial budget request -- Unappropriated funds
(1) There is created in the state treasury an account to be known as the health professions account. All fees received by the department for ...

43.70.323 Hospital infection control grant account
The hospital infection control grant account is created in the custody of the state treasury. All receipts from gifts, grants, bequests, devises, or other funds ...

43.70.325 Rural health access account
The rural health access account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. The account may receive moneys through gift, grant, or donation to ...

43.70.327 Public health supplemental account -- Annual statement
(1) The public health supplemental account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from gifts, bequests, devises, or funds, whose use is determined to ...

43.70.334 Temporary worker housing -- Definition
For the purposes of RCW 43.70.335, 43.70.337, and 43.70.340, "temporary worker housing" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 70.114A.020.[1999 c 374 § 9.] ...

43.70.335 Temporary worker housing operating license -- Fee -- Display -- Suspension or revocation -- Fines -- Refunds -- Rules -- Application of department of labor and industries standards
(1) Any person providing temporary worker housing consisting of five or more dwelling units, or any combination of dwelling units, dormitories, or spaces that house ...

43.70.337 Temporary worker housing building permit -- Plans and specifications -- Fees -- Rules
(1) Any person who constructs, alters, or makes an addition to temporary worker housing consisting of five or more dwelling units, or any combination of ...

43.70.340 Temporary worker housing inspection fund -- Fees on temporary worker housing operating licenses and building permits -- Licenses generally
(1) The temporary worker housing fund is established in the custody of the state treasury. The department shall deposit all funds received under subsections (2) ...

43.70.400 Head injury prevention -- Legislative finding
The legislature finds that head injury is a major cause of death and disability for Washington citizens. The costs of head injury treatment and rehabilitation ...

43.70.410 Head injury prevention -- Program, generally
As used in RCW 43.70.400 through 43.70.440, the term "head injury" means traumatic brain injury. A head injury prevention program is created in the department ...

43.70.420 Head injury prevention -- Information preparation
The department of health, the department of licensing, and the traffic safety commission shall jointly prepare information for driver license manuals, driver education programs, and ...

43.70.430 Head injury prevention -- Guidelines on training and education -- Training of emergency medical personnel
The department shall prepare guidelines on relevant training and education regarding traumatic brain injury for health and education professionals, and relevant public safety and law ...

43.70.440 Head injury prevention act -- Short title -- 1990 c 270
This act shall be known and cited as the Head Injury Prevention Act of 1990.[1990 c 270 § 1.] ...

43.70.460 Retired primary and specialty care provider liability malpractice insurance -- Program authorized
(1) The department may establish a program to purchase and maintain liability malpractice insurance for retired primary and specialty care providers who provide health care ...

43.70.470 Retired health care provider liability malpractice insurance -- Conditions
The department may establish by rule the conditions of participation in the liability insurance program by retired health care providers at clinics utilizing retired health ...

43.70.480 Emergency medical personnel -- Futile treatment and natural death directives -- Guidelines
The department of health shall adopt guidelines and protocols for how emergency medical personnel shall respond when summoned to the site of an injury or ...

43.70.500 Health care services practice indicators and risk management protocols
The department of health shall consult with health care providers and facilities, purchasers, health professional regulatory authorities under RCW 18.130.040, appropriate research and clinical experts, ...

43.70.510 Health care services coordinated quality improvement program -- Rules
(1)(a) Health care institutions and medical facilities, other than hospitals, that are licensed by the department, professional societies or organizations, health care service contractors, health ...

43.70.512 Public health -- Required measurable outcomes
(1) Protecting the public's health across the state is a fundamental responsibility of the state. With any new state funding of the public health system ...

43.70.514 Public health -- Definitions
The definitions in this section apply throughout *sections 60 through 65 of this act unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Core public health functions ...

43.70.516 Public health -- Department's duties
(1) The department shall accomplish the tasks included in subsection (2) of this section by utilizing the expertise of varied interests, as provided in this ...

43.70.518 Public health -- Annual reports
Beginning November 15, 2009, the department shall report to the legislature and the governor annually on the distribution of funds to local health jurisdictions under ...

43.70.520 Public health services improvement plan -- Performance measures
(1) The legislature finds that the public health functions of community assessment, policy development, and assurance of service delivery are essential elements in achieving the ...

43.70.522 Public health performance measures -- Assessing the use of funds -- Secretary's duties
(1) Each local health jurisdiction shall submit to the secretary such data as the secretary determines is necessary to allow the secretary to assess whether ...

43.70.525 Immunization assessment and enhancement proposals by local jurisdictions
(1) The department, in conjunction with local health jurisdictions, shall require each local health jurisdiction to submit an immunization assessment and enhancement proposal, consistent with ...

43.70.533 Chronic conditions -- Training and technical assistance for primary care providers
(1) The department shall conduct a program of training and technical assistance regarding care of people with chronic conditions for providers of primary care. The ...

43.70.540 Data collection -- Legislative finding and intent
The legislature recognizes that the state patrol, the administrative office of the courts, the sheriffs' and police chiefs' association, the department of social and health ...

43.70.545 Data collection and reporting rules
(1) The department of health shall develop, based on recommendations in the public health services improvement plan and in consultation with affected groups or agencies, ...

43.70.550 Public health services improvement plan -- Contents
The public health services improvement plan developed under RCW 43.70.520 shall include: (1) Minimum standards for state and local public health assessment, performance measurement, policy ...

43.70.555 Assessment standards
The department, in consultation with the family policy council created in chapter 70.190 RCW, shall establish, by rule, standards for local health departments and networks ...

43.70.560 Media violence -- Reporting reduction efforts
The legislature encourages the use of a statewide voluntary, socially responsible policy to reduce the emphasis, amount, and type of violence in all public media. ...

43.70.570 Intent -- 1995 c 43
The legislature declares its intent to implement the recommendations of the public health improvement plan by initiating a program to provide the public health system ...

43.70.575 Definitions
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 43.70.570 through 43.70.580. (1) "Capacity" means actions that public health jurisdictions ...

43.70.580 Public health improvement plan -- Funds -- Performance-based contracts -- Rules -- Evaluation and report
The primary responsibility of the public health system, is to take those actions necessary to protect, promote, and improve the health of the population. In ...

43.70.590 American Indian health care delivery plan
Consistent with funds appropriated specifically for this purpose, the department shall establish in conjunction with the area Indian health services system and providers an advisory ...

43.70.600 Survey regarding exposure to radio frequencies -- Results
When funds are appropriated for this purpose, the department shall conduct a survey of scientific literature regarding the possible health effects of human exposure to ...

43.70.605 Personal wireless services -- Random testing on power density analysis -- Rules
Unless this section is preempted by applicable federal statutes, the department may require that in residential zones or areas, all providers of personal wireless services, ...

43.70.610 Domestic violence education program -- Established -- Findings
The legislature finds that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury among women and is linked to numerous health problems, including depression, abuse of ...

43.70.615 Multicultural health awareness and education program -- Integration into health professions basic education preparation curriculum
(1) For the purposes of this section, "multicultural health" means the provision of health care services with the knowledge and awareness of the causes and ...

43.70.620 List of contacts -- Health care professions
The secretary shall create and maintain a list of contacts with each of the health care professions regulated under the following chapters for the purpose ...

43.70.630 Cost-reimbursement agreements
(1) The department may enter into a written cost-reimbursement agreement with a permit applicant or project proponent to recover from the applicant or proponent the ...

43.70.640 Workplace breastfeeding policies -- Infant-friendly designation
(1) An employer may use the designation "infant-friendly" on its promotional materials if the employer has an approved workplace breastfeeding policy addressing at least the ...

43.70.650 School sealant endorsement program -- Rules -- Fee -- Report to the legislature
The secretary is authorized to create a school sealant endorsement program for dental hygienists and dental assistants. The secretary of health, in consultation with the ...

43.70.660 Product safety education
(1) The legislature authorizes the secretary to establish and maintain a product safety education campaign to promote greater awareness of products designed to be used ...

43.70.665 Early detection breast and cervical cancer screening program -- Medical advisory committee
(1) The legislature finds that Washington state has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the nation. Despite this, mortality rates from breast cancer have ...

43.70.670 Human immunodeficiency virus insurance program
(1) "Human immunodeficiency virus insurance program," as used in this section, means a program that provides health insurance coverage for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus, ...

43.70.680 Volunteers for emergency or disaster assistance
(1) The department is authorized to contact persons issued credentials under this title for the purpose of requesting permission to collect his or her name, ...

43.70.690 State asthma plan
(1) The department, in collaboration with its public and private partners, shall design a state asthma plan, based on clinically sound criteria including nationally recognized ...

43.70.695 Workforce supply and demographics -- Surveys -- Public data set -- Report to the legislature
(1) The department, in collaboration with the workforce training and education coordinating board, shall distribute survey questions for the purpose of gathering data related to ...

43.70.700 Locally grown foods -- Women, infant, and children farmers market nutrition program -- Rules
(1) The department shall adopt rules authorizing retail operation farms stores, owned and operated by a farmer and colocated with a site of agricultural production, ...

43.70.705 Fall prevention program
Within funds appropriated for this purpose, the department shall develop a statewide fall prevention program. The program shall include networking community services, identifying service gaps, ...

43.70.900 References to the secretary or department of social and health services -- 1989 1st ex.s. c 9
All references to the secretary or department of social and health services in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to mean the secretary ...

43.70.901 References to the director or department of licensing -- 1989 1st ex.s. c 9
All references to the director of licensing or department of licensing in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to mean the secretary or ...

43.70.902 References to the hospital commission -- 1989 1st ex.s. c 9
All references to the hospital commission in the Revised Code of Washington shall be construed to mean the secretary or the department of health.[1989 1st ...

43.70.910 Effective date -- 1989 1st ex.s. c 9
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 ...

43.70.920 Severability -- 1989 1st ex.s. c 9
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 ...