(1) If an agency is currently accredited by a national accreditation organization that is recognized by and has a current agreement with the department, the department must deem the agency to be in compliance with state standards for licensure and certification.

(2) To be considered for deeming, an agency must submit a request to the department signed by the agency's administrator.

(3) Deeming will be in accordance with the established written agreement between the accrediting agency and the department.

(4) Specific licensing and certification requirements of any:

(a) State rule may only be waived through a deeming process consistent with the established written agreement between the accrediting agency and the department.

(b) State or federal law will not be waived through a deeming process.

(5) An agency operating under a department-issued provisional license or provisional program-specific certification is not eligible for deeming.

(6) An agency:

(a) Must provide to the department a copy of any reports regarding accreditation from the accrediting agency;

(b) Must meet the requirements in WAC 246-341-0325 and 246-341-0345 before adding any additional service(s); and

(c) Is not eligible for deeming until the service(s) has been reviewed by the accrediting agency.

(7) Any branch site added to an existing agency:

(a) Must meet the requirements in WAC 246-341-0340; and

(b) Is not eligible for deeming until the site has been reviewed by the accrediting agency.