Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 1133
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Limiting the uses of the fire protection contractor license fund.
Sponsors: Representatives Griffey and Appleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/19/17
Staff: Desiree Omli (786-7383).
Background:
Hospital Fire Protection Inspections.
The Chief of the Washington State Patrol, through the Director of Fire Protection (Director), sets and enforces standards for fire protection as they relate to all licensed hospitals. Upon receipt of an application for a license to establish, maintain, or conduct a hospital, the Department of Health (DOH) submits a request for an inspection to the Director. The Director then inspects the premises, coinciding with the licensing inspection conducted by the DOH. When a premises does not comply with the required safety standards and fire regulations, the applicant or licensee is required to submit corrections to comply with the standards and regulations. The Director may reinspect a premises if extensive and serious corrections are required. When a premises meets the required standards and regulations, the Director must submit a written report approving the hospital with respect to fire protection before the hospital can be issued a full license. The Director must inspect licensed hospitals on average at least once every 18 months. Inspections conducted by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations are deemed equivalent to an inspection by the Director.
The Director designates a lead deputy state fire marshal for each region to conduct the fire protection inspections. Prior to conducting hospital fire protection inspections, the deputy state fire marshals must receive an orientation regarding the unique environment of hospitals that includes subjects regarding the clinical environment of hospitals, the operating room environment, and fire protection practices. In addition, deputy state fire marshals must also complete a licensing inspection of at least one urban and one rural hospital.
Fire Protection Contractor License Fund.
The Director administers licensing and certification requirements, and sets license and certificate fees, for licensed fire sprinkler contractors and fire sprinkler certificate of competency holders. These fees and any associated late charges are deposited into the Fire Protection Contractor License Fund. Expenditures from the fund may only be used for:
costs associated with meeting standards for fire protection and its enforcement, with respect to hospital fire protection inspections;
providing assistance in identifying fire sprinkler system components subject to recalls or voluntary replacement programs, including providing training and assistance to local fire authorities, the fire sprinkler industry, and the public; and
developing and publishing educational materials related to the effectiveness of residential fire sprinklers.
Summary of Bill:
The Fire Protection Contractor License Fund may no longer be used to pay for costs associated with hospital fire protection inspections.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2017.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.