(1) To maintain department approval, a health care entity modifying the scope, components or operation of an approved program, shall submit to the department:

(a) An application package specified in WAC 246-50-030(1), modified as appropriate; and

(b) A detailed description of the modification and how it affects the program.

(2) A health care entity shall modify its approved program to comply with any changes in requirements for program approval adopted by the department or the legislature. Any such modification shall be made using the procedure outlined in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) A health care entity shall notify the department of a change in authorized representative within thirty days of a change. The procedure outlined in subsection (1) of this section does not apply to this subsection. A health care entity shall modify its approved program to comply with any changes in requirements for program approval adopted by the department or the legislature within six months of notice from the department that, unless it has received written confirmation from the department that it may apply at a later date. Any such modification shall be made using the procedure outlined in subsection (1) of this section.

(4) The department shall review each application package submitted under this section and either:

(a) Send written notification of approval to a health care entity submitting a program with the components specified in WAC 246-50-020; or

(b) Deny the application. If denied, the health care entity may modify and resubmit its application package or request a brief adjudicative proceeding according to RCW 34.05.482.

(5) A program remains approved while an application to modify is under review, including the time that a health care entity may use to modify and resubmit its application under this section or the adjudicative process identified in subsection (4) of this section is exhausted.

(6) The department shall retain a copy of the program plan.