The purpose of this chapter is to implement chapter 332, Laws of 1997, the nonprofit hospital sales review program. The legislature has determined that the state has an interest to assure the continued existence of accessible, affordable health care facilities. To achieve this goal the department of health is responsible for reviewing and approving the acquisition of nonprofit hospitals by for-profit entities. The department may approve an acquisition of a nonprofit hospital only if it determines that the nonprofit hospital has taken appropriate steps to safeguard charitable assets and any proceeds of the acquisition are used for appropriate charitable health and health care purposes.