(1) Prior to approving the acquisition of a public health care service district hospital, the district board of commissioners must obtain a written opinion from a qualified independent expert or the department of health as to whether or not the acquisition meets the review criteria in RCW 70.45.080.

(2) If requested by the district to conduct a review, the department will charge the district for the review costs as provided in the fee schedule (WAC 246-312-990).

(3) The department will deliver its opinion within ninety days of the district's request.