(1) The authority is a public entity established under the provisions of chapter 70.37 RCW, which exercises essential governmental functions.

(2) Members. The authority consists of the governor; the lieutenant governor; the insurance commissioner; the chairman of the Washington state hospital commission; and one public member appointed by the governor on the basis of his or her interest or expertise in health care delivery, and confirmed by the senate for a term of four years. If the public office of any of the first four mentioned members is abolished, the resulting vacancy on the authority shall be filled by the officer who shall succeed substantially to the powers and duties thereof.

(3) Officers. The officers of the authority shall be a chairman, who shall be the governor, and a secretary. The secretary shall hold office for two years, or until his or her successor is later elected, and shall be elected by a majority vote of the members from among themselves. Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of secretary, the members of the authority shall elect a successor who shall serve out the remaining term.

(4) Authority staff: The staff of the authority shall consist of an executive director and such other employees as are determined by the authority as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities and duties. The executive director shall be the chief administrative officer of the authority and subject to its direction. All other staff shall be under his or her supervision and direction. The executive director shall keep a record of the proceedings of the authority and, when required by the authority, shall sign notes, contracts and other instruments. The executive director shall have custody of and be responsible for all moneys and securities of the authority and shall deposit all such moneys forthwith in such banks as the authority may designate from time to time.

(5) Administrative office: The administrative office of the authority shall be located at 504 E. 14th, Suite 130, Olympia, Washington 98504, which office shall be open each day for the transaction of business from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excepted, and except for business relating to public records, which is governed by WAC 247-12-050).

(6) Address for communications: All communications with the authority, including but not limited to the submission of materials pertaining to its operations and these rules, requests for copies of the authority's decisions and other matters, shall be addressed as follows: Washington Health Care Facilities Authority, 504 E. 14th, Suite 130, Olympia, Washington 98504.