BP BHEAD INT S [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to making technical changes, wording updates, and other corrections to department of health statutes covering health professions and facilities; amending RCW 18.35.240, 18.35.240, 18.35.250, 18.35.250, 18.48.020, 18.52.030, 18.83.135, 18.92.013, 18.92.015, 18.92.030, 18.92.060, 18.92.125, 18.92.140, 18.92.145, 18.120.020, 18.73.030, 18.73.101, 18.73.130, 18.73.140, 70.168.020, 71.12.455, 71.12.460, 71.12.470, 71.12.480, 71.12.510, 71.12.520, 18.46.005, 18.46.010, 18.46.020, 18.46.040, 18.46.060, 18.46.070, 18.46.080, 18.46.090, 18.46.110, 18.46.120, 18.46.130, and 18.46.140; reenacting and amending RCW 71.12.500; adding a new section to chapter 71.12 RCW; repealing RCW 18.48.040, 18.57A.070, 18.83.910, and 18.83.911; providing an effective date; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 18.35.240 and 1996 c 200 s 30 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Every ((~~establishment~~)) individual engaged in the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments shall ((~~file with the department~~)) be covered by a surety bond ((~~in the sum~~)) of ten thousand dollars((~~, running to the state of Washington~~)) or more, for the benefit of any person injured or damaged as a result of any violation by the ((~~establishment's~~)) licensee, certificate or permit holder, or their employees or agents of any of the provisions of this chapter or rules adopted by the secretary.

(2) In lieu of the surety bond required by this section, the ((~~establishment may file with the department a cash~~)) licensee or certificate or permit holder may deposit cash or other negotiable security ((~~acceptable to the department~~)) in a banking institution as defined in chapter 30.04 RCW or a credit union as defined in chapter 31.12 RCW. All obligations and remedies relating to surety bonds shall apply to deposits and security filed in lieu of surety bonds.

(3) If a cash deposit or other negotiable security is filed, ((~~the department shall deposit the funds. The cash or other negotiable security deposited with the department shall be returned to the depositor~~)) the licensee or certificate or permit holder shall maintain such cash or other negotiable security for one year after ((~~the establishment has discontinued~~)) discontinuing the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments ((if no legal action has been instituted against the establishment, its agents or employees, or the cash deposit or other security. The establishment owners shall notify the department if the establishment is sold, changes names, or has discontinued the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments in order that the cash deposit or other security may be released at the end of one year from that date.

(4) A surety may file with the department notice of withdrawal of the bond of the establishment. Upon filing a new bond, or upon the expiration of sixty days after the filing of notice of withdrawal by the surety, the liability of the former surety for all future acts of the establishment terminates.

(5) Upon the filing with the department notice by a surety of withdrawal of the surety on the bond of an establishment or upon the cancellation by the department of the bond of a surety under this section, the department shall immediately give notice to the establishment by certified or registered mail with return receipt requested addressed to the establishment's last place of business as filed with the department.

~~(6) The department shall immediately cancel the bond given by a surety company upon being advised that the surety company's license to transact business in this state has been revoked~~)).

((~~(7)~~)) (4) Each invoice for the purchase of a hearing instrument provided to a customer must clearly display on the first page the bond number ((~~of the establishment or~~)) covering the licensee or certificate or permit holder responsible for fitting/dispensing the hearing instrument.

(5) All licensed hearing instrument fitter/dispensers, certified audiologists, and permit holders must verify compliance with the requirement to hold a surety bond or cash or other negotiable security by submitting a signed declaration of compliance upon annual renewal of their license, certificate, or permit. Up to twenty-five percent of the credential holders may be randomly audited for surety bond compliance after the credential is renewed. It is the credential holder's responsibility to submit a copy of the original surety bond or bonds, or documentation that cash or other negotiable security is held in a banking institution during the time period being audited. Failure to comply with the audit documentation request or failure to supply acceptable documentation within thirty days may result in disciplinary action.

Sec. 2. RCW 18.35.240 and 1998 c 142 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

~~(6) The department shall immediately cancel the bond given by a surety company upon being advised that the surety company's license to transact business in this state has been revoked~~)).

((~~(7)~~)) (4) Each invoice for the purchase of a hearing instrument provided to a customer must clearly display on the first page the bond number ((~~of the establishment or~~)) covering the licensee or certificate or interim permit holder responsible for fitting/dispensing the hearing instrument.

Sec. 3. RCW 18.35.250 and 1996 c 200 s 31 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In addition to any other legal remedies, an action may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction upon the bond, cash deposit, or security in lieu of a surety bond required by this chapter, by any person having a claim against a licensee or certificate or permit holder, agent, or ((~~establishment~~)) employee for any violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter. The aggregate liability of the surety, cash deposit, or other negotiable security to all claimants shall in no event exceed the sum of the bond. Claims shall be satisfied in the order of judgment rendered.

(2) An action upon the bond, cash deposit, or other negotiable security shall be commenced by serving and filing ((~~the~~)) a complaint ((within one year from the date of the cancellation of the bond. An action upon a cash deposit or other security shall be commenced by serving and filing the complaint within one year from the date of notification to the department of the change in ownership of the establishment or the discontinuation of the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments by that establishment. Two copies of the complaint shall be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, upon the department at the time the suit is started. The service constitutes service on the surety. The secretary shall transmit one copy of the complaint to the surety within five business days after the copy has been received.

(3) The secretary shall maintain a record, available for public inspection, of all suits commenced under this chapter under surety bonds, or the cash or other security deposited in lieu of the surety bond. In the event that any final judgment impairs the liability of the surety upon a bond so furnished or the amount of the deposit so that there is not in effect a bond undertaking or deposit in the full amount prescribed in this section, the department shall suspend the license or certificate until the bond undertaking or deposit in the required amount, unimpaired by unsatisfied judgment claims, has been furnished.

(4) If a judgment is entered against the deposit or security required under this chapter, the department shall, upon receipt of a certified copy of a final judgment, pay the judgment from the amount of the deposit or security)).

Sec. 4. RCW 18.35.250 and 1998 c 142 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In addition to any other legal remedies, an action may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction upon the bond, cash deposit, or security in lieu of a surety bond required by this chapter, by any person having a claim against a licensee or certificate or interim permit holder, agent, or ((~~establishment~~)) employee for any violation of this chapter or any rule adopted under this chapter. The aggregate liability of the surety, cash deposit, or other negotiable security to all claimants shall in no event exceed the sum of the bond. Claims shall be satisfied in the order of judgment rendered.

Sec. 5. RCW 18.48.020 and 1996 c 81 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The secretary shall register adult family home providers and resident managers.

(2) The secretary, by policy or rule, shall define terms and establish forms and procedures for registration applications, including the payment of registration fees pursuant to RCW 43.70.250. An application for an adult family home resident manager or provider registration shall include at least the following information:

(a) Name and address; and

(b) If the provider is a corporation, copies of its articles of incorporation and current bylaws, together with the names and addresses of its officers and directors.

(((3) The secretary shall adopt policies or rules to establish the registration periods, fees, and procedures. If the adult family home is sold or ownership or management is transferred, the registration shall be voided and the provider and resident manager shall apply for a new registration.))

Sec. 6. RCW 18.52.030 and 1992 c 53 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

Nursing homes operating within this state shall be under the active, overall administrative charge and supervision of an on-site full-time administrator licensed as provided in this chapter. No person acting in any capacity, unless the holder of a nursing home administrator's license issued under this chapter, shall be charged with the overall responsibility to make decisions or direct actions involved in managing the internal operation of a nursing home, except as specifically delegated in writing by the administrator to identify a responsible person to act on the administrator's behalf when the administrator is absent. The administrator shall review the decisions upon the administrator's return and amend the decisions if necessary. The board shall define by rule the parameters for on-site full-time administrators in nursing homes with small resident populations and nursing homes in rural areas, or separately licensed facilities collocated on the same campus((~~, as well as provide for the administrative requirements for nursing homes that are temporarily without administrators~~)).

Sec. 7. RCW 18.83.135 and 1999 c 66 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

In addition to the authority prescribed under RCW 18.130.050, the board shall have the following authority:

(1) To maintain records of all activities, and to publish and distribute to all psychologists at least once each year abstracts of significant activities of the ((~~committee~~)) board;

(2) To obtain the written consent of the complaining client or patient or their legal representative, or of any person who may be affected by the complaint, in order to obtain information which otherwise might be confidential or privileged; and

(3) To apply the provisions of the uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, to all persons licensed as psychologists under this chapter.

Sec. 8. RCW 18.92.013 and 1993 c 78 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A veterinarian legally prescribing drugs may delegate to a registered veterinary medication clerk or a registered ((~~animal~~)) veterinary technician, while under the veterinarian's direct supervision, certain nondiscretionary functions defined by the board and used in the dispensing of legend and nonlegend drugs (except controlled substances as defined in or under chapter 69.50 RCW) associated with the practice of veterinary medicine. Upon final approval of the packaged prescription following a direct physical inspection of the packaged prescription for proper formulation, packaging, and labeling by the veterinarian, the veterinarian may delegate the delivery of the prescription to a registered veterinary medication clerk or registered ((~~animal~~)) veterinary technician, while under the veterinarian's indirect supervision. Dispensing of drugs by veterinarians, registered ((~~animal~~)) veterinary technicians, and registered veterinary medication clerks shall meet the applicable requirements of chapters 18.64, 69.40, 69.41, and 69.50 RCW and is subject to inspection by the board of pharmacy investigators.

(2) For the purposes of this section:

(a) "Direct supervision" means the veterinarian is on the premises and is quickly and easily available; and

(b) "Indirect supervision" means the veterinarian is not on the premises but has given written or oral instructions for the delegated task.

Sec. 9. RCW 18.92.015 and 1993 c 78 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

"((~~Animal~~)) Veterinary technician" means a person who has successfully completed an examination administered by the board and who has either successfully completed a post high school course approved by the board in the care and treatment of animals or had five years' practical experience, acceptable to the board, with a licensed veterinarian.

"Board" means the Washington state veterinary board of governors.

"Department" means the department of health.

"Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health.

"Veterinary medication clerk" means a person who has satisfactorily completed a board-approved training program developed in consultation with the board of pharmacy and designed to prepare persons to perform certain nondiscretionary functions defined by the board and used in the dispensing of legend and nonlegend drugs (except controlled substances as defined in or under chapter 69.50 RCW) associated with the practice of veterinary medicine.

Sec. 10. RCW 18.92.030 and 1995 c 198 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

The board shall develop and administer, or approve, or both, a licensure examination in the subjects determined by the board to be essential to the practice of veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry. The board may approve an examination prepared or administered by a private testing agency or association of licensing authorities. The board, under chapter 34.05 RCW, may adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including the performance of the duties and responsibilities of ((~~animal~~)) veterinary technicians and veterinary medication clerks. The rules shall be adopted in the interest of good veterinary health care delivery to the consuming public and shall not prevent ((~~animal~~)) veterinary technicians from inoculating an animal. The board also has the power to adopt by rule standards prescribing requirements for veterinary medical facilities and fixing minimum standards of continuing veterinary medical education.

The department is the official office of record.

Sec. 11. RCW 18.92.060 and 1995 c 317 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

Nothing in this chapter applies to:

(1) Commissioned veterinarians in the United States military services or veterinarians employed by Washington state and federal agencies while performing official duties;

(2) A person practicing veterinary medicine upon his or her own animal;

(3) A person advising with respect to or performing the castrating and dehorning of cattle, castrating and docking of sheep, castrating of swine, caponizing of poultry, or artificial insemination of animals;

(4)(a) A person who is a regularly enrolled student in a veterinary school or training course approved under RCW 18.92.015 and performing duties or actions assigned by his or her instructors or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian during a school vacation period or (b) a person performing assigned duties under the supervision of a veterinarian within the established framework of an internship program recognized by the board;

(5) A veterinarian regularly licensed in another state consulting with a licensed veterinarian in this state;

(6) ((~~An animal~~)) A veterinary technician or veterinary medication clerk acting under the supervision and control of a licensed veterinarian. The practice of ((~~an animal~~)) a veterinary technician or veterinary medication clerk is limited to the performance of services which are authorized by the board;

(7) An owner being assisted in practice by his or her employees when employed in the conduct of the owner's business;

(8) An owner being assisted in practice by some other person gratuitously;

(9) The implanting in their own animals of any electronic device for identifying animals by established humane societies and animal control organizations that provide appropriate training, as determined by the veterinary board of governors, and/or direct or indirect supervision by a licensed veterinarian;

(10) The implanting of any electronic device by a public fish and wildlife agency for the identification of fish or wildlife.

Sec. 12. RCW 18.92.125 and 1993 c 78 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

No veterinarian who uses the services of ((~~an animal~~)) a veterinary technician or veterinary medication clerk shall be considered as aiding and abetting any unlicensed person to practice veterinary medicine. A veterinarian retains professional and personal responsibility for any act which constitutes the practice of veterinary medicine as defined in this chapter when performed by ((~~an animal~~)) a veterinary technician or veterinary medication clerk in his or her employ.

Sec. 13. RCW 18.92.140 and 1996 c 191 s 79 are each amended to read as follows:

Each person now qualified to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry, registered as ((~~an animal~~)) a veterinary technician, or registered as a veterinary medication clerk in this state or who becomes licensed or registered to engage in practice shall comply with administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees determined as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280.

Sec. 14. RCW 18.92.145 and 1996 c 191 s 80 are each amended to read as follows:

Administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees shall be established as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280 for the issuance, renewal, or administration of the following licenses, certificates of registration, permits, duplicate licenses, renewals, or examination:

(1) For a license to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry issued upon an examination given by the examining board;

(2) For a license to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry issued upon the basis of a license issued in another state;

(3) For a certificate of registration as ((~~an animal~~)) a veterinary technician;

(4) For a certificate of registration as a veterinary medication clerk;

(5) For a temporary permit to practice veterinary medicine, surgery, and dentistry. The temporary permit fee shall be accompanied by the full amount of the examination fee; and

(6) For a license to practice specialized veterinary medicine.

Sec. 15. RCW 18.120.020 and 1997 c 334 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

The definitions ((~~contained~~)) in this section ((~~shall~~)) apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Applicant group" includes any health professional group or organization, any individual, or any other interested party which proposes that any health professional group not presently regulated be regulated or which proposes to substantially increase the scope of practice of the profession.

(2) "Certificate" and "certification" mean a voluntary process by which a statutory regulatory entity grants recognition to an individual who (a) has met certain prerequisite qualifications specified by that regulatory entity, and (b) may assume or use "certified" in the title or designation to perform prescribed health professional tasks.

(3) "Grandfather clause" means a provision in a regulatory statute applicable to practitioners actively engaged in the regulated health profession prior to the effective date of the regulatory statute which exempts the practitioners from meeting the prerequisite qualifications set forth in the regulatory statute to perform prescribed occupational tasks.

(4) "Health professions" means and includes the following health and health-related licensed or regulated professions and occupations: Podiatric medicine and surgery under chapter 18.22 RCW; chiropractic under chapter 18.25 RCW; dental hygiene under chapter 18.29 RCW; dentistry under chapter 18.32 RCW; denturism under chapter 18.30 RCW; dispensing opticians under chapter 18.34 RCW; hearing instruments under chapter 18.35 RCW; naturopaths under chapter 18.36A RCW; embalming and funeral directing under chapter 18.39 RCW; midwifery under chapter 18.50 RCW; nursing home administration under chapter 18.52 RCW; optometry under chapters 18.53 and 18.54 RCW; ocularists under chapter 18.55 RCW; osteopathic medicine and surgery under chapters 18.57 and 18.57A RCW; pharmacy under chapters 18.64 and 18.64A RCW; medicine under chapters 18.71 and 18.71A RCW; emergency medicine under chapter 18.73 RCW; physical therapy under chapter 18.74 RCW; practical nurses under chapter 18.79 RCW; psychologists under chapter 18.83 RCW; registered nurses under chapter 18.79 RCW; occupational therapists licensed under chapter 18.59 RCW; respiratory care practitioners licensed under chapter 18.89 RCW; veterinarians and ((~~animal~~)) veterinary technicians under chapter 18.92 RCW; health care assistants under chapter 18.135 RCW; massage practitioners under chapter 18.108 RCW; acupuncturists licensed under chapter 18.06 RCW; persons registered or certified under chapter 18.19 RCW; dietitians and nutritionists certified by chapter 18.138 RCW; radiologic technicians under chapter 18.84 RCW; and nursing assistants registered or certified under chapter 18.88A RCW.

(5) "Inspection" means the periodic examination of practitioners by a state agency in order to ascertain whether the practitioners' occupation is being carried out in a fashion consistent with the public health, safety, and welfare.

(6) "Legislative committees of reference" means the standing legislative committees designated by the respective rules committees of the senate and house of representatives to consider proposed legislation to regulate health professions not previously regulated.

(7) "License," "licensing," and "licensure" mean permission to engage in a health profession which would otherwise be unlawful in the state in the absence of the permission. A license is granted to those individuals who meet prerequisite qualifications to perform prescribed health professional tasks and for the use of a particular title.

(8) "Professional license" means an individual, nontransferable authorization to carry on a health activity based on qualifications which include: (a) Graduation from an accredited or approved program, and (b) acceptable performance on a qualifying examination or series of examinations.

(9) "Practitioner" means an individual who (a) has achieved knowledge and skill by practice, and (b) is actively engaged in a specified health profession.

(10) "Public member" means an individual who is not, and never was, a member of the health profession being regulated or the spouse of a member, or an individual who does not have and never has had a material financial interest in either the rendering of the health professional service being regulated or an activity directly related to the profession being regulated.

(11) "Registration" means the formal notification which, prior to rendering services, a practitioner shall submit to a state agency setting forth the name and address of the practitioner; the location, nature and operation of the health activity to be practiced; and, if required by the regulatory entity, a description of the service to be provided.

(12) "Regulatory entity" means any board, commission, agency, division, or other unit or subunit of state government which regulates one or more professions, occupations, industries, businesses, or other endeavors in this state.

(13) "State agency" includes every state office, department, board, commission, regulatory entity, and agency of the state, and, where provided by law, programs and activities involving less than the full responsibility of a state agency.

Sec. 16. RCW 18.73.030 and 1990 c 269 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context, the following words and phrases as used in this chapter shall have the meanings indicated.

(1) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health.

(2) "Department" means the department of health.

(3) "Committee" means the emergency medical services licensing and certification advisory committee.

(4) "Ambulance" means a ground or air vehicle designed and used to transport the ill and injured and to provide personnel, facilities, and equipment to treat patients before and during transportation.

(5) "Aid vehicle" means a vehicle used to carry aid equipment and individuals trained in first aid or emergency medical procedure.

(6) "Emergency medical technician" means a person who is authorized by the secretary to render emergency medical care pursuant to RCW 18.73.081.

(7) ((~~"Ambulance operator" means a person who owns one or more ambulances and operates them as a private business.~~

~~(8) "Ambulance director" means a person who is a director of a service which operates one or more ambulances provided by a volunteer organization or governmental agency.~~

~~(9) "Aid vehicle operator" means a person who owns one or more aid vehicles and operates them as a private business.~~

~~(10) "Aid director" means a person who is a director of a service which operates one or more aid vehicles provided by a volunteer organization or governmental agency.~~

~~(11)~~)) "Ambulance service" means an organization that operates one or more ambulances.

(8) "Aid service" means an organization that operates one or more aid vehicles.

(9) "Emergency medical service" means medical treatment and care which may be rendered at the scene of any medical emergency or while transporting any patient in an ambulance to an appropriate medical facility, including ambulance transportation between medical facilities.

((~~(12)~~)) (10) "Communications system" means a radio and landline network which provides rapid public access, coordinated central dispatching of services, and coordination of personnel, equipment, and facilities in an emergency medical services and trauma care system.

((~~(13)~~)) (11) "Prehospital patient care protocols" means the written procedure adopted by the emergency medical services medical program director which direct the out-of-hospital emergency care of the emergency patient which includes the trauma care patient. These procedures shall be based upon the assessment of the patient's medical needs and what treatment will be provided for emergency conditions. The protocols shall meet or exceed state-wide minimum standards developed by the department in rule as authorized in chapter 70.168 RCW.

((~~(14)~~)) (12) "Patient care procedures" means written operating guidelines adopted by the regional emergency medical services and trauma care council, in consultation with the local emergency medical services and trauma care councils, emergency communication centers, and the emergency medical services medical program director, in accordance with state-wide minimum standards. The patient care procedures shall identify the level of medical care personnel to be dispatched to an emergency scene, procedures for triage of patients, the level of trauma care facility to first receive the patient, and the name and location of other trauma care facilities to receive the patient should an interfacility transfer be necessary. Procedures on interfacility transfer of patients shall be consistent with the transfer procedures in chapter 70.170 RCW.

((~~(15)~~)) (13) "Emergency medical services medical program director" means a person who is an approved medical program director as defined by RCW 18.71.205(4).

((~~(16)~~)) (14) "Council" means the local or regional emergency medical services and trauma care council as authorized under chapter 70.168 RCW.

((~~(17)~~)) (15) "Basic life support" means noninvasive emergency medical services requiring basic medical treatment skills as defined in chapter 18.73 RCW.

((~~(18)~~)) (16) "Advanced life support" means invasive emergency medical services requiring advanced medical treatment skills as defined by chapter 18.71 RCW.

((~~(19)~~)) (17) "First responder" means a person who is authorized by the secretary to render emergency medical care as defined by RCW 18.73.081.

Sec. 17. RCW 18.73.101 and 1987 c 214 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

The secretary may grant a variance from a provision of this chapter and RCW 18.71.200 through 18.71.220 if no detriment to health and safety would result from the variance and compliance is expected to cause reduction or loss of existing emergency medical services. Variances may be granted for a period of no more than one year. A variance may be renewed by the secretary upon approval of the committee.

Sec. 18. RCW 18.73.130 and 1992 c 128 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

An ambulance ((~~operator, ambulance director, aid vehicle operator or aid director~~)) service or aid service may not operate ((~~a service~~)) in the state of Washington without holding a license for such operation, issued by the secretary when such operation is consistent with the state-wide and regional emergency medical services and trauma care plans established pursuant to chapter 70.168 RCW, indicating the general area to be served and the number of vehicles to be used, with the following exceptions:

(1) The United States government;

(2) Ambulance ((~~operators and ambulance directors~~)) services providing service in other states when bringing patients into this state;

(3) Owners of businesses in which ambulance or aid vehicles are used exclusively on company property but occasionally in emergencies may transport patients to hospitals not on company property; and

(4) Operators of vehicles pressed into service for transportation of patients in emergencies when licensed ambulances are not available or cannot meet overwhelming demand.

The license shall be valid for a period of two years and shall be renewed on request provided the holder has consistently complied with the regulations of the department and the department of licensing and provided also that the needs of the area served have been met satisfactorily. The license shall not be transferable and may be revoked if the service is found in violation of rules adopted by the department.

Sec. 19. RCW 18.73.140 and 1992 c 128 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

The secretary shall issue an ambulance or aid vehicle license for each vehicle so designated. The license shall be for a period of two years and may be reissued on expiration if the vehicle and its equipment meet requirements in force at the time of expiration of the license period. The license may be revoked if the ambulance or aid vehicle is found to be operating in violation of the regulations promulgated by the department or without required equipment. The license shall be terminated automatically if the vehicle is sold or transferred to the control of ((~~anyone~~)) any organization not currently licensed as an ambulance or aid vehicle ((~~operator or director~~)) service. The license number shall be prominently displayed on each vehicle.

Sec. 20. RCW 70.168.020 and 1990 c 269 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) There is hereby created an emergency medical services and trauma care steering committee composed of representatives of individuals knowledgeable in emergency medical services and trauma care, including emergency medical providers such as physicians, nurses, hospital personnel, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, ambulance ((~~operators~~)) services, a member of the emergency medical services licensing and certification advisory committee, local government officials, state officials, consumers, and persons affiliated professionally with health science schools. The governor shall appoint members of the steering committee. Members shall be appointed for a period of three years. The department shall provide administrative support to the committee. All appointive members of the committee, in the performance of their duties, may be entitled to receive travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. The governor may remove members from the committee who have three unexcused absences from committee meetings. The governor shall fill any vacancies of the committee in a timely manner. The terms of those members representing the same field shall not expire at the same time.

The committee shall elect a chair and a vice-chair whose terms of office shall be for one year each. The chair shall be ineligible for reelection after serving four consecutive terms.

The committee shall meet on call by the governor, the secretary, or the chair.

(2) The emergency medical services and trauma care steering committee shall:

(a) Advise the department regarding emergency medical services and trauma care needs throughout the state.

(b) Review the regional emergency medical services and trauma care plans and recommend changes to the department before the department adopts the plans.

(d) Recommend modifications in rules regarding emergency medical services and trauma care.

Sec. 21. RCW 71.12.455 and 1977 ex.s. c 80 s 43 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter, "establishment" and "institution" mean and include every private hospital, sanitarium, home, or other place receiving or caring for any mentally ill, ((or)) mentally incompetent person, or ((~~alcoholic~~)) chemically dependent person.

Sec. 22. RCW 71.12.460 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 226 are each amended to read as follows:

No person, association, or corporation, shall establish or keep, for compensation or hire, an establishment as defined in this chapter without first having obtained a license therefor from the department of health, complied with rules adopted under this chapter, and ((~~having~~)) paid the license fee provided in this chapter. Any person who carries on, conducts, or attempts to carry on or conduct an establishment as defined in this chapter without first having obtained a license from the department of health, as in this chapter provided, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The managing and executive officers of any corporation violating the provisions of this chapter shall be liable under the provisions of this chapter in the same manner and to the same effect as a private individual violating the same.

Sec. 23. RCW 71.12.470 and 1987 c 75 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:

Every application for a license shall be accompanied by a plan of the premises proposed to be occupied, describing the capacities of the buildings for the uses intended, the extent and location of grounds appurtenant thereto, and the number of patients proposed to be received therein, with such other information, and in such form, as the department of health requires. The application shall be accompanied by the proper license fee. The amount of the license fee shall be established by the department of health under RCW ((~~43.20B.110~~)) 43.70.110.

Sec. 24. RCW 71.12.480 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 227 are each amended to read as follows:

The department of health shall not grant any such license until it has made an examination of all phases of the operation of the establishment necessary to determine compliance with rules adopted under this chapter including the premises proposed to be licensed and is satisfied that ((~~they~~)) the premises are substantially as described, and are otherwise fit and suitable for the purposes for which they are designed to be used, and that such license should be granted.

Sec. 25. RCW 71.12.500 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 230 and 1989 c 175 s 137 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

The department of health may at any time examine and ascertain how far a licensed establishment is conducted in compliance with this chapter, the rules adopted under this chapter, and the requirements of the license therefor. If the interests of the patients of the establishment so demand, the department may, for just and reasonable cause, suspend, modify, or revoke any such license. RCW ((~~43.20A.205~~)) 43.70.115 governs notice of a license denial, revocation, suspension, or modification and provides the right to an adjudicative proceeding.

Sec. 26. RCW 71.12.510 and 1959 c 25 s 71.12.510 are each amended to read as follows:

The department of health may at any time cause any establishment as defined in this chapter to be visited and examined.

Sec. 27. RCW 71.12.520 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 231 are each amended to read as follows:

Each such visit may include an inspection of every part of each establishment. The representatives of the department of health may make an examination of all records, methods of administration, the general and special dietary, the stores and methods of supply, and may cause an examination and diagnosis to be made of any person confined therein. The representatives of the department of health may examine to determine their fitness for their duties the officers, attendants, and other employees, and may talk with any of the patients apart from the officers and attendants.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 28. A new section is added to chapter 71.12 RCW to read as follows:

The department of health shall adopt rules for the licensing, operation, and inspections of establishments and institutions and the enforcement thereof.

Sec. 29. RCW 18.46.005 and 1951 c 168 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the development, establishment, and enforcement of standards for the maintenance and operation of ((~~maternity homes~~)) birthing centers, which, in the light of advancing knowledge, will promote safe and adequate care and treatment of the individuals therein.

Sec. 30. RCW 18.46.010 and 1991 c 3 s 100 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) ((~~"Maternity home"~~)) "Birthing center" or "childbirth center" means any ((home, place, hospital or institution in which facilities are maintained for the care of four or more women, not related by blood or marriage to the operator, during pregnancy or during or within ten days after delivery)) health facility, not part of a hospital or in a hospital, that provides facilities and staff to support a birth service to low-risk maternity clients: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That this chapter shall not apply to any hospital approved by the American College of Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, or its successor.

(2) ((~~"Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or joint stock association, and the legal successor thereof.~~

~~(3)~~)) "Department" means the state department of health.

(3) "Low-risk" means normal, uncomplicated prenatal course as determined by adequate prenatal care and prospects for a normal uncomplicated birth as defined by reasonable and generally accepted criteria of maternal and fetal health.

(4) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or joint stock association, and the legal successor thereof.

Sec. 31. RCW 18.46.020 and 1951 c 168 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

After July 1, 1951, no person shall operate a ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center in this state without a license under this chapter.

Sec. 32. RCW 18.46.040 and 1987 c 75 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

Upon receipt of an application for a license and the license fee, the licensing agency shall issue a license if the applicant and the ((~~maternity home facilities~~)) birthing center meet the requirements established under this chapter. A license, unless suspended or revoked, shall be renewable annually. Applications for renewal shall be on forms provided by the department and shall be filed in the department not less than ten days prior to its expiration. Each application for renewal shall be accompanied by a license fee as established by the department under RCW 43.20B.110. Each license shall be issued only for the premises and persons named in the application and shall not be transferable or assignable except with the written approval of the department. Licenses shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises.

Sec. 33. RCW 18.46.060 and 1985 c 213 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

The department, after consultation with representatives of ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center operators, state medical association, Washington Osteopathic Association, state nurses association, state hospital association, and any other representatives as the department may deem necessary, shall adopt, amend, and promulgate such rules and regulations with respect to all ((~~maternity homes~~)) birthing centers in the promotion of safe and adequate medical and nursing care ((~~of inmates~~)) in the ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center and the sanitary, hygienic, and safe condition of the ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center in the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of the people.

Sec. 34. RCW 18.46.070 and 1951 c 168 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

Any ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center which is in operation at the time of promulgation of any applicable rules or regulations under this chapter shall be given a reasonable time, under the particular circumstances, not to exceed three months from the date of such promulgation, to comply with the rules and regulations established under this chapter.

Sec. 35. RCW 18.46.080 and 1951 c 168 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

The department shall make or cause to be made an inspection and investigation of all ((~~maternity homes~~)) birthing centers, and every inspection may include an inspection of every part of the premises. The department may make an examination of all records, methods of administration, the general and special dietary and the stores and methods of supply. The ((~~board~~)) department may prescribe by regulation that any licensee or applicant desiring to make specified types of alteration or addition to its facilities or to construct new facilities shall before commencing such alterations, addition, or new construction submit plans and specifications therefor to the department for preliminary inspection and approval or recommendations with respect to compliance with regulations and standards herein authorized. Necessary conferences and consultations may be provided.

Sec. 36. RCW 18.46.090 and 1951 c 168 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

All information received by the department through filed reports, inspection, or as otherwise authorized under this chapter shall not be disclosed publicly in any manner as to identify individuals or ((~~maternity homes~~)) birthing centers except in a proceeding involving the question of licensure.

Sec. 37. RCW 18.46.110 and 1995 c 369 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

Fire protection with respect to all ((~~maternity homes~~)) birthing centers to be licensed hereunder, shall be the responsibility of the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, who shall adopt by reference, such recognized standards as may be applicable to nursing homes, places of refuge, and ((~~maternity homes~~)) birthing centers for the protection of life against the cause and spread of fire and fire hazards. The department upon receipt of an application for a license, shall submit to the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, in writing, a request for an inspection, giving the applicant's name and the location of the premises to be licensed. Upon receipt of such a request, the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, or his or her deputy, shall make an inspection of the ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center to be licensed, and if it is found that the premises do not comply with the required safety standards and fire regulations as promulgated by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, he or she shall promptly make a written report to the department as to the manner in which the premises may qualify for a license and set forth the conditions to be remedied with respect to fire regulations. The department, applicant or licensee shall notify the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, upon completion of any requirements made by him or her, and the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, or his or her deputy, shall make a reinspection of such premises. Whenever the ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center to be licensed meets with the approval of the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, he or she shall submit to the department, a written report approving same with respect to fire protection before a license can be issued. The chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, shall make or cause to be made such inspection of such ((~~maternity homes~~)) birthing centers as he or she deems necessary.

In cities which have in force a comprehensive building code, the regulation of which is equal to the minimum standards of the code for ((~~maternity homes~~)) birthing centers adopted by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, the building inspector and the chief of the fire department, provided the latter is a paid chief of a paid fire department, shall make the inspection and shall approve the premises before a license can be issued.

In cities where such building codes are in force, the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, may, upon request by the chief fire official, or the local governing body, or of a taxpayer of such city, assist in the enforcement of any such code pertaining to ((~~maternity homes~~)) birthing centers.

Sec. 38. RCW 18.46.120 and 1951 c 168 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

Any person operating or maintaining any ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center without a license under this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day of a continuing violation after conviction shall be considered a separate offense.

Sec. 39. RCW 18.46.130 and 1951 c 168 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

Notwithstanding the existence or use of any other remedy, the department may in the manner provided by law, upon the advice of the attorney general who shall represent the department in all proceedings, maintain an action in the name of the state for an injunction or other process against any person to restrain or prevent the operation or maintenance of a ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center not licensed under this chapter.

Sec. 40. RCW 18.46.140 and 1951 c 168 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:

Nothing in this chapter or the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto shall be construed as authorizing the supervision, regulation, or control of the remedial and nursing care of ((~~residents or~~)) patients in any ((~~maternity home~~)) birthing center as defined in this chapter, conducted for or by members of a recognized religious sect, denomination, or organization which in accordance with its creed, tenets, or principles depends for healing upon prayer in the practice of religion, nor shall the existence of any of the above conditions militate against the licensing of such ((~~home or institution~~)) facility.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 41. The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

(1) RCW 18.48.040 (Multiple facility operators--Registration) and 1996 c 81 s 3;

(2) RCW 18.57A.070 (Acupuncture) and 1977 ex.s. c 233 s 1;

(3) RCW 18.83.910 (Examining board--Termination) and 1994 c 35 s 6, 1990 c 297 s 7, 1988 c 288 s 8, 1986 c 27 s 11, 1985 c 7 s 109, & 1984 c 279 s 94; and

(4) RCW 18.83.911 (Examining board--Repeal) and 1994 c 35 s 7 & 1990 c 297 s 8.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 42. Sections 1 and 3 of this act expire January 1, 2003.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 43. Sections 2 and 4 of this act take effect January 1, 2003.