SB 5540 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

     Provides that information received by the department through filed reports, inspection, or as otherwise authorized under this chapter, may be disclosed publicly, as set forth under chapter 42.17 RCW, except:  (1) Licensing inspections, or complaint investigations, may be disclosed no sooner than three business days after the hospital has received the resulting assessment report; and

     (2) information regarding administrative action against the license may be disclosed after the hospital has received the documents initiating the administrative action.

     Provides that the department, the joint commission on accreditation of health care organizations, and any other accrediting organization may review and audit the records of a quality improvement committee or peer review committee in connection with their inspection and review of hospitals.  Information so obtained shall not be subject to the discovery process, and confidentiality shall be respected.