(1) The purpose of the coordinated quality improvement program is to improve the quality of health care services by identifying and preventing health care malpractice under RCW 43.70.510. This chapter establishes the criteria and approval process for health care entities who choose to apply for a department of health approved coordinated quality improvement program under RCW 43.70.510. Coordinated quality improvement programs approved by the department are provided discovery limitations under RCW 43.70.510 (3) and (4). Information and documents specifically created for, collected, and maintained by an approved quality improvement committee are also exempt from disclosure under chapter 42.17 RCW.

(2) This chapter allows health care provider groups, professional societies or organizations, health care service contractors, health maintenance organizations, health carriers approved under chapter 48.43 RCW, and any other person or entity providing health care coverage under chapter 48.42 RCW that is subject to the authority and rules of any state agency or any subdivision such as health care institutions and medical facilities other than hospitals, to maintain a department-approved coordinated quality improvement program for the purpose of improving the quality of health care and identifying and preventing health care malpractice.

(3) This chapter does not apply to hospital quality improvement programs required by RCW 70.41.200.