WSR 26-04-100
PERMANENT RULES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
[Filed February 2, 2026, 7:58 a.m., effective July 1, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: July 1, 2026.
Purpose: Birthing center fees; the department of health (department) is adopting rule amendments to update the existing fees and adding a fee and fee structure to include accreditation status for birthing centers in WAC 246-329-990.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 246-329-990.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 25-24-078 on December 1, 2025.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: January 30, 2026.
Kristin Peterson, JD
Chief of Policy
for Dennis E. Worsham
Secretary of Health
RDS-6631.4
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 25-15-078, filed 7/15/25, effective 8/15/25)
WAC 246-329-990Fees.
The purpose of the fees section is to describe the fees associated with licensing, renewal, and other charges assessed by the department.
(1)
A birthing center recognized as a charitable, nonprofit, or government-operated institution is exempt from fees under RCW 18.46.030.(2) A birthing center shall submit a $3,000 application fee to the department.
(3) A birthing center((
s)) licensed under chapter
18.46 RCW ((
must))
shall submit
to the department an annual
renewal fee of ((
$713 to the department unless a center is a charitable, nonprofit, or government-operated institution under RCW 18.46.030. (2)))either:
(a) $3,000 for a birthing center; or
(b) $1,800 for an accredited birthing center under RCW 18.46.080. (4) A change of ownership fee of (($178))$1,000. A new license will be issued and valid for the remainder of the current license period.
(((3)))(5) The department may charge and collect from a licensee a fee of (($892))$3,000 for:
(a) An on-site follow-up compliance survey deemed necessary in order to complete the standard survey process;
(b) An on-site compliance survey deemed necessary due to failure of the licensee to adequately respond to a statement of deficiencies; or
(c) An on-site compliance survey deemed necessary due to a substantiated complaint investigation.
(((4)))(6) A licensee ((must))shall submit an additional late fee in the amount of (($29))$50 per day, not to exceed (($595))$1,000, from the renewal date (which is 30 days before the current license expiration date) until the date of mailing the fee, as evidenced by the postmark, or electronic submission.
(((5)))(7) Refunds. The department ((must))shall refund fees paid by the applicant for initial licensure as follows:
(a) If an application has been received but no on-site survey or technical assistance has been performed by the department, two-thirds of the fees paid, less a $50 processing fee; or
(b) If an application has been received and an on-site survey or technical assistance has been performed by the department, one-third of the fees paid, less a $50 processing fee.
(c) The department may not refund applicant fees if:
(i) The department has performed more than one on-site visit for any purpose;
(ii) One year has elapsed since an initial licensure application is received by the department, but no license is issued because applicant failed to complete requirements for licensure; or
(iii) The amount to be refunded as calculated by (a) or (b) of this subsection is $10 or less.