The Department of Health (DOH) is beginning rulemaking to implement HB 1148, a bill which increased DOH’s oversight and enforcement abilities of acute care hospitals licensed under 70.41 RCW. The rulemaking will create a matrix to establish fines that DOH will have the option to assess against hospitals based on the severity and scope of violation. More information about the bill can be found in WSHA’s bulletin linked here. The first rulemaking workshop will take place on December 7 from noon-3pm. You can register for the workshop here. The DOH has released draft language for the bill which can be previewed here.
WSHA will work with members and the DOH to support hospital interests in the development of these new rules. If you have any questions regarding this rulemaking, please feel free to reach out to Cara Helmer, Policy Director, Legal Affairs at CaraH@wsha.org.
