ENHANCED SERVICES FACILITIES

RCW 70.97
in effect

RCW 70.97.010 Definitions.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Behavioral health disorder" means either a mental disorder, a substance use disorder, or co-occurring mental disorder and substance use disorder. (2) "Department" means the department of social and health services. (3) "Detention" or "detain" means the lawful confinement of an individual under chapter 71.05 RCW. (4) "Discharge" means a transfer to another facility or setting. (5) "Enhanced services facility" means a facility that provides support and services to persons for whom acute inpatient treatment is not medically necessary. (6) "Expanded community services program" means a nonsecure program of enhanced behavioral and residential support provided to long-term and residential care providers serving specifically eligible clients who would otherwise be at risk for hospitalization at state hospital geriatric units. (7) "Facility" means an enhanced services facility. (8) "Mental disorder" means any organic, mental, or emotional impairment that has substantial adverse effects on an individual's cognitive or volitional functions. (9) "Mental health professional" means a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or social worker, and such other mental health professionals as may be defined by rules adopted by the secretary under the authority of chapter 71.05 RCW. (10) "Professional person" means a mental health professional and also includes a physician, registered nurse, and such others as may be defined in rules adopted by the secretary pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (11) "Psychiatrist" means a person having a license as a physician and surgeon in this state who has in addition completed three years of graduate training in psychiatry in a program approved by the American medical association or the American osteopathic association and is certified or eligible to be certified by the American board of psychiatry and neurology. (12) "Psychologist" means a person who has been licensed as a psychologist under chapter 18.83 RCW. (13) "Resident" means a person admitted to an enhanced services facility. (14) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department or the secretary's designee. (15) "Social worker" means a person with a master's or further advanced degree from a social work educational program accredited and approved as provided in RCW 18.320.010 . (16) "Substance use disorder" means a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that an individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems. The diagnosis of a substance use disorder is based on a pathological pattern of behaviors related to the use of the substances. (17) "Substance use disorder professional" means a person certified as a substance use disorder professional by the department of health under chapter 18.205 RCW. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Behavioral health disorder" means either a mental disorder, a substance use disorder, or co-occurring mental disorder and substance use disorder. (2) "Department" means the department of social and health services. (3) "Detention" or "detain" means the lawful confinement of an individual under chapter 71.05 RCW. (4) "Discharge" means a transfer to another facility or setting. (5) "Enhanced services facility" means a facility that provides support and services to persons for whom acute inpatient treatment is not medically necessary. (6) "Expanded community services program" means a nonsecure program of enhanced behavioral and residential support provided to long-term and residential care providers serving specifically eligible clients who would otherwise be at risk for hospitalization at state hospital geriatric units. (7) "Facility" means an enhanced services facility. (8) "Mental disorder" means any organic, mental, or emotional impairment that has substantial adverse effects on an individual's cognitive or volitional functions. (9) "Mental health professional" means a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or social worker, and such other mental health professionals as may be defined by rules adopted by the secretary under the authority of chapter 71.05 RCW. (10) "Professional person" means a mental health professional and also includes a physician, registered nurse, and such others as may be defined in rules adopted by the secretary pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (11) "Psychiatrist" means a person having a license as a physician and surgeon in this state who has in addition completed three years of graduate training in psychiatry in a program approved by the American medical association or the American osteopathic association and is certified or eligible to be certified by the American board of psychiatry and neurology. (12) "Psychologist" means a person who has been licensed as a psychologist under chapter 18.83 RCW. (13) "Resident" means a person admitted to an enhanced services facility. (14) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department or the secretary's designee. (15) "Social worker" means a person with a master's or further advanced degree from a social work educational program accredited and approved as provided in RCW 18.320.010 . (16) "Substance use disorder" means a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that an individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems. The diagnosis of a substance use disorder is based on a pathological pattern of behaviors related to the use of the substances. (17) "Substance use disorder professional" means a person certified as a substance use disorder professional by the department of health under chapter 18.205 RCW.

RCW 70.97.020 Advance directives.

A facility shall honor an advance directive that was validly executed pursuant to chapter 70.122 RCW and a mental health advance directive that was validly executed pursuant to chapter 71.32 RCW. A facility shall honor an advance directive that was validly executed pursuant to chapter 70.122 RCW and a mental health advance directive that was validly executed pursuant to chapter 71.32 RCW.

RCW 70.97.030 Admission criteria.

A person, eighteen years old or older, may be admitted to an enhanced services facility if he or she meets the criteria in subsections (1) through (4) of this section: (1) The person requires: (a) Daily care by or under the supervision of a mental health professional or nurse; and (b) assistance with three or more activities of daily living; and (2) The person has: (a) A behavioral health disorder; (b) an organic or traumatic brain injury; or (c) a cognitive impairment that results in symptoms or behaviors requiring supervision and support services; (3) The person has been assessed by the department to need the services provided in an enhanced services facility; and (4) The person has been assessed as medically and psychiatrically stable and two or more of the following apply: (a) Is currently residing in a state mental hospital or psychiatric unit of a hospital and the hospital has found the person to be ready for discharge; (b) Has a history of an inability to remain medically or psychiatrically stable for more than six months; (c) Has exhibited serious challenging behaviors within the last year; (d) Has complex medication needs and an inability to manage these medications, which has affected their ability to live in the community; (e) Has a history of or likelihood of unsuccessful placements in other licensed long-term care facilities or a history of rejected applications for admission to other licensed facilities based on the person's behaviors, history, or needs; (f) Has a history of frequent or prolonged behavioral health disorder-related hospitalizations; or (g) Requires caregiving staff with training in providing behavioral supports to adults with challenging behaviors. A person, eighteen years old or older, may be admitted to an enhanced services facility if he or she meets the criteria in subsections (1) through (4) of this section: (1) The person requires: (a) Daily care by or under the supervision of a mental health professional or nurse; and (b) assistance with three or more activities of daily living; and (2) The person has: (a) A behavioral health disorder; (b) an organic or traumatic brain injury; or (c) a cognitive impairment that results in symptoms or behaviors requiring supervision and support services; (3) The person has been assessed by the department to need the services provided in an enhanced services facility; and (4) The person has been assessed as medically and psychiatrically stable and two or more of the following apply: (a) Is currently residing in a state mental hospital or psychiatric unit of a hospital and the hospital has found the person to be ready for discharge; (b) Has a history of an inability to remain medically or psychiatrically stable for more than six months; (c) Has exhibited serious challenging behaviors within the last year; (d) Has complex medication needs and an inability to manage these medications, which has affected their ability to live in the community; (e) Has a history of or likelihood of unsuccessful placements in other licensed long-term care facilities or a history of rejected applications for admission to other licensed facilities based on the person's behaviors, history, or needs; (f) Has a history of frequent or prolonged behavioral health disorder-related hospitalizations; or (g) Requires caregiving staff with training in providing behavioral supports to adults with challenging behaviors.

RCW 70.97.040 Rights of residents.

Every person who is a resident of an enhanced services facility shall be entitled to all of the rights set forth in chapter 70.129 RCW. Every person who is a resident of an enhanced services facility shall be entitled to all of the rights set forth in chapter 70.129 RCW.

RCW 70.97.050 Right to refuse antipsychotic medication.

An individual served in a facility has a right to refuse antipsychotic medication. An individual served in a facility has a right to refuse antipsychotic medication.

RCW 70.97.060 Capacity — Supervision — Licensing — Application of state and local rules.

(1)(a) The department shall not license an enhanced services facility that serves any residents under sixty-five years of age for a capacity to exceed sixteen residents. (b) The department may contract for services for the operation of enhanced services facilities only to the extent that funds are specifically provided for that purpose. (2) The facility shall provide an appropriate level of supervision for the characteristics, behaviors, and legal status of the residents. (3) An enhanced services facility may hold only one license but, to the extent permitted under state and federal law and medicaid requirements, a facility may be located in the same building as another licensed facility, provided that: (a) The enhanced services facility is in a location that is totally separate and discrete from the other licensed facility; and (b) The two facilities maintain separate staffing, unless an exception to this is permitted by the department in rule. (4) Nursing homes under chapter 18.51 RCW, assisted living facilities under chapter 18.20 RCW, or adult family homes under chapter 70.128 RCW, that become licensed as facilities under this chapter shall be deemed to meet the applicable state and local rules, regulations, permits, and code requirements. All other facilities are required to meet all applicable state and local rules, regulations, permits, and code requirements. (1)(a) The department shall not license an enhanced services facility that serves any residents under sixty-five years of age for a capacity to exceed sixteen residents. (b) The department may contract for services for the operation of enhanced services facilities only to the extent that funds are specifically provided for that purpose. (2) The facility shall provide an appropriate level of supervision for the characteristics, behaviors, and legal status of the residents. (3) An enhanced services facility may hold only one license but, to the extent permitted under state and federal law and medicaid requirements, a facility may be located in the same building as another licensed facility, provided that: (a) The enhanced services facility is in a location that is totally separate and discrete from the other licensed facility; and (b) The two facilities maintain separate staffing, unless an exception to this is permitted by the department in rule. (4) Nursing homes under chapter 18.51 RCW, assisted living facilities under chapter 18.20 RCW, or adult family homes under chapter 70.128 RCW, that become licensed as facilities under this chapter shall be deemed to meet the applicable state and local rules, regulations, permits, and code requirements. All other facilities are required to meet all applicable state and local rules, regulations, permits, and code requirements.

RCW 70.97.070 Comprehensive assessments — Individualized behavior support plan.

(1) The enhanced services facility shall complete a comprehensive assessment for each resident within fourteen days of admission, and the assessments shall be repeated upon a significant change in the resident's condition or, at a minimum, every one hundred eighty days if there is no significant change in condition. (2) The enhanced services facility shall develop an individualized behavior support plan for each resident based on the comprehensive assessment and any other information in the person's record. The plan shall be updated as necessary, and shall include a plan for appropriate transfer or discharge and reintegration into the community. Where the person is under the supervision of the department of corrections, the facility shall collaborate with the department of corrections to maximize treatment outcomes and reduce the likelihood of reoffense. (3) The plan shall maximize the opportunities for independence, recovery, employment, the resident's participation in service planning decisions, and collaboration with peer-supported services, and provide for care and services in the least restrictive manner appropriate to the individual resident, and, where relevant, to any court orders with which the resident must comply. (1) The enhanced services facility shall complete a comprehensive assessment for each resident within fourteen days of admission, and the assessments shall be repeated upon a significant change in the resident's condition or, at a minimum, every one hundred eighty days if there is no significant change in condition. (2) The enhanced services facility shall develop an individualized behavior support plan for each resident based on the comprehensive assessment and any other information in the person's record. The plan shall be updated as necessary, and shall include a plan for appropriate transfer or discharge and reintegration into the community. Where the person is under the supervision of the department of corrections, the facility shall collaborate with the department of corrections to maximize treatment outcomes and reduce the likelihood of reoffense. (3) The plan shall maximize the opportunities for independence, recovery, employment, the resident's participation in service planning decisions, and collaboration with peer-supported services, and provide for care and services in the least restrictive manner appropriate to the individual resident, and, where relevant, to any court orders with which the resident must comply.

RCW 70.97.080 Staffing levels — Staff credentials and training — Background checks.

(1) An enhanced services facility must have sufficient numbers of staff with the appropriate credentials and training to provide residents with the following appropriate care and disorder support: (a) Behavioral health support; (b) Medication services; (c) Assistance with the activities of daily living; (d) Skilled nursing and support to acquire medical and behavioral health disorder services from local community providers; (e) Dietary services; and (f) Supervision. (2) Where an enhanced services facility specializes in medically fragile persons with behavioral health conditions, the on-site staff must include at least one licensed nurse twenty-four hours per day. The nurse must be a registered nurse for at least sixteen hours per day. If the nurse is not a registered nurse, a registered nurse or a doctor must be on call during the remaining eight hours. (3) Any employee or other individual who will have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults must successfully pass a background inquiry check. (1) An enhanced services facility must have sufficient numbers of staff with the appropriate credentials and training to provide residents with the following appropriate care and disorder support: (a) Behavioral health support; (b) Medication services; (c) Assistance with the activities of daily living; (d) Skilled nursing and support to acquire medical and behavioral health disorder services from local community providers; (e) Dietary services; and (f) Supervision. (2) Where an enhanced services facility specializes in medically fragile persons with behavioral health conditions, the on-site staff must include at least one licensed nurse twenty-four hours per day. The nurse must be a registered nurse for at least sixteen hours per day. If the nurse is not a registered nurse, a registered nurse or a doctor must be on call during the remaining eight hours. (3) Any employee or other individual who will have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults must successfully pass a background inquiry check.

RCW 70.97.090 Facilities exempted.

This chapter does not apply to the following residential facilities: (1) Nursing homes licensed under chapter 18.51 RCW; (2) Assisted living facilities licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW; (3) Adult family homes licensed under chapter 70.128 RCW; (4) Facilities approved and certified under chapter 71A.22 RCW; (5) Residential treatment facilities licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW; and (6) Hospitals licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW. This chapter does not apply to the following residential facilities: (1) Nursing homes licensed under chapter 18.51 RCW; (2) Assisted living facilities licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW; (3) Adult family homes licensed under chapter 70.128 RCW; (4) Facilities approved and certified under chapter 71A.22 RCW; (5) Residential treatment facilities licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW; and (6) Hospitals licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW.

RCW 70.97.100 Licensing requirements — Information available to public, residents, families.

(1) The department shall establish licensing rules for enhanced services facilities to serve the populations defined in this chapter. (2) No person or public or private agency may operate or maintain an enhanced services facility without a license, which must be renewed annually. (3) A licensee shall have the following readily accessible and available for review by the department, residents, families of residents, and the public: (a) Its license to operate and a copy of the department's most recent inspection report and any recent complaint investigation reports issued by the department; (b) Its written policies and procedures for all care and services provided directly or indirectly by the facility; and (c) The department's toll-free complaint number, which shall also be posted in a clearly visible place and manner. (4) Enhanced services facilities shall maintain a grievance procedure that meets the requirements of rules established by the department. (5) No facility shall discriminate or retaliate in any manner against a resident or employee because the resident, employee, or any other person made a complaint or provided information to the department, the long-term care ombuds, Washington protection and advocacy system, or a behavioral health ombuds. (6) Each enhanced services facility will post in a prominent place in a common area a notice by the Washington protection and advocacy system providing contact information. (1) The department shall establish licensing rules for enhanced services facilities to serve the populations defined in this chapter. (2) No person or public or private agency may operate or maintain an enhanced services facility without a license, which must be renewed annually. (3) A licensee shall have the following readily accessible and available for review by the department, residents, families of residents, and the public: (a) Its license to operate and a copy of the department's most recent inspection report and any recent complaint investigation reports issued by the department; (b) Its written policies and procedures for all care and services provided directly or indirectly by the facility; and (c) The department's toll-free complaint number, which shall also be posted in a clearly visible place and manner. (4) Enhanced services facilities shall maintain a grievance procedure that meets the requirements of rules established by the department. (5) No facility shall discriminate or retaliate in any manner against a resident or employee because the resident, employee, or any other person made a complaint or provided information to the department, the long-term care ombuds, Washington protection and advocacy system, or a behavioral health ombuds. (6) Each enhanced services facility will post in a prominent place in a common area a notice by the Washington protection and advocacy system providing contact information.

RCW 70.97.110 Enforcement authority — Penalties, sanctions.

(1) In any case in which the department finds that a licensee of a facility, or any partner, officer, director, owner of five percent or more of the assets of the facility, or managing employee failed or refused to comply with the requirements of this chapter or the rules established under them, the department may take any or all of the following actions: (a) Suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a license; (b) Order stop placement; or (c) Assess civil monetary penalties. (2) The department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license, assess civil monetary penalties, or both, in any case in which it finds that the licensee of a facility, or any partner, officer, director, owner of five percent or more of the assets of the facility, or managing employee: (a) Operated a facility without a license or under a revoked or suspended license; (b) Knowingly or with reason to know made a false statement of a material fact in the license application or any data attached thereto, or in any matter under investigation by the department; (c) Refused to allow representatives or agents of the department to inspect all books, records, and files required to be maintained or any portion of the premises of the facility; (d) Willfully prevented, interfered with, or attempted to impede in any way the work of any duly authorized representative of the department and the lawful enforcement of any provision of this chapter; (e) Willfully prevented or interfered with any representative of the department in the preservation of evidence of any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of the rules adopted under it; or (f) Failed to pay any civil monetary penalty assessed by the department under this chapter within ten days after the assessment becomes final. (3)(a) Civil penalties collected under this chapter shall be deposited into a special fund administered by the department. (b) Civil monetary penalties, if imposed, may be assessed and collected, with interest, for each day the facility is or was out of compliance. Civil monetary penalties shall not exceed three thousand dollars per day. Each day upon which the same or a substantially similar action occurs is a separate violation subject to the assessment of a separate penalty. (4) The department may use the civil penalty monetary fund for the protection of the health or property of residents of facilities found to be deficient including: (a) Payment for the cost of relocation of residents to other facilities; (b) Payment to maintain operation of a facility pending correction of deficiencies or closure; and (c) Reimbursement of a resident for personal funds or property loss. (5)(a) The department may issue a stop placement order on a facility, effective upon oral or written notice, when the department determines: (i) The facility no longer substantially meets the requirements of this chapter; and (ii) The deficiency or deficiencies in the facility: (A) Jeopardizes the health and safety of the residents; or (B) Seriously limits the facility's capacity to provide adequate care. (b) When the department has ordered a stop placement, the department may approve a readmission to the facility from a hospital, residential treatment facility, or crisis intervention facility when the department determines the readmission would be in the best interest of the individual seeking readmission. (6) If the department determines that an emergency exists and resident health and safety is immediately jeopardized as a result of a facility's failure or refusal to comply with this chapter, the department may summarily suspend the facility's license and order the immediate closure of the facility, or the immediate transfer of residents, or both. (7) If the department determines that the health or safety of the residents is immediately jeopardized as a result of a facility's failure or refusal to comply with requirements of this chapter, the department may appoint temporary management to: (a) Oversee the operation of the facility; and (b) Ensure the health and safety of the facility's residents while: (i) Orderly closure of the facility occurs; or (ii) The deficiencies necessitating temporary management are corrected. (1) In any case in which the department finds that a licensee of a facility, or any partner, officer, director, owner of five percent or more of the assets of the facility, or managing employee failed or refused to comply with the requirements of this chapter or the rules established under them, the department may take any or all of the following actions: (a) Suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a license; (b) Order stop placement; or (c) Assess civil monetary penalties. (2) The department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license, assess civil monetary penalties, or both, in any case in which it finds that the licensee of a facility, or any partner, officer, director, owner of five percent or more of the assets of the facility, or managing employee: (a) Operated a facility without a license or under a revoked or suspended license; (b) Knowingly or with reason to know made a false statement of a material fact in the license application or any data attached thereto, or in any matter under investigation by the department; (c) Refused to allow representatives or agents of the department to inspect all books, records, and files required to be maintained or any portion of the premises of the facility; (d) Willfully prevented, interfered with, or attempted to impede in any way the work of any duly authorized representative of the department and the lawful enforcement of any provision of this chapter; (e) Willfully prevented or interfered with any representative of the department in the preservation of evidence of any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of the rules adopted under it; or (f) Failed to pay any civil monetary penalty assessed by the department under this chapter within ten days after the assessment becomes final. (3)(a) Civil penalties collected under this chapter shall be deposited into a special fund administered by the department. (b) Civil monetary penalties, if imposed, may be assessed and collected, with interest, for each day the facility is or was out of compliance. Civil monetary penalties shall not exceed three thousand dollars per day. Each day upon which the same or a substantially similar action occurs is a separate violation subject to the assessment of a separate penalty. (4) The department may use the civil penalty monetary fund for the protection of the health or property of residents of facilities found to be deficient including: (a) Payment for the cost of relocation of residents to other facilities; (b) Payment to maintain operation of a facility pending correction of deficiencies or closure; and (c) Reimbursement of a resident for personal funds or property loss. (5)(a) The department may issue a stop placement order on a facility, effective upon oral or written notice, when the department determines: (i) The facility no longer substantially meets the requirements of this chapter; and (ii) The deficiency or deficiencies in the facility: (A) Jeopardizes the health and safety of the residents; or (B) Seriously limits the facility's capacity to provide adequate care. (b) When the department has ordered a stop placement, the department may approve a readmission to the facility from a hospital, residential treatment facility, or crisis intervention facility when the department determines the readmission would be in the best interest of the individual seeking readmission. (6) If the department determines that an emergency exists and resident health and safety is immediately jeopardized as a result of a facility's failure or refusal to comply with this chapter, the department may summarily suspend the facility's license and order the immediate closure of the facility, or the immediate transfer of residents, or both. (7) If the department determines that the health or safety of the residents is immediately jeopardized as a result of a facility's failure or refusal to comply with requirements of this chapter, the department may appoint temporary management to: (a) Oversee the operation of the facility; and (b) Ensure the health and safety of the facility's residents while: (i) Orderly closure of the facility occurs; or (ii) The deficiencies necessitating temporary management are corrected.

RCW 70.97.120 Enforcement orders — Hearings.

(1) All orders of the department denying, suspending, or revoking the license or assessing a monetary penalty shall become final twenty days after the same has been served upon the applicant or licensee unless a hearing is requested. (2) All orders of the department imposing stop placement, temporary management, emergency closure, emergency transfer, or summary license suspension shall be effective immediately upon notice, pending any hearing. (3) Subject to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, all hearings under this chapter and judicial review of such determinations shall be in accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. (1) All orders of the department denying, suspending, or revoking the license or assessing a monetary penalty shall become final twenty days after the same has been served upon the applicant or licensee unless a hearing is requested. (2) All orders of the department imposing stop placement, temporary management, emergency closure, emergency transfer, or summary license suspension shall be effective immediately upon notice, pending any hearing. (3) Subject to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, all hearings under this chapter and judicial review of such determinations shall be in accordance with the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW.

RCW 70.97.130 Unlicensed operation — Application of consumer protection act.

Operation of a facility without a license in violation of this chapter and discrimination against medicaid recipients is a matter vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. Operation of an enhanced services facility without a license in violation of this chapter is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business. Such a violation is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. Operation of a facility without a license in violation of this chapter and discrimination against medicaid recipients is a matter vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. Operation of an enhanced services facility without a license in violation of this chapter is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business. Such a violation is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.

RCW 70.97.140 Unlicensed operation — Criminal penalty.

A person operating or maintaining a facility without a license under this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and each day of a continuing violation after conviction shall be considered a separate offense. A person operating or maintaining a facility without a license under this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and each day of a continuing violation after conviction shall be considered a separate offense.

RCW 70.97.150 Unlicensed operation — Injunction or other remedies.

Notwithstanding the existence or use of any other remedy, the department may, in the manner provided by law, maintain an action in the name of the state for an injunction, civil penalty, or other process against a person to restrain or prevent the operation or maintenance of a facility without a license issued under this chapter. Notwithstanding the existence or use of any other remedy, the department may, in the manner provided by law, maintain an action in the name of the state for an injunction, civil penalty, or other process against a person to restrain or prevent the operation or maintenance of a facility without a license issued under this chapter.

RCW 70.97.160 Inspections.

(1) The department shall make or cause to be made at least one inspection of each facility prior to licensure and an unannounced full inspection of facilities at least once every eighteen months. The statewide average interval between full facility inspections must be fifteen months. (2) Any duly authorized officer, employee, or agent of the department may enter and inspect any facility at any time to determine that the facility is in compliance with this chapter and applicable rules, and to enforce any provision of this chapter. Complaint inspections shall be unannounced and conducted in such a manner as to ensure maximum effectiveness. No advance notice shall be given of any inspection unless authorized or required by federal law. (3) During inspections, the facility must give the department access to areas, materials, and equipment used to provide care or support to residents, including resident and staff records, accounts, and the physical premises, including the buildings, grounds, and equipment. The department has the authority to privately interview the provider, staff, residents, and other individuals familiar with resident care and service plans. (4) Any public employee giving advance notice of an inspection in violation of this section shall be suspended from all duties without pay for a period of not less than five nor more than fifteen days. (5) The department shall prepare a written report describing the violations found during an inspection, and shall provide a copy of the inspection report to the facility. (6) The facility shall develop a written plan of correction for any violations identified by the department and provide a plan of correction to the department within ten working days from the receipt of the inspection report. (7) If a pandemic, natural disaster, or other declared state of emergency prevents the department from completing inspections according to the timeline in this section, the department shall adopt rules to reestablish inspection timelines based on the length of time since last inspection, compliance history of each facility, and immediate health or safety concerns. (a) Rules adopted under this subsection (7) are effective until the termination of the pandemic, natural disaster, or other declared state of emergency or until the department determines that all facility inspections are occurring according to time frames established in subsection (1) of this section, whichever is later. Once the department determines a rule adopted under this subsection (7) is no longer necessary, it must repeal the rule under RCW 34.05.353 . (b) Within 12 months of the termination of the pandemic, natural disaster, or other declared state of emergency, the department shall conduct a review of inspection compliance with subsection (1) of this section and provide the legislature with a report. (1) The department shall make or cause to be made at least one inspection of each facility prior to licensure and an unannounced full inspection of facilities at least once every eighteen months. The statewide average interval between full facility inspections must be fifteen months. (2) Any duly authorized officer, employee, or agent of the department may enter and inspect any facility at any time to determine that the facility is in compliance with this chapter and applicable rules, and to enforce any provision of this chapter. Complaint inspections shall be unannounced and conducted in such a manner as to ensure maximum effectiveness. No advance notice shall be given of any inspection unless authorized or required by federal law. (3) During inspections, the facility must give the department access to areas, materials, and equipment used to provide care or support to residents, including resident and staff records, accounts, and the physical premises, including the buildings, grounds, and equipment. The department has the authority to privately interview the provider, staff, residents, and other individuals familiar with resident care and service plans. (4) Any public employee giving advance notice of an inspection in violation of this section shall be suspended from all duties without pay for a period of not less than five nor more than fifteen days. (5) The department shall prepare a written report describing the violations found during an inspection, and shall provide a copy of the inspection report to the facility. (6) The facility shall develop a written plan of correction for any violations identified by the department and provide a plan of correction to the department within ten working days from the receipt of the inspection report. (7) If a pandemic, natural disaster, or other declared state of emergency prevents the department from completing inspections according to the timeline in this section, the department shall adopt rules to reestablish inspection timelines based on the length of time since last inspection, compliance history of each facility, and immediate health or safety concerns. (a) Rules adopted under this subsection (7) are effective until the termination of the pandemic, natural disaster, or other declared state of emergency or until the department determines that all facility inspections are occurring according to time frames established in subsection (1) of this section, whichever is later. Once the department determines a rule adopted under this subsection (7) is no longer necessary, it must repeal the rule under RCW 34.05.353 . (b) Within 12 months of the termination of the pandemic, natural disaster, or other declared state of emergency, the department shall conduct a review of inspection compliance with subsection (1) of this section and provide the legislature with a report.

RCW 70.97.170 Persons eligible for admittance.

The facility shall only admit individuals: (1) Who are over the age of eighteen; (2) Who meet the resident eligibility requirements described in RCW 70.97.030 ; and (3) Whose needs the facility can safely and appropriately meet through qualified and trained staff, services, equipment, security, and building design. The facility shall only admit individuals: (1) Who are over the age of eighteen; (2) Who meet the resident eligibility requirements described in RCW 70.97.030 ; and (3) Whose needs the facility can safely and appropriately meet through qualified and trained staff, services, equipment, security, and building design.

RCW 70.97.180 Services of qualified professional.

If the facility does not employ a qualified professional able to furnish needed services, the facility must have a written contract with a qualified professional or agency outside the facility to furnish the needed services. If the facility does not employ a qualified professional able to furnish needed services, the facility must have a written contract with a qualified professional or agency outside the facility to furnish the needed services.

RCW 70.97.190 Notice of change of ownership or management.

At least sixty days before the effective date of any change of ownership, or change of management of a facility, the current operating entity must provide written notification about the proposed change separately and in writing, to the department, each resident of the facility, or the resident's guardian or representative. At least sixty days before the effective date of any change of ownership, or change of management of a facility, the current operating entity must provide written notification about the proposed change separately and in writing, to the department, each resident of the facility, or the resident's guardian or representative.

RCW 70.97.195 Communication system — Telephones and other equipment.

(1) Each enhanced services facility must be responsive to incoming communications and respond within a reasonable time to phone and electronic messages. (2) Each enhanced services facility must have a communication system, including a sufficient quantity of working telephones and other communication equipment to assure that residents have 24-hour access to communications with family, medical providers, and others, and also to allow for emergency contact to and from facility staff. The telephones and communication equipment must provide for auditory privacy, not be located in a staff office or station, be accessible and usable by persons with hearing loss and other disabilities, and not require payment for local calls. An enhanced services facility is not required to provide telephones at no cost in each resident room. (1) Each enhanced services facility must be responsive to incoming communications and respond within a reasonable time to phone and electronic messages. (2) Each enhanced services facility must have a communication system, including a sufficient quantity of working telephones and other communication equipment to assure that residents have 24-hour access to communications with family, medical providers, and others, and also to allow for emergency contact to and from facility staff. The telephones and communication equipment must provide for auditory privacy, not be located in a staff office or station, be accessible and usable by persons with hearing loss and other disabilities, and not require payment for local calls. An enhanced services facility is not required to provide telephones at no cost in each resident room.

RCW 70.97.200 Recordkeeping — Compliance with state, federal regulations — Health care information releases.

The facility shall: (1) Maintain adequate resident records to enable the provision of necessary behavior support, care, and services and to respond appropriately in emergency situations; (2) Comply with all state and federal requirements related to documentation, confidentiality, and information sharing, including chapters 10.77 , 70.02, 70.24, and 71.05 RCW; and (3) Where possible, obtain signed releases of information designating the department, the facility, and the department of corrections where the person is under its supervision, as recipients of health care information. The facility shall: (1) Maintain adequate resident records to enable the provision of necessary behavior support, care, and services and to respond appropriately in emergency situations; (2) Comply with all state and federal requirements related to documentation, confidentiality, and information sharing, including chapters 10.77 , 70.02, 70.24, and 71.05 RCW; and (3) Where possible, obtain signed releases of information designating the department, the facility, and the department of corrections where the person is under its supervision, as recipients of health care information.

RCW 70.97.205 Resident contact information — Department requirements and duties.

(1) The department shall require each enhanced services facility to: (a) Create and regularly maintain a current resident roster containing the name and room number of each resident and provide a written copy immediately upon an in-person request from any long-term care ombuds; (b) Create and regularly maintain current, accurate, and aggregated contact information for all residents, including contact information for the resident representative, if any, of each resident. The contact information for each resident must include the resident's name, room number, and, if available, telephone number and email address. The contact information for each resident representative must include the resident representative's name, relationship to the resident, phone number, and, if available, email and mailing address; (c) Record and update the aggregated contact information required by this section, upon receipt of new or updated contact information from the resident or resident representative; and (d) Upon the written request of any long-term care ombuds that includes reference to this section and the relevant legal functions and duties of long-term care ombuds, provide a copy of the aggregated contact information required by this section within 48 hours, or within a reasonable time if agreed to by the requesting long-term care ombuds, by electronic copy to the secure email address or facsimile number provided in the written request. (2) In accordance with the federal older Americans act, federal regulations, and state laws that govern the state long-term care ombuds program, the department shall inform enhanced services facilities that: (a) Any long-term care ombuds is authorized to request and obtain from enhanced services facilities the information required by this section in order to perform the functions and duties of long-term care ombuds as set forth in federal and state laws; (b) The state long-term care ombuds program and all long-term care ombuds are considered a "health oversight agency," so that the federal health insurance portability and accountability act and chapter 70.02 RCW do not preclude enhanced services facilities from providing the information required by this section when requested by any long-term care ombuds, and pursuant to these laws, the federal older Americans act, federal regulations, and state laws that govern the state long-term care ombuds program, facilities are not required to seek or obtain consent from residents or resident representatives prior to providing the information required by this section in accordance with the requirements of this section; (c) The information required by this section, when provided by an enhanced services facility to a requesting long-term care ombuds, becomes property of the state long-term care ombuds program and is subject to all state and federal laws governing the confidentiality and disclosure of the files, records, and information maintained by the state long-term care ombuds program or any local long-term care ombuds entity; and (d) The enhanced services facility may not refuse to provide or unreasonably delay providing the resident roster, the contact information for a resident or resident representative, or the aggregated contact information required by this section, on any basis, including on the basis that the enhanced services facility must first seek or obtain consent from one or more of the residents or resident representatives. (3) Nothing in this section shall interfere with or diminish the authority of any long-term care ombuds to access facilities, residents, and resident records as otherwise authorized by law. (4) For the purposes of this section, "resident representative" has the same meaning as in RCW 70.129.010 . (1) The department shall require each enhanced services facility to: (a) Create and regularly maintain a current resident roster containing the name and room number of each resident and provide a written copy immediately upon an in-person request from any long-term care ombuds; (b) Create and regularly maintain current, accurate, and aggregated contact information for all residents, including contact information for the resident representative, if any, of each resident. The contact information for each resident must include the resident's name, room number, and, if available, telephone number and email address. The contact information for each resident representative must include the resident representative's name, relationship to the resident, phone number, and, if available, email and mailing address; (c) Record and update the aggregated contact information required by this section, upon receipt of new or updated contact information from the resident or resident representative; and (d) Upon the written request of any long-term care ombuds that includes reference to this section and the relevant legal functions and duties of long-term care ombuds, provide a copy of the aggregated contact information required by this section within 48 hours, or within a reasonable time if agreed to by the requesting long-term care ombuds, by electronic copy to the secure email address or facsimile number provided in the written request. (2) In accordance with the federal older Americans act, federal regulations, and state laws that govern the state long-term care ombuds program, the department shall inform enhanced services facilities that: (a) Any long-term care ombuds is authorized to request and obtain from enhanced services facilities the information required by this section in order to perform the functions and duties of long-term care ombuds as set forth in federal and state laws; (b) The state long-term care ombuds program and all long-term care ombuds are considered a "health oversight agency," so that the federal health insurance portability and accountability act and chapter 70.02 RCW do not preclude enhanced services facilities from providing the information required by this section when requested by any long-term care ombuds, and pursuant to these laws, the federal older Americans act, federal regulations, and state laws that govern the state long-term care ombuds program, facilities are not required to seek or obtain consent from residents or resident representatives prior to providing the information required by this section in accordance with the requirements of this section; (c) The information required by this section, when provided by an enhanced services facility to a requesting long-term care ombuds, becomes property of the state long-term care ombuds program and is subject to all state and federal laws governing the confidentiality and disclosure of the files, records, and information maintained by the state long-term care ombuds program or any local long-term care ombuds entity; and (d) The enhanced services facility may not refuse to provide or unreasonably delay providing the resident roster, the contact information for a resident or resident representative, or the aggregated contact information required by this section, on any basis, including on the basis that the enhanced services facility must first seek or obtain consent from one or more of the residents or resident representatives. (3) Nothing in this section shall interfere with or diminish the authority of any long-term care ombuds to access facilities, residents, and resident records as otherwise authorized by law. (4) For the purposes of this section, "resident representative" has the same meaning as in RCW 70.129.010 .

RCW 70.97.210 Standards for fire protection.

(1) Standards for fire protection and the enforcement thereof, with respect to all facilities licensed under this chapter, are the responsibility of the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, who must adopt recognized standards as applicable to facilities for the protection of life against the cause and spread of fire and fire hazards. If the facility to be licensed meets with the approval of the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, the director of fire protection must submit to the department a written report approving the facility with respect to fire protection before a full license can be issued. The chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, shall conduct an unannounced full inspection of facilities at least once every eighteen months. The statewide average interval between full facility inspections must be fifteen months. (2) Inspections of facilities by local authorities must be consistent with the requirements adopted by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection. Findings of a serious nature must be coordinated with the department and the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, for determination of appropriate actions to ensure a safe environment for residents. The chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, has exclusive authority to determine appropriate corrective action under this section. (1) Standards for fire protection and the enforcement thereof, with respect to all facilities licensed under this chapter, are the responsibility of the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, who must adopt recognized standards as applicable to facilities for the protection of life against the cause and spread of fire and fire hazards. If the facility to be licensed meets with the approval of the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, the director of fire protection must submit to the department a written report approving the facility with respect to fire protection before a full license can be issued. The chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, shall conduct an unannounced full inspection of facilities at least once every eighteen months. The statewide average interval between full facility inspections must be fifteen months. (2) Inspections of facilities by local authorities must be consistent with the requirements adopted by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection. Findings of a serious nature must be coordinated with the department and the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, for determination of appropriate actions to ensure a safe environment for residents. The chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, has exclusive authority to determine appropriate corrective action under this section.

RCW 70.97.220 Exemption from liability.

No facility providing care and behavior support for individuals placed in a facility, or agency licensing or placing residents in a facility, acting in the course of its duties, shall be civilly or criminally liable for performing its duties under this chapter, provided that such duties were performed in good faith and without gross negligence. No facility providing care and behavior support for individuals placed in a facility, or agency licensing or placing residents in a facility, acting in the course of its duties, shall be civilly or criminally liable for performing its duties under this chapter, provided that such duties were performed in good faith and without gross negligence.

RCW 70.97.230 Rules for implementation of chapter.

(1) The secretary shall adopt rules to implement this chapter. (2) Such rules shall at the minimum: (a) Promote safe treatment and necessary care of individuals residing in the facility and provide for safe and clean conditions; (b) establish licensee qualifications, licensing and enforcement, and license fees sufficient to cover the cost of licensing and enforcement. (1) The secretary shall adopt rules to implement this chapter. (2) Such rules shall at the minimum: (a) Promote safe treatment and necessary care of individuals residing in the facility and provide for safe and clean conditions; (b) establish licensee qualifications, licensing and enforcement, and license fees sufficient to cover the cost of licensing and enforcement.

RCW 70.97.235 Stop placement orders and limited stop placement orders.

The department shall require an enhanced services facility that is subject to a stop placement order or limited stop placement order under RCW 70.97.110 to publicly post in a conspicuous place at the facility a standardized notice that the department has issued a stop placement order or limited stop placement order for the facility. The standardized notice shall be developed by the department to include the date of the stop placement order or limited stop placement order, any conditions placed upon the facility's license, contact information for the department, contact information for the administrator or provider of the facility, and a statement that anyone may contact the department or the administrator or provider for further information. The notice must remain posted until the department has terminated the stop placement order or limited stop placement order. The department shall require an enhanced services facility that is subject to a stop placement order or limited stop placement order under RCW 70.97.110 to publicly post in a conspicuous place at the facility a standardized notice that the department has issued a stop placement order or limited stop placement order for the facility. The standardized notice shall be developed by the department to include the date of the stop placement order or limited stop placement order, any conditions placed upon the facility's license, contact information for the department, contact information for the administrator or provider of the facility, and a statement that anyone may contact the department or the administrator or provider for further information. The notice must remain posted until the department has terminated the stop placement order or limited stop placement order.

RCW 70.97.240 Disaster preparedness plan.

(1) Each enhanced services facility shall develop and maintain a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan to be followed in the event of a disaster or emergency, including fires, earthquakes, floods, infectious disease outbreaks, loss of power or water, and other events that may require sheltering in place, evacuations, or other emergency measures to protect the health and safety of residents. The enhanced services facility must review the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan annually, update the plan as needed, and train all employees when they begin work in the enhanced services facility on the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan and related staff procedures. (2) The department shall adopt rules governing the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan. At a minimum, the rules must address: Timely communication with the residents' emergency contacts; timely communication with state and local agencies, long-term care ombuds, and developmental disabilities ombuds; contacting and requesting emergency assistance; on-duty employees' responsibilities; meeting residents' essential needs; procedures to identify and locate residents; and procedures to provide emergency information to provide for the health and safety of residents. In addition, the rules shall establish standards for maintaining personal protective equipment and infection control capabilities, as well as department inspection procedures with respect to the plans. (1) Each enhanced services facility shall develop and maintain a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan to be followed in the event of a disaster or emergency, including fires, earthquakes, floods, infectious disease outbreaks, loss of power or water, and other events that may require sheltering in place, evacuations, or other emergency measures to protect the health and safety of residents. The enhanced services facility must review the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan annually, update the plan as needed, and train all employees when they begin work in the enhanced services facility on the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan and related staff procedures. (2) The department shall adopt rules governing the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan. At a minimum, the rules must address: Timely communication with the residents' emergency contacts; timely communication with state and local agencies, long-term care ombuds, and developmental disabilities ombuds; contacting and requesting emergency assistance; on-duty employees' responsibilities; meeting residents' essential needs; procedures to identify and locate residents; and procedures to provide emergency information to provide for the health and safety of residents. In addition, the rules shall establish standards for maintaining personal protective equipment and infection control capabilities, as well as department inspection procedures with respect to the plans.

RCW 70.97.800 Request for proposal.

To the extent that funds are specifically appropriated for this purpose, the department must issue a request for a proposal for enhanced services facility services by June 1, 2014, and complete the procurement process by January 1, 2015. To the extent that funds are specifically appropriated for this purpose, the department must issue a request for a proposal for enhanced services facility services by June 1, 2014, and complete the procurement process by January 1, 2015.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.97&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026

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