The bill amends RCW 18.46.080 to establish new regulations regarding inspections of accredited birthing centers in Washington State. It mandates that the Department of Health conduct inspections and investigations of all birthing centers, including a thorough examination of their premises, records, and supply methods. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that allows birthing centers accredited by a recognized accrediting body to be exempt from state licensure surveys, provided that certain conditions are met. These conditions include the department's determination that the accrediting body's standards are substantially equivalent to state requirements, an on-site survey conducted within the last 36 months, and the receipt of relevant compliance reports from the accrediting body.

Furthermore, the bill grants the department the authority to survey areas not covered by the accrediting body and requires a liberal interpretation of the standards for substantial equivalency. If the department finds that the standards are not equivalent, it must notify the affected licensees with details about the deficiencies and potential consumer risks. The department is also authorized to conduct validation surveys on a limited percentage of accredited applicants to ensure compliance, while maintaining its initial licensing and enforcement authority for all licensed birthing centers.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.46.080
Substitute Bill: 18.46.080
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.46.080
Session Law: 18.46.080