The bill aims to enhance transparency regarding the compliance of residential habilitation centers with federal requirements, specifically those set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A new section is added to chapter 71A.20 RCW, mandating that whenever the department is notified of a residential habilitation center's noncompliance, the secretary must provide written notice to each resident and other specified individuals within 10 days.

The written notice must include critical information such as the initial statement of deficiencies, the reasons for the noncompliance, any plans for correction, and updates on the facility's compliance status and related federal enforcement actions. This initiative seeks to ensure that residents and their families are kept informed about the operational standards and compliance status of the centers that provide care.