WA HB1824

Accredited birthing centers are exempt from state licensure surveys if accreditation standards are substantially equivalent to state requirements, an on-site accreditation survey occurred within the previous 36 months, and the department receives copies of survey reports

The department must use the most liberal interpretation when reviewing accrediting body standards for equivalency and must notify licensees with detailed deficiency descriptions if standards are found not substantially equivalent

The department may conduct validation surveys on up to 10 percent of accredited birthing centers that previously received accreditation surveys

The department retains authority to survey service areas not covered by the accrediting body and maintains full initial licensing and enforcement authority

Effective date is July 27, 2025; passed unanimously (House 95-0, Senate 49-0) and signed by Governor Ferguson on April 16, 2025