WA HB2577

Unannounced hospital inspections by the department must occur at least every 18 months, with hospitals required to receive at least two weeks to provide requested documentation and a personal meeting with the chief administrator before final inspection reports are issued.

Hospitals that provide documentary evidence of certification by federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or an approved accrediting body are exempt from the 18-month inspection cycle and instead are inspected at least every 36 months.

The department must coordinate inspections with the Department of Social and Health Services, state fire marshal, and local agencies, providing at least four weeks advance notice and sharing inspection reports.

Fire protection reinspections are limited to cases involving immediate jeopardy or condition-level violations, replacing the previous standard of "extensive and serious corrections."

During federal, state, or local emergencies, the department may temporarily pause hospital inspections while retaining authority to investigate patient well-being concerns.