Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 1915
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Addressing hospital inspections by limiting the uses of the fire protection contractor license fund and directing the department of health to engage in rule making to appropriately fund the cost of hospital inspections from hospital license fees.
Sponsors: Representatives Griffey and Appleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/7/17
Staff: Desiree Omli (786-7383).
Background:
Applications for Hospital Licenses and Renewals:
In order to establish, maintain, or conduct a hospital, a person or governmental unit must apply for a license with the Department of Health (Department). Upon receipt of an application for a license, the Department must submit a request for an inspection by the Chief of the Washington State Patrol (WSP), through the Director of Fire Protection (Director), which coincides with the Department’s own inspection. The Department establishes the fee for each application for a license.
Hospital Fire Protection Inspections:
The Director sets and enforces standards for fire protection as they relate to all licensed hospitals, and is responsible for inspecting the hospital premises for compliance with the required safety standards and fire regulations. When a premises does not comply with the required safety standards and fire regulations, the applicant or licensee is required to submit corrections to comply with the standards and regulations. The Director may reinspect a premises if extensive and serious corrections are required. When a premises meets the required standards and regulations, the Director must submit a written report approving the hospital with respect to fire protection before the hospital can be issued a full license. The Director must inspect licensed hospitals on average at least once every 18 months. Inspections conducted by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations are deemed equivalent to an inspection by the Director.
The Director designates a lead deputy state fire marshal for each region to conduct the fire protection inspections. Prior to conducting hospital fire protection inspections, the deputy state fire marshals must receive an orientation regarding the unique environment of hospitals that includes subjects regarding the clinical environment of hospitals, the operating room environment, and fire protection practices. In addition, deputy state fire marshals must also complete a licensing inspection of at least one urban and one rural hospital.
Fire Protection Contractor License Fund:
The Director administers licensing and certification requirements, and sets license and certificate fees, for licensed fire sprinkler contractors and individuals who hold a fire sprinkler certificate of competency. These fees and any associated late charges are deposited into the Fire Protection Contractor License Fund. Expenditures from the fund may only be used for:
costs associated with meeting standards for fire protection and its enforcement, with respect to hospital fire protection inspections;
providing assistance in identifying fire sprinkler system components subject to recalls or voluntary replacement programs, including providing training and assistance to local fire authorities, the fire sprinkler industry, and the public; and
developing and publishing educational materials related to the effectiveness of residential fire sprinklers.
Summary of Bill:
The Fire Protection Contractor License Fund may no longer be used to pay for costs associated with hospital fire protection inspections. Rather, the Department must include in the fees imposed for applications for a hospital license or license renewal to include the costs of inspections for fire protection purposes.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.