WashingtonHB 25772025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Concerning hospital inspections.

Sponsored By: Nicole Macri (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Inspection coordination and hospital safeguards

The health department coordinates hospital inspections with DSHS, the State Fire Marshal, and local agencies. It gives at least four weeks’ notice, invites them to attend, and shares reports after. Before a final report, a hospital gets at least two weeks to provide missing records and is offered a meeting with its chief. Hospitals with a hospital license do not need extra licenses or inspections meant for hotels, restaurants, or nursing homes. During declared emergencies, the department may pause unannounced inspections but must still investigate patient well‑being concerns. Beginning June 11, 2026, these rules apply.

Accreditor surveys can replace state inspections

The health department can accept CMS or approved accreditor surveys when standards match state rules. Hospitals that show proof of certification within 30 days are inspected at least every 36 months. During a state survey, hospitals must share written accreditor reports when asked. Beginning June 11, 2026, these rules apply.

State Patrol leads hospital fire safety

The State Patrol’s fire protection director adopts CMS‑recognized hospital fire standards, using existing‑building rules for existing hospitals. During licensing, the fire director inspects with the health department and issues written correction reports; hospitals must submit fixes and may be reinspected for serious issues. Approved accreditor surveys count as fire inspections every 36 months. The director names regional lead deputies and requires hospital‑specific training before inspections. In cities with equivalent codes, the local fire chief and the state jointly approve before a full license. The law defines “condition‑level violation” as serious but not immediate danger. Beginning June 11, 2026, these rules apply.

Unannounced hospital checks every 18 months

The Department of Health inspects every hospital at least once every 18 months. Inspections are unannounced. Inspectors can review all areas and operations to check compliance. Beginning June 11, 2026, these rules apply.

Follow state rules before hospital construction

Any hospital licensee or applicant must follow Department of Health regulations before starting alterations, additions, or new construction. Work may not begin until those steps are done. Beginning June 11, 2026, these rules apply.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/28/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/11/2026House
  2. Chapter 35, 2026 Laws.

    3/11/2026House
  3. Governor signed.

    3/11/2026legislature
  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/5/2026legislature
  5. Speaker signed.

    3/4/2026legislature
  6. President signed.

    3/4/2026legislature
  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/28/2026House
  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/28/2026House
  9. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    2/27/2026House
  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House
  11. HLTC - Majority; do pass.

    2/24/2026House
  12. First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

    2/16/2026House
  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/12/2026House
  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/12/2026House
  15. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/12/2026House
  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/11/2026House
  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/3/2026House
  18. HCW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/30/2026House
  19. HCW - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/30/2026House
  20. First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

    1/19/2026House
  21. Introduced

    1/19/2026House

Bill Text

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