On April 4, 2022, the department filed emergency rules under WSR 22-08-062 effective April 9, 2022. These emergency rules continue the suspension of certain transfer and discharge requirements previously suspended under Governor Proclamation 21-15 and emergency rules filed on December 9, 2021 under WSR 22-01-072.

These emergency rules amend WAC 388-97-0140 to allow nursing homes to immediately transfer or discharge COVID-19 positive nursing home residents to facilities that are equipped to treat the disease when the nursing home is unable to treat COVID-19 positive patients. The emergency rules also amend WAC 388-97-0120 to waive the requirement for nursing homes to suspend certain transfers and discharges pending the outcome of a resident appeal hearing, improving resident safety by allowing faster grouping of COVID-19 positive residents in one facility, or grouping asymptomatic residents together. These emergency rules help expedite infection control processes and maximize the availability of nursing home beds.

These emergency rules expire on August 2, 2022. The department also filed a CR-101 WSR 22-08-060 on April 4, 2022, to begin rulemaking to identify the time period these requirements are suspended under emergency rules.  Read full letter here.

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804