Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 43.70 - Department of Health.
43.70.050 - Collection, use, and accessibility of health-related data.

RCW 43.70.050
Collection, use, and accessibility of health-related data.

(1) The legislature intends that the department and board promote and assess the quality, cost, and accessibility of health care throughout the state as their roles are specified in chapter 9, Laws of 1989 1st ex. sess. in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. In furtherance of this goal, the secretary shall create an ongoing program of data collection, storage, assessability, and review. The legislature does not intend that the department conduct or contract for the conduct of basic research activity. The secretary may request appropriations for studies according to this section from the legislature, the federal government, or private sources.
(2) All state agencies which collect or have access to population-based, health-related data are directed to allow the secretary access to such data. This includes, but is not limited to, data on needed health services, facilities, and personnel; future health issues; emerging bioethical issues; health promotion; recommendations from state and national organizations and associations; and programmatic and statutory changes needed to address emerging health needs. Private entities, such as insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and private purchasers are also encouraged to give the secretary access to such data in their possession. The secretary's access to and use of all data shall be in accordance with state and federal confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines. Such data in any form where the patient or provider of health care can be identified shall not be disclosed, subject to disclosure according to chapter 42.56 RCW, discoverable or admissible in judicial or administrative proceedings. Such data can be used in proceedings in which the use of the data is clearly relevant and necessary and both the department and the patient or provider are parties.
(3) The department shall serve as the clearinghouse for information concerning innovations in the delivery of health care services, the enhancement of competition in the health care marketplace, and federal and state information affecting health care costs.
(4) The secretary shall review any data collected, pursuant to this chapter, to:
(a) Identify high-priority health issues that require study or evaluation. Such issues may include, but are not limited to:
(i) Identification of variations of health practice which indicate a lack of consensus of appropriateness;
(ii) Evaluation of outcomes of health care interventions to assess their benefit to the people of the state;
(iii) Evaluation of specific population groups to identify needed changes in health practices and services;
(iv) Evaluation of the risks and benefits of various incentives aimed at individuals and providers for both preventing illnesses and improving health services;
(v) Identification and evaluation of bioethical issues affecting the people of the state; and
(vi) Other such objectives as may be appropriate;
(b) Further identify a list of high-priority health study issues for consideration by the board, within their authority, for inclusion in the state health report required by *RCW 43.20.050. The list shall specify the objectives of each study, a study timeline, the specific improvements in the health status of the citizens expected as a result of the study, and the estimated cost of the study; and
(c) Provide background for the state health report required by *RCW 43.20.050.
(5) Any data, research, or findings may also be made available to the general public, including health professions, health associations, the governor, professional boards and regulatory agencies and any person or group who has allowed the secretary access to data.
(6) Information submitted as part of the health professional licensing application and renewal process, excluding social security number and background check information, shall be available to the office of financial management consistent with RCW 43.370.020, whether the license is issued by the secretary of the department of health or a board or commission. The department shall replace any social security number with an alternative identifier capable of linking all licensing records of an individual. The office of financial management shall also have access to information submitted to the department of health as part of the medical or health facility licensing process.
(7) The secretary may charge a fee to persons requesting copies of any data, research, or findings. The fee shall be no more than necessary to cover the cost to the department of providing the copy.

[ 2009 c 343 § 2; 2005 c 274 § 301; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 107.]
NOTES:

*Reviser's note: RCW 43.20.050 was amended by 2011 c 27 § 1, eliminating the "state health report."

Structure Revised Code of Washington

Revised Code of Washington

Title 43 - State Government—Executive

Chapter 43.70 - Department of Health.

43.70.005 - Intent.

43.70.010 - Definitions.

43.70.020 - Department created.

43.70.030 - Secretary of health.

43.70.040 - Secretary's powers—Rule-making authority—Report to the legislature.

43.70.041 - Five-year formal review process of existing rules.

43.70.045 - Warren Featherstone Reid Award for Excellence in Health Care.

43.70.047 - Warren Featherstone Reid Award for Excellence in Health Care.

43.70.050 - Collection, use, and accessibility of health-related data.

43.70.052 - Hospital financial and patient discharge data—Financial reports—Data retrieval—American Indian health data—Reporting—Patient discharge data—Confidentiality and protection.

43.70.053 - Hospital consolidated annual income—Reporting.

43.70.054 - Health care data standards—Submittal of standards to legislature.

43.70.056 - Health care-associated infections—Data collection and reporting—Advisory committee—Rules.

43.70.057 - Hospital emergency room patient care information—Data collection, maintenance, analysis, and dissemination—Rules.

43.70.060 - Duties of department—Promotion of health care cost-effectiveness.

43.70.064 - Health care quality—Findings and intent—Requirements for conducting study under RCW 43.70.066.

43.70.066 - Study—Uniform quality assurance and improvement program—Reports to legislature—Limitation on rule making.

43.70.068 - Quality assurance—Interagency cooperation.

43.70.070 - Duties of department—Analysis of health services.

43.70.075 - Identity of whistleblower protected—Remedy for retaliatory action—Definitions—Rules.

43.70.080 - Transfer of powers and duties from the department of social and health services.

43.70.081 - Transfer of certain behavioral health-related powers, duties, and functions from the department of social and health services.

43.70.090 - Authority to administer oaths and issue subpoenas—Provisions governing subpoenas.

43.70.095 - Civil fines.

43.70.097 - Enforcement in accordance with RCW 43.05.100 and 43.05.110.

43.70.100 - Reports of violations by secretary—Duty to institute proceedings—Notice to alleged violator.

43.70.110 - License fees—Costs—Other charges—Waiver.

43.70.112 - Online access to health care resources—Annual accounting of use of funds and use of online resources—University of Washington.

43.70.115 - Licenses—Denial, suspension, revocation, modification.

43.70.117 - Health care professionals licensed in another state or United States territory or the District of Columbia—In-state practice on a limited basis—Requirements—Limitations.

43.70.120 - Federal programs—Rules—Statutes to be construed to meet federal law.

43.70.125 - Health care facility certification—Unfunded federal mandates—Applicant fees.

43.70.130 - Powers and duties of secretary—General.

43.70.140 - Annual conference of health officers.

43.70.150 - Registration of vital statistics.

43.70.170 - Threat to public health—Investigation, examination or sampling of articles or conditions constituting—Access—Subpoena power.

43.70.180 - Threat to public health—Order prohibiting sale or disposition of food or other items pending investigation.

43.70.185 - Inspection of property where marine species located—Prohibitions on harvest or landing—Penalties.

43.70.190 - Violations—Injunctions and legal proceedings authorized.

43.70.195 - Public water systems—Receivership actions brought by secretary—Plan for disposition.

43.70.200 - Enforcement of health laws and state or local rules and regulations upon request of local health officer.

43.70.210 - Right of person to rely on prayer to alleviate ailments not abridged.

43.70.220 - Transfer of powers and duties from the department of licensing.

43.70.230 - Office of health consumer assistance created—Duties.

43.70.240 - Written operating agreements.

43.70.250 - License fees for professions, occupations, and businesses.

43.70.260 - Appointment of temporary additional members of boards and committees for administration and grading of examinations.

43.70.270 - License moratorium for persons in the service—Rules.

43.70.280 - Procedure for issuance, renewal, or reissuance of credentials—Extension or modification of licensing, certification, or registration period authorized.

43.70.290 - Funeral directors and embalmers subject to chapter 18.130 RCW.

43.70.300 - Secretary or secretary's designee ex officio member of health professional licensure and disciplinary boards.

43.70.310 - Cooperation with department of ecology.

43.70.320 - Health professions account—Fees credited—Requirements for biennial budget request—Unappropriated funds.

43.70.323 - Hospital infection control grant account.

43.70.327 - Public health supplemental account—Annual statement.

43.70.334 - Temporary worker housing—Definition.

43.70.335 - Temporary worker housing operating license—Fee—Display—Suspension or revocation—Fines—Refunds—Rules—Application of department of labor and industries standards.

43.70.337 - Temporary worker housing building permit—Plans and specifications—Fees—Rules.

43.70.340 - Temporary worker housing inspection fund—Fees on temporary worker housing operating licenses and building permits—Licenses generally.

43.70.400 - Head injury prevention—Legislative finding.

43.70.410 - Head injury prevention—Program, generally.

43.70.420 - Head injury prevention—Information preparation.

43.70.430 - Head injury prevention—Guidelines on training and education—Training of emergency medical personnel.

43.70.435 - Diagnosed concussions of students—Report.

43.70.440 - Head injury prevention act—Short title—1990 c 270.

43.70.442 - Suicide assessment, treatment, and management training—Requirement for certain professionals—Exemptions—Model list of programs—Rules—Health profession training standards provided to the professional educator standards board.

43.70.443 - Study of evidence-based suicide assessment, treatment, and management training—Report—Updates.

43.70.444 - Washington plan for suicide prevention—Steering committee—Report.

43.70.446 - Suicide-safer homes project—Suicide-safer homes project account.

43.70.447 - Suicide assessment, treatment, and management—Curriculum for dental students and dentists.

43.70.452 - Agricultural industry workforce behavioral health improvement and suicide prevention—Pilot program.

43.70.460 - Retired primary and specialty care provider liability malpractice insurance—Program authorized.

43.70.470 - Retired health care provider liability malpractice insurance—Conditions.

43.70.480 - Emergency medical personnel—Futile treatment and natural death directives—Guidelines.

43.70.490 - Emergency medical service personnel training program—Assistance to persons with disabilities—Requirements—Law enforcement officer training—Definitions.

43.70.495 - Telemedicine training for health care professionals.

43.70.500 - Health care services practice indicators and risk management protocols.

43.70.510 - Health care services coordinated quality improvement program—Rules.

43.70.512 - Public health system—Foundational public health services—Intent.

43.70.515 - Foundational public health services—Funding.

43.70.525 - Immunization assessment and enhancement proposals by local jurisdictions.

43.70.526 - Childhood immunizations—Resources for expecting parents.

43.70.533 - Chronic conditions—Training and technical assistance for primary care providers.

43.70.540 - Data collection—Legislative finding and intent.

43.70.545 - Data collection and reporting rules.

43.70.550 - Public health services improvement plan—Contents.

43.70.555 - Assessment standards.

43.70.560 - Media violence—Reporting reduction efforts.

43.70.570 - Intent—1995 c 43.

43.70.575 - Definitions.

43.70.590 - American Indian health care delivery plan.

43.70.595 - Health equity zones.

43.70.600 - Survey regarding exposure to radio frequencies—Results.

43.70.605 - Personal wireless services—Random testing on power density analysis—Rules.

43.70.610 - Domestic violence education program—Established—Findings.

43.70.613 - Health care professionals—Health equity continuing education.

43.70.615 - Multicultural health awareness and education program—Integration into health professions basic education preparation curriculum.

43.70.617 - Prenatal nutrition best practices—Educational resources for pregnant women.

43.70.619 - Pregnancy complications—Informational resources.

43.70.620 - List of contacts—Health care professions.

43.70.630 - Cost-reimbursement agreements.

43.70.640 - Workplace breastfeeding policies—Infant-friendly designation.

43.70.645 - Donor human milk—Milk bank safety standards.

43.70.650 - School sealant endorsement program—Rules—Fee—Report to the legislature.

43.70.660 - Product safety education.

43.70.665 - Early detection breast and cervical cancer screening program—Medical advisory committee.

43.70.670 - Human immunodeficiency virus insurance program.

43.70.675 - Public health advisory board.

43.70.680 - Volunteers for emergency or disaster assistance.

43.70.690 - State asthma plan.

43.70.700 - Locally grown foods—Women, infant, and children farmers market nutrition program—Fruit and vegetable benefit—Rules.

43.70.705 - Fall prevention program.

43.70.710 - Annual review of medication practices of five jails that use nonpractitioner jail personnel—Noncompliance.

43.70.715 - COVID-19 public health response account.

43.70.720 - Universal vaccine purchase account.

43.70.725 - Health extension program—Dissemination of evidence-based tools and resources—Rules.

43.70.738 - Down syndrome resources—Development.

43.70.740 - Adjudicative proceedings.

43.70.750 - Community assistance referral and education program—Review of certification and training—Recommendations to the legislature.

43.70.765 - Opioid drugs—Warning—Patient education materials.

43.70.770 - State opioid response plan.

43.70.780 - Fruit and vegetable incentives program.

43.70.790 - Health care facility inspection and investigation availability.

43.70.800 - Oversight, consolidation, and standardization—Review.

43.70.810 - Provision of medical information—Dissemination of requirements and authority.

43.70.815 - Environmental health disparities map.

43.70.820 - Environmental justice obligations of the department of health.

43.70.825 - School-based health center program office.

43.70.830 - Lead contamination in drinking water in school buildings—Sampling and testing—Data-sharing agreement.

43.70.835 - Lead contamination in drinking water in school buildings—State-tribal compact schools.

43.70.840 - Lead contamination in drinking water in school buildings—Technical guidance.

43.70.845 - Lead contamination in drinking water in school buildings—Department of health as lead agency—Waiver.

43.70.850 - Suicide-safer homes task force.

43.70.900 - References to the secretary or department of social and health services—1989 1st ex.s. c 9.

43.70.901 - References to the director or department of licensing—1989 1st ex.s. c 9.

43.70.902 - References to the hospital commission—1989 1st ex.s. c 9.

43.70.910 - Effective date—1989 1st ex.s. c 9.

43.70.920 - Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9.