The department shall require ambulatory surgical facilities to submit data related to the quality of patient care for review by the department. The data shall be submitted every eighteen months. The department shall consider the reporting standards of other public and private organizations that measure quality in order to maintain consistency in reporting and minimize the burden on the ambulatory surgical facility. The department shall review the data to determine the maintenance of quality patient care at the facility. If the department determines that the care offered at the facility may present a risk to the health and safety of patients, the department may conduct an inspection of the facility and initiate appropriate actions to protect the public. Information submitted to the department pursuant to this section shall be exempt from disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW.
[ 2007 c 273 § 12.]