(1) This chapter applies to adjudicative proceedings authorized to be conducted under the authority of the department of health.

(2) The rules in this chapter are the exclusive rules governing adjudicative proceedings under the jurisdiction of the department.

(3) To the extent that these rules differ by inclusion, deletion, or content from the model rules adopted by the chief administrative law judge pursuant to RCW 34.05.250, this chapter shall prevail in order to provide a process consistent with the organization of the department.

(4) Where a provision of this chapter conflicts with another chapter of this title, the provision of this chapter shall prevail.

(5) Where a provision of this chapter conflicts with a provision of the Revised Code of Washington, the statute shall prevail.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Adjudicative clerk's office" means the unit with responsibility for: Docketing; service of orders; and maintaining custody of the adjudicative proceeding record, whose address is:

Department of Health

Adjudicative Clerk's Office

P.O. Box 47879

Olympia, WA 98504-7879

(2) "Adjudicative proceeding" or "hearing" means a proceeding required by statute or constitutional right and conducted under the rules of this chapter, which provides an opportunity to be heard by the department prior to the entry of a order under this chapter.

(3) "Adjudicative service unit" means the unit responsible for conducting adjudicative proceedings.

(4) "Brief adjudicative proceeding" means an adjudicative proceeding or hearing, the scope or conduct of which is limited as provided in this chapter.

(5) "Department" means the Washington state department of health and, where appropriate, the secretary of the Washington state department of health or the secretary's designee.

(6) "Docket" or "docketing" means the list or calendar of causes set to be heard at a specified time, prepared by the adjudicative clerk's office for the use of the department.

(7) "Filing" means receipt by the adjudicative clerk's office.

(8) "Initiating document" means a written agency document which initiates action and which creates the right to an adjudicative proceeding. Initiating documents may be a statement of charges, notice of intent to deny, order, or any other document indicating the action or proposed action to be taken.

(9) "License" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 34.05.010, and includes any license, certification, registration, permit, approval, or any similar form of authorization required by law to be obtained from the department.

(10) "Presiding officer" means the person who is assigned to conduct an adjudicative proceeding. The presiding officer may be an employee of the department who is authorized to issue an initial or final decision as designee of the secretary, or an administrative law judge employed by the office of administrative hearings.

(11) "Presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings" means an employee of the department who is authorized to conduct brief adjudicative proceedings.

(12) "Program" means the administrative unit within the department responsible for implementation of a particular agency responsibility, statute, or rule.

(13) "Prompt adjudicative proceeding" means a hearing conducted at the request of the respondent following summary action taken in accord with this chapter.

(14) "Protective order" means an order issued under this chapter which limits the use of, access to, or disclosure of information or evidence.

(15) "Recipient of benefits" means an individual who has qualified for benefits administered by the department.

(16) "Respondent" means a person eligible to request an adjudicative proceeding in a program under the jurisdiction of the department who is named in an initiating document.

(17) "Review officer" means the person who is designated to issue final orders upon receiving a petition for review of an initial order pursuant to RCW 34.05.464, and final orders of default when the respondent has failed to timely respond to an initiating document.

(18) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health or his or her designee.

(19) "Show cause hearing" means a hearing authorized under RCW 18.130.135 and WAC 246-10-307 for the limited purpose of determining whether a summary action taken by the disciplining authority shall remain in effect pending a full administrative hearing.

(20) "Summary action" means an agency action to address an immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare and shall include, but is not limited to, a cease and desist order, an order of summary suspension, or an order of summary restriction of a license.

(1) A person designated by the program shall sign all initiating documents issued under this chapter.

(2) The presiding officer or review officer shall sign orders issued under this chapter.

(3) Authority to sign is indicated by designation of the title of the person signing and shall not require any other affirmation, affidavit, or allegation.

If a respondent requests an adjudicative proceeding to contest the action, that party shall appear at all stages of the proceeding except as otherwise provided in this section.

(1) If the respondent is represented as provided in this chapter, the respondent shall appear personally at the hearing and at any scheduled settlement conference but need not appear at the prehearing conference or at presentation of motions.

(2) Parties may be represented by counsel at all proceedings.

(3) The respondent may appear by telephone at any portion of the proceedings conducted by telephone, in the discretion of the presiding officer following reasonable advance notice to the presiding officer and to the opposing party.

(4) The requirement of personal appearance may be waived for good cause at the discretion of the presiding officer.

(5) Failure to appear as provided in this chapter is grounds for taking action by default.

(1) When computing a period of time prescribed or allowed by an applicable statute or rule, the day of the act, event, or default from which the designated period of time begins to run is not included.

(2) The last day of the computed period is included unless the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

(3) When the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the period ends at 5:00 p.m. on the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

(4) When the period of time prescribed or allowed is seven days or less, any intermediate Saturday, Sunday, and legal holiday is excluded from the computation.

(1) A person's written statement, declaration, verification, certificate, or oath may be authenticated by a written statement which is executed in substantially the following form:

(2) Documents or records may be authenticated by a certification, as provided in subsection (1) of this section, from the custodian of the records or other qualified person that the documents or records are what they purport to be.

(3) Signature of any attorney must be accompanied by and authenticated by that attorney's Washington State Bar Association number.

(4) Documents prepared and submitted by a party who is not represented by an attorney must be signed and dated by that party and must include that party's current address.

(5) Signature by a party or an attorney on a document shall constitute a certificate by the party or attorney that he or she has read the document, believes there are grounds to support it, and has not submitted the document for the purpose of delay, harassment, or needless increase in the cost of a proceeding.

(6) Compliance with certification requirements of subsections (1) and (2) of this section creates a rebuttable presumption that a document is authentic.

The following persons or entities may request an adjudicative proceeding under this chapter.

(1)(a) With respect to the denial of applications made under chapters 246-290, 246-291, and 246-295 WAC, the denied applicant may request an adjudicative proceeding.

(b) A person whose application for the approval of a new public water system is denied under WAC 246-293-190, a purveyor whose license is adversely affected by a departmental decision under WAC 246-293-190 or the county legislative authority having jurisdiction in the area affected by the decision may request an adjudicative proceeding under this chapter.

(c) A purveyor affected by the decision of the department under WAC 246-293-430 or the county legislative authority having jurisdiction in the area may request an adjudicative proceeding with respect to a decision made under WAC 246-293-430.

(d) A person upon whom a civil penalty is imposed under RCW 70A.125.040 may request an adjudicative proceeding.

(2) Persons named in an initiating document under chapter 18.130 RCW involving the issuance, denial, or other action against a license, or alleging unlicensed practice, may request an adjudicative proceeding.

(3) With respect to matters involving receipt of benefits or application therefor, the recipient of or applicant for the benefits may request an adjudicative proceeding.

(4) With respect to an application for approval of a school or curriculum, or the withdrawal of such approval, the person or entity that applied for such approval may request an adjudicative proceeding.

(5) With respect to the department's final threshold determination that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is or is not necessary and with respect to the adequacy of a final EIS, any person may request an adjudicative proceeding who:

(a) Is seeking to protect an interest within the zone of interests to be protected or regulated by the statute or constitutional guarantee in question; and

(b) Will be specifically and perceptibly harmed by the proposed action.

(6) Any other person or entity who has the right to request an adjudicative proceeding under RCW 43.70.115 or other applicable statute or rule.

(7) Any application for an adjudicative proceeding that on its face demonstrates that the person making the application does not have standing under this rule may be summarily dismissed by entry of a decision pursuant to RCW 34.05.416. A motion to dismiss a matter for lack of standing may be made at any time prior to entry of the final order.

(1) Persons requesting an adjudicative proceeding may be represented subject to the following conditions:

(a) A person requesting an adjudicative proceeding may represent himself or herself or may be represented by an attorney who has complied with the admission to practice rules of the supreme court of the state of Washington.

(b) Every attorney representing a person requesting an adjudicative proceeding shall file a notice of appearance with the adjudicative clerk's office upon commencing representation, and shall file a notice of withdrawal of counsel with the adjudicative clerk's office upon terminating representation.

(c) No person requesting an adjudicative proceeding may be represented in an adjudicative proceeding by an employee of the department.

(2) No current or former employee of the department may appear as an expert, character witness, or representative of any party other than the department if the employee took an active part in investigating or evaluating the case or represented the agency in the matter, unless written permission of the secretary is granted.

(3) No current or former employee of the attorney general's office who participated personally and substantially in investigating or evaluating the matter at issue while so employed may represent a party other than the department or otherwise participate in a related proceeding without first having obtained the written consent of the attorney general's office.

(1) For purposes of this section "documents" means pleadings, briefs, exhibits, orders, or other materials requested or relevant to an adjudicative proceeding.

(2) Filing. Filing is the act of delivering documents to the adjudicative clerk's office.

(a) A party must file with the adjudicative clerk's office documents required or allowed pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Unless otherwise provided by law or directed by the presiding officer, documents must be filed by:

(i) Hand delivery to the adjudicative clerk's office, except when the office is closed during normal business hours due to exigent circumstances;

(ii) First class, registered, or certified mail;

(iii) Fax transmission;

(iv) Electronic mail sent to ACOfax@doh.wa.gov; or

(v) Other secure electronic means as established by the department.

(c) The date of filing is the date the documents are received by the adjudicative clerk's office.

(d) Filing is effective when the documents are received by the adjudicative clerk's office during normal business hours. For documents received after 5:00 p.m. on a business day or on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the filing is effective the next business day.

(3) Service. Service is the act of delivering a document to a party or a party's designated representative.

(a) Unless otherwise provided by law, documents must be served by:

(i) Personal service;

(ii) First class, registered, or certified mail; or

(iii) Fax transmission.

(b) A party must serve copies of documents required or allowed by this chapter prior to or simultaneously with filing the original document with the adjudicative clerk's office.

(c) Service is complete when the documents are:

(i) Personally served;

(ii) Properly stamped, addressed, and deposited in the United States mail; or

(iii) Successfully transmitted by fax.

(d) A party may prove service by filing in compliance with this chapter any of the following:

(i) An acknowledgment of service; or

(ii) A certificate of service including the date the documents were served, the parties upon whom served, the signature of the serving party, and a statement specifying which type of service was used.

(e) Service on a licensee, applicant, or a person requesting an adjudicative proceeding will be made at the last known address provided to the department in accordance with WAC 246-12-310, unless the program has actual knowledge of a different correct address for the person being served.

(4) The parties may agree to use electronic mail for service of documents.

(5) A party may agree with the adjudicative clerk's office to service of documents via electronic mail or other secure electronic means as established by the department, including notices of hearing, initial orders, and final orders.

(6) The adjudicative clerk's office will serve documents via electronic mail or other secure electronic means as established by the department in those cases in which all parties agree to electronic service.

(1) The department has jurisdiction over all licenses issued by the department and over all holders of and applicants for licenses. Such jurisdiction is retained even if an applicant abandons or requests to withdraw the application, or a licensee fails to renew a license.

(2) The department has jurisdiction over practice by unlicensed persons of any activity, profession, or business for which a license is required unless otherwise prohibited by law.

(1) The presiding officer may conduct all or part of the proceedings or permit a party or witness to appear by telephone or other electronic means if each participant in the proceedings has an opportunity to participate in, hear, and, if technically and economically feasible, see the entire proceeding while it is taking place. Cost of such appearance may be assessed to the party so appearing or on whose behalf the witness appears.

(2) If all or part of the proceedings is conducted as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the parties shall file and serve copies of all documentary evidence no less than three days prior to the proceeding. The presiding officer may, for good cause, allow exceptions to this requirement.

The presiding officer shall designate sites for the conduct of proceedings taking into account accessibility, efficiency, and economy.

Good faith shall be the standard for compliance with these rules. Failure to make a good faith effort to comply with these rules shall be grounds for sanctions as provided in this chapter.

(1) All papers, exhibits, transcripts, and other materials required by or submitted in accordance with this chapter are public records.

(2) Release of information upon request for public records is subject to the following limitations:

(a) Release of health care information must comply with chapter 70.02 RCW and any applicable statute or rule; and

(b) Chapter 42.56 RCW governs the release of records.

(1) The party requesting the appearance of a witness under a subpoena shall pay the witness fees and expenses.

(2) The party requesting services of an expert witness shall negotiate and pay fees for the expert witness.

(3) The party incurring expenses in connection with proceedings under this chapter shall pay the expense.

(4) The department shall pay expenses associated with:

(a) The facility in which proceedings are conducted; and

(b) Recording of the proceedings.

(5) The party filing a motion or request for review of an initial order or petition for reconsideration, appealing a final order, or otherwise requesting a transcript of a proceeding shall pay all expenses related to preparation and distribution of the transcript.

The legislature has determined that persons who file complaints with or provide information to the department regarding health care practitioners licensed by the department are immune from civil liability, provided that such persons have acted in good faith. RCW 4.24.240 through 4.24.260, 18.130.170, 18.130.180, and 18.130.300 set forth the provisions under which immunity is granted.

(1) Official notice may be taken as provided in RCW 34.05.452(5).

(2) The department, through its designated presiding officer or review officer, may use its expertise and specialized knowledge to evaluate and draw inferences from the evidence presented to it.

(1) Orders may include sanctions against either party.

(2) Grounds for sanctions may include:

(a) Failure to comply with this chapter or orders of the presiding officer or review officer; and

(b) Willful interference with the progress of proceedings.

(3) Sanctions may include:

(a) Dismissal of the matter;

(b) Proceeding in default; and

(c) Other sanctions as appropriate.

(4) The order must state the grounds upon which any sanctions are imposed.

(1) The presiding officer may grant a petition for intervention pursuant to RCW 34.05.443.

(2) A request to intervene will be handled as a prehearing motion and will be subject to the dates contained in the scheduling order. The presiding officer may allow intervention if:

(a) The intervenor is not a party to the matter but has a substantial interest in the outcome of the matter and the interest of the intervenor is not adequately represented by a party, or other good cause exists; and

(b) Any representative of the intervenor meets the requirements of WAC 246-10-108.

(3) A person will not be allowed to intervene if that person had notice of the agency's decision and, upon timely application, would have been able to appear as a party in the matter in which intervention is sought, but failed to make such timely application.

(4) If intervention is granted, the intervenor shall comply with this chapter on the same basis as the other parties to the proceeding, unless otherwise limited in the order granting intervention.

(1) Pleadings, orders, and other papers filed, served, or entered under this chapter must:

(a) Have a caption with the name of the state of Washington, department of health and the title of the proceeding; and

(b) Be signed by the person filing, serving, or entering the document. When that person is an attorney representing a party, the signature block must include the attorney's Washington State Bar Association number.

(2) All orders must comply with RCW 34.05.461 and the requirements of this chapter.

(1) "Limited-English proficiency" means, for purposes of this section and WAC 246-10-122, that a person is unable to communicate effectively in English because their primary language is not English and they have not developed fluency in the English language. A person with limited-English proficiency may have difficulty speaking or reading English.

(2) The department shall ensure that when it serves an initiating document, it includes a notice that the respondent has the right to request an interpreter for the hearing if one is needed. The notice shall be in the top ten primary languages in Washington state as determined pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.

(3) When the adjudicative clerk's office is notified by a party that he or she has limited-English proficiency, is a party to an adjudicative proceeding, and their non-English language is one of the top ten primary languages in Washington state as determined pursuant to subsection (4) of this section, the department shall ensure that notices concerning a hearing, including notices of hearing, continuance, and dismissal are translated into the person's primary language.

(4) The top ten primary languages will be reevaluated each year to respond to demographic changes using:

(a) U.S. Census data;

(b) Office of financial management limited-English proficiency population forecasts; and

(c) Department tracking of frequency of encounters with limited-English proficient persons.

(5) When the adjudicative clerk's office is notified by a party that he or she has limited-English proficiency, is a party to an adjudicative proceeding, and their non-English language is not a primary language addressed in subsection (4) of this section, the department shall make a reasonable effort to ensure that either all notices concerning the hearing, including notices of hearing, continuance, and dismissal, are in the person's primary language or include a notice in the party's primary language which describes the significance of the notice and how the party may receive assistance in understanding and, if necessary, responding to the notice.

(1) A "hearing or speech impaired person" means a person who, because of a hearing or speech impairment, cannot readily understand or communicate in spoken language. A "hearing impaired person" includes a person who is deaf, deaf and blind, or hard of hearing.

(2) If a hearing or speech impaired person or person with limited-English proficiency is involved in an adjudicative proceeding and notifies the adjudicative clerk's office of the need for an interpreter, the presiding officer shall appoint an interpreter who is acceptable to the parties or, if the parties are unable to agree on an interpreter, the presiding officer shall select and appoint an interpreter.

(3) Before beginning to interpret, an interpreter shall take an oath or make affirmation that:

(a) A true interpretation will be made to the person using the interpreter of all the proceedings in a language or in a manner the person understands; and

(b) The interpreter will repeat the statements of the person using the interpreter to the presiding officer, in the English language, to the best of the interpreter's skill and judgment.

(4) When an interpreter is used in a proceeding:

(a) The interpreter shall interpret all statements made by other participants in the proceeding;

(b) The presiding officer shall ensure sufficient extra time is provided to permit interpretation; and

(c) The presiding officer shall ensure that the interpreter interprets the entire proceeding to the person using the interpreter so that the person has the same opportunity to understand the statements made as a person not requiring an interpreter.

(5) An interpreter appointed under this section is entitled to a reasonable fee for services, including waiting time and reimbursement for actual necessary travel expenses. The program shall pay the interpreter fee and expenses incurred for interpreters for license holders, applicants, or recipients of benefits. The party on whose behalf a witness requiring an interpreter appears shall pay for interpreter services for that witness.

(6) All proceedings must be conducted consistent with chapters 2.42 and 2.43 RCW.

(1) The presiding officer, the secretary or designee, and attorneys for parties may issue subpoenas to residents of the state of Washington, to license holders and applicants for license, and to other persons or entities subject to jurisdiction under RCW 4.28.185.

(2) The presiding officer shall issue subpoenas pursuant to RCW 34.05.446(1) for parties not represented by counsel upon request of the party and upon a showing of relevance and reasonable scope of the testimony or evidence sought. Requests for issuance of subpoenas must be made in writing to the presiding officer stating the relevance and the scope of testimony or evidence sought.

(3) The person on whose behalf the subpoena is issued shall pay any witness fees and expenses as provided in WAC 246-10-115 or costs for interpreters for such witnesses as provided in WAC 246-10-122.

(4) Attendance of persons subpoenaed and production of evidence may be required at any designated place in the state of Washington.

(5) Every subpoena must:

(a) Comply with WAC 246-10-120;

(b) Identify the party causing issuance of the subpoena; and

(c) Command the person to whom the subpoena is directed to attend and give testimony or produce designated items under the person's control at a specified time and place.

(6) A subpoena may be served by any suitable person eighteen years of age or older by:

(a) Giving a copy of the subpoena to the person to whom the subpoena is addressed;

(b) Leaving a copy at such person's dwelling house or usual place of abode with a person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein;

(c) Sending a copy of the subpoena by mail to the current address on file with the department if the person is licensed by the department or has filed an application for a license with the department; or

(d) Sending a copy of the subpoena by certified mail with proof of receipt if the person is neither licensed by nor has applied for a license with the department.

(7) Proof of service may be made by:

(a) Affidavit or declaration of personal service;

(b) Certification by the person mailing the subpoena to a license holder or applicant; or

(c) Return or acknowledgment showing receipt by the person subpoenaed or his or her representative. Any person accepting certified or registered mail at the last known address of the person subpoenaed will be considered an authorized representative.

(8) The presiding officer, upon motion made promptly and before the time specified for compliance in the subpoena, may:

(a) Quash or modify the subpoena if the subpoena is unreasonable or requires evidence not relevant to any matter at issue; or

(b) Condition denial of the motion upon just and reasonable conditions, including advancement of the reasonable cost by the person on whose behalf the subpoena is issued of producing the books, documents, or tangible things; or

(c) Issue a protective order under RCW 34.05.446 or WAC 246-10-405.

(9) The department may seek enforcement of a subpoena under RCW 34.05.588(1) or proceed in default pursuant to WAC 246-10-204.

(1) An applicant for an initial license or renewal of an existing license is not entitled to an adjudicative proceeding unless the applicant has submitted:

(a) A completed initial application or renewal application, as appropriate; and

(b) All applicable application, examination, or renewal fees payable in connection with such application or license.

(2) An aggrieved applicant is not entitled to an adjudicative proceeding with respect to the denial of an application submitted under chapter 246-290, 246-291, or 246-295 WAC unless the applicant has submitted to the district engineer or other departmental employee responsible for reviewing the submittal, a certification that, to the best of the applicant's knowledge and belief, the submittal is complete and demonstrates compliance with the state's drinking water regulations. Certification with respect to water system plans, project reports, construction documents and other submittals requiring preparational review by a licensed professional engineer must be provided on behalf of the applicant by the licensed professional engineer preparing or reviewing the submittal. Failure to comply with these preliminary requirements will result in the denial of the application for adjudicative proceeding without further review.

(3) An affected party is not entitled to an adjudicative proceeding with respect to a decision made under WAC 246-293-190 unless:

(a) Except with respect to a county legislative authority, the applicant has complied with all preliminary requirements established under the coordinated water system plan approved by the county legislative authority and the department or, if the critical water supply service area's external boundaries have been approved but a coordinated water system plan has not been approved and adopted, then with any interim requirements imposed by the county legislative authority; and

(b) Within sixty days of the department's receipt of the request for an adjudicative proceeding, the applicant submits copies of the complete record of all proceedings conducted under the applicable coordinated water system plan or interim requirements. If such proceedings were taped or otherwise recorded, the record submitted to the department must include a transcript of the hearing or hearings which must be prepared and certified as correct by a registered professional court reporter.

(4) Failure to comply with the preliminary requirements outlined in subsection (3)(a) and (b) of this section will result in a denial of the hearing application without further review.

(5) Proceedings under WAC 246-293-430.

(a) An adjudicative proceeding will not be conducted with respect to a departmental decision made under WAC 246-293-430 unless, within sixty days of the department's receipt of the request for an adjudicative proceeding, the applicant has, at his or her own expense, submitted a transcript of the hearing conducted under WAC 246-293-430 from tapes or other record of the hearing which the department shall make available for that purpose. The transcript will be prepared and certified as correct by a registered professional court reporter. Failure to comply with preliminary requirements established under this section shall result in the dismissal of the hearing application without further review.

(b) If a request for an adjudicative proceeding has been timely filed under this section and a transcript of the record has been timely submitted, the department shall promptly provide the presiding officer with copies of all documents and exhibits admitted at the hearing conducted under WAC 246-293-430.

(c) The departmental employee responsible for the department's decision under WAC 246-293-430 shall provide a copy of his or her decision to the presiding officer and may submit documents or evidence not made part of the record at the hearing conducted under WAC 246-293-430. Copies of all such documents shall be provided to all other parties involved in the proceeding.

(1) Initiating documents shall include a clear and concise statement of the:

(a) Identity and authority of the person issuing the document;

(b) Factual basis for the action or proposed action set forth in the document;

(c) Statutes and rules alleged to be at issue;

(d) Identity of the party against whom the action is taken or proposed to be taken;

(e) Action or proposed action or penalties, including the statutory or rule authority for those actions or penalties;

(f) Signature of the person issuing the document and the date signed; and

(g) Method by which an adjudicative proceeding may be requested.

(2) Initiating documents shall be accompanied by the following documents:

(a) Notice that the respondent may defend against the action or proposed action; and

(b) Form for requesting adjudicative proceeding.

(3) Initiating documents shall be served as described in WAC 246-10-109.

(1) Prior to the hearing date, initiating documents may be amended:

(a) Subject to the following conditions:

(i) Amended initiating documents must meet the requirements of WAC 246-10-201(1).

(ii) Amended initiating documents must be accompanied by the documents described in WAC 246-10-201(2).

(b) Whenever amended initiating documents are served, a new interval of response will begin, as described in WAC 246-10-203. Whenever amended initiating documents are served, the respondent shall file an answer within the time period specified in the amended initiating document, unless otherwise permitted to extend the filing period under WAC 246-10-203(3), or if the case is within thirty days of the scheduled hearing as described in (c) of this subsection.

(c) If amended initiating documents are filed within thirty days of the scheduled hearing, the presiding officer will convene a status conference to discuss response deadlines and the case schedule. Upon motion of a party and a showing of good cause, or upon his or her own initiative, the presiding officer may grant a continuance on all or part of the matter and may modify the scheduling order as necessary.

(2) On the hearing date, the initiating documents may be amended subject to the following conditions:

(a) The documents may be amended upon motion of the state.

(b) The presiding officer will determine whether amendments are substantive and may grant a continuance on all if necessary to afford the respondent an opportunity to prepare a defense to the amended documents.

(3) For purposes of this section, motions may be made orally.

A respondent may respond to an initiating document by filing an application for an adjudicative proceeding or by waiving the opportunity for adjudicative proceeding.

(1) If the respondent wishes to file an application for an adjudicative proceeding:

(a) An application for adjudicative proceeding must be filed in accordance with the following time periods:

(i) For matters under chapter 18.130 RCW, the Uniform Disciplinary Act, within twenty days of service of the initiating documents unless an extension has been granted as provided in subsection (3) of this section; and

(ii) For all other matters in which the program proposes to deny, suspend, revoke, or modify a license, or proposes to impose a civil fine, within twenty-eight days of receipt of the initiating documents, unless otherwise provided by statute; and

(iii) For all other matters, within twenty days of service of the initiating documents, unless otherwise provided by statute.

(b) The application for adjudicative proceeding must be made either on the Request for Adjudicative Proceeding Form accompanying the initiating documents or by a written document containing at least the following information:

(i) Name and address of the party requesting an adjudicative proceeding;

(ii) Name and address of the attorney representing the party, if any;

(iii) Identification of the portion or portions of the initiating documents contested;

(iv) Summary of the party's position on the portion or portions contested;

(v) Statement of the party's standing to request an adjudicative proceeding under WAC 246-10-107; and

(vi) For matters not under chapter 18.130 RCW and in which the department proposes to deny, suspend, revoke, or modify a license, or proposes to impose a civil fine, the application shall include a copy of the initiating document containing the adverse notice.

(c) By filing a request for adjudicative proceeding, the responding party agrees to appear personally at the adjudicative proceeding or, if otherwise approved in advance by the presiding officer, by telephone, unless appearance is waived by the presiding officer as authorized in WAC 246-10-104(4).

(d) The application for adjudicative proceeding shall contain a response to the initiating documents, indicating whether each charge is admitted, denied, or not contested, and responses shall be subject to the following conditions:

(i) Once admitted or not contested, an allegation may not be denied; and

(ii) An allegation denied or not contested may later be admitted.

(e) When an allegation is admitted or not contested, it will be conclusively deemed to be true for all further proceedings. No proof of the allegation need be submitted.

(f) The application for adjudicative proceeding shall specify the representative, if any, designated pursuant to WAC 246-10-108 and any request for interpreter. The responding party shall amend the name of the representative and need for interpreter immediately if circumstances change prior to the hearing.

(g) The application for adjudicative proceeding must be filed at the adjudicative clerk's office at the address specified in WAC 246-10-102.

(2) A respondent may waive an adjudicative proceeding and submit a written statement and other documents in defense or in mitigation of the charges. Such waiver and documents shall be filed:

(a) In accordance with the timelines in subsection (1)(a) of this section; and

(b) As required in subsection (1)(g) of this section.

(3) For matters under RCW 18.130.180, if the twenty-day limit for filing an application for adjudicative proceeding results in a hardship to the respondent, the respondent may request an extension of not more than sixty days upon a showing of good cause.

(a) The request for extension must be filed within the twenty day limit and include:

(i) The reason for the request and the number of days for which the extension is requested; and

(ii) Documentation of the circumstances creating the hardship.

(b) The request may be granted for a period not to exceed sixty days upon showing of:

(i) Illness of the respondent; or

(ii) Absence of the respondent from the county of residence or employment; or

(iii) Emergency in the respondent's family; or

(iv) Other good cause as determined by the presiding officer.

(c) If a request for extension is denied, the respondent shall have ten days from service of the order denying the extension or twenty days from service of the initiating documents, whichever is longer, to file an application for adjudicative proceeding.

(1) If a party fails to respond to initiating documents according to WAC 246-10-203, that party will be deemed to have waived the right to a hearing, and the secretary shall enter a final order without further contact with that party.

(2) If a party requests an adjudicative proceeding but fails to appear, without leave to do so, at a scheduled prehearing conference, the presiding officer may issue an order of default. The order must include notice of opportunity to request that the default order be vacated pursuant to RCW 34.05.440(3). Unless vacated, a default order under this subsection shall be grounds for the presiding officer to proceed to decide the matter in the absence of the respondent and without additional notice to the respondent and to issue an initial order.

(3) If a party requests an adjudicative proceeding but fails to appear at the hearing, the presiding officer may issue an order of default in the same manner as subsection (2) of this section, or may proceed to hear the matter in the absence of the party and issue an initial order.

(4) Initial and final orders entered under this section shall meet the requirements of WAC 246-10-702 and shall contain:

(a) Findings of fact and conclusions of law based upon prima facie proof of the allegations contained in the initiating documents;

(b) Proof of service of or a good faith attempt to serve initiating documents and appropriate notices;

(c) A finding that there is no reason to believe that the party in default is in active military service;

(d) The penalties or conditions imposed by the order; and

(e) Notice of the opportunity to request:

(i) Reconsideration of a final order pursuant to RCW 34.05.470; or

(ii) Administrative review of an initial order pursuant to RCW 34.05.464.

(5) Initial and final default orders entered under this section shall be served upon the parties in accordance with WAC 246-10-109.

(6) Notwithstanding subsections (1) through (5) of this section, if a party fails to respond to an initiating document issued consistent with the requirements of RCW 43.70.095 or 43.70.115, the initiating document shall become a final order upon its effective date unless the initiating document otherwise provides.

(1) Within thirty days after receipt of the application for adjudicative proceeding, the secretary's designee shall:

(a) Approve the application for full adjudicative procedure and issue and serve on the parties a scheduling order specifying the course of the proceeding; or

(b) Approve the application for a brief adjudicative procedure and issue and serve a notice of the date by which any additional written materials are to be submitted for consideration; or

(c) Deny the application according to RCW 34.05.416.

(2) For matters under chapter 18.130 RCW, the scheduling order must specify:

(a) The date, time, and place of a prehearing conference and the hearing;

(b) The deadlines for completion of discovery and submission of prehearing motions; and

(c) The name, address, and telephone number of the assistant attorney general or other department representative who will represent the department in the matter.

(3) The scheduling order may be modified by order of the presiding officer upon his or her own initiative or upon motion of a party. Any request for a change to the initial scheduling order must be made by motion as provided in WAC 246-10-403.

(4) The presiding officer may waive establishing dates for the completion of discovery, submission of prehearing motions, and the prehearing conference, if, in the discretion of the presiding officer, those proceedings are not necessary or appropriate in a particular matter or type of case. However, either party may request by motion to the presiding officer that any or all of the dates be set.

(5) Dates contained in the scheduling order may be changed by the adjudicative clerk's office upon written request of either party made within fifteen days of issuance of the first scheduling order. All other changes must be made by motion pursuant to WAC 246-10-403.

(1) Except as otherwise required by law, summary action may be taken under chapter 18.130 RCW only after a review by the secretary or designee of such evidence, including affidavits or declarations, if appropriate, to establish:

(a) The existence of an immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare;

(b) The department's ability to address the threat through a summary action; and

(c) The summary action is necessary to address the threat.

(2) Except as otherwise required by law, summary action may be taken under chapter 34.05 RCW only after a review by the secretary or designee of such evidence, including affidavits or declarations, if appropriate, to establish:

(a) The existence of an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare;

(b) The department's ability to address the danger through a summary action; and

(c) The summary action is necessary to address the danger.

(3) No notice to any person potentially affected by a summary action is required prior to issuance of a summary action.

(1) Summary action takes effect upon entry of the order. Entry shall be the date of signature unless otherwise specified.

(2) No person shall be required to comply with a summary action until service has been made or the person has knowledge of the order, whichever occurs first.

(3) A summary action shall be served as promptly as practicable, in accordance with WAC 246-10-109.

(4) A summary action shall not be subject to the posthearing process provided in WAC 246-10-701, et seq., but a summary action may be appealed to superior court as provided by law.

(1) A summary action must be entered in the form of an order containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and the summary action imposed, as well as a statement of policy reasons for the decision.

(2) Except as otherwise required by law, a summary action imposed by emergency adjudicative proceeding under chapter 18.130 RCW must be limited to those actions necessary to alleviate an immediate threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.

(3) Except as otherwise required by law a summary action imposed by emergency adjudicative proceedings under chapter 34.05 RCW must be limited to those actions necessary to alleviate an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare.

(4) Initiating documents, and all other documents required by WAC 246-10-201 or 246-10-202, must accompany a summary action order when served.

(1) Except as identified in subsection (2) of this section, following a summary action taken by the department, the respondent may:

(a) Request a prompt adjudicative proceeding conducted in accordance with this chapter; or

(b) Waive the prompt adjudicative proceeding and request a regularly scheduled adjudicative proceeding conducted in accordance with this chapter; or

(c) Waive the right to an adjudicative proceeding and submit a written statement to be considered prior to the entry of the final order; or

(d) Waive the opportunity to be heard.

(2) For summary actions to suspend, restrict, or limit the practice of a license holder of a secretary profession, the respondent may:

(a) Request a hearing as provided in RCW 18.130.090 and request a show cause hearing conducted in accordance with RCW 18.130.135 and WAC 246-10-307; or

(b) Request a regularly scheduled adjudicative proceeding conducted in accordance with this chapter; or

(c) Waive the right to an adjudicative proceeding and submit a written statement to be considered prior to the entry of the final order; or

(d) Waive the opportunity to be heard.

(3) In this section, "secretary profession" means a health care profession for which the secretary of health is the disciplining authority under RCW 18.130.040 (2)(a).

Except as provided in WAC 246-10-304(2), a respondent affected by a summary action will be provided the opportunity to request a prompt adjudicative proceeding.

(1) Notice of the opportunity will be provided in the notice of opportunity to defend against the allegations that are the basis for the summary action. The form for requesting an adjudicative proceeding must include the option of requesting a prompt adjudicative proceeding.

(2) A respondent affected by a summary action may request a prompt adjudicative proceeding, may elect a regularly scheduled adjudicative proceeding instead of a prompt adjudicative proceeding, or may waive the opportunity for adjudicative proceeding in accordance with WAC 246-10-203.

(3) A request for a prompt adjudicative proceeding must be filed within ten days of the service of the summary action.

(4) If requested by the respondent, a prompt adjudicative proceeding must be conducted within twenty days of service of a summary action.

(5) Regardless of whether a prompt adjudicative proceeding is requested, the matter must be resolved as quickly as feasible in accordance with all other applicable rules.

A settlement conference may be requested, a settlement may be offered, and a prehearing conference may be conducted prior to a prompt adjudicative proceeding. Prehearing proceedings shall not delay a prompt adjudicative proceeding except by mutual agreement of the parties.

(1) A license holder's request for a show cause hearing must be filed within twenty days of the service of the summary action. A license holder must also respond to the statement of charges by requesting a hearing or an extension of time as provided in RCW 18.130.090.

(2) The show cause hearing will be conducted within fourteen days of the license holder filing the show cause hearing request.

(3) Unless otherwise specified by the presiding officer, the license holder must file, and deliver a copy to the department's attorney, any documents or written testimony to be admitted into evidence at the show cause hearing by noon on the fourth business day after filing the show cause hearing request.

(4) Unless otherwise specified by the presiding officer, the department must file, and deliver a copy to the license holder's attorney or to the license holder if not represented by counsel, any rebuttal documents or written testimony to be admitted into evidence at the show cause hearing by noon on the seventh calendar day after the date the show cause hearing request was filed, but no less than the close of business two business days before the show cause hearing.

(5) In reviewing the order of summary action, the presiding officer will consider the statement of charges, the motions and documents supporting the request for summary action, the license holder's answer to the statement of charges, documentary evidence or written testimony presented by the license holder and department in rebuttal that is timely filed pursuant to subsections (3) and (4) of this section, and unless waived, the parties will be given an opportunity for oral argument.

(6) In cases under RCW 18.130.050 (8)(a) and 18.130.370, the department has the burden of proving at the show cause hearing that the licensee is prohibited from practicing a health profession in another state, federal, or foreign jurisdiction and that the conduct is substantially equivalent to unprofessional conduct. A copy of the order, stipulation, or agreement from a competent authority in any state, federal, or foreign jurisdiction showing that a license is prohibited from practicing their health profession is prima facie evidence that the requirements of RCW 34.05.479 (1) and (2) have been met.

(7) In cases under RCW 18.130.050 (8)(b), the department has the burden of proving at the show cause hearing that the licensee is prohibited from employment in the care of vulnerable adults based upon a department of social and health services' final finding of abuse or neglect of a minor or abuse or abandonment, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

(8) The presiding officer will issue an order, and may overturn, uphold, or amend the summary suspension or restriction.

(9) Within forty-five days of a determination by the secretary to sustain the summary suspension or place restrictions on the license, the license holder may request a full hearing on the statement of charges on the merits of the disciplining authority's decision to suspend or restrict the license. A full hearing must be provided within forty-five days of receipt of the request for a hearing, unless stipulated otherwise.

(1) Following a request for an adjudicative proceeding, a settlement conference may be held if settlement is not achieved through written documents. The parties shall arrange the date, time, and place of the settlement conference.

(2) The purpose of the settlement conference is to attempt to reach agreement on the issues and on a proposed order to be entered. Any agreement of the parties is subject to final approval by the presiding officer or review officer.

(3) The respondent shall attend the settlement conference as scheduled and may also be represented as provided in WAC 246-10-108. Representatives of the department will also attend. Other persons may attend by agreement of the parties. Attendance may be in person or by phone.

(4) Either party may bring documents or other materials to the settlement conference for the purpose of settlement negotiations. No testimony will be taken. No documents or information submitted at the settlement conference will be admitted at the adjudicative proceeding unless stipulated by the parties or otherwise admitted into evidence by the presiding officer.

(5) If a settlement offer has been made in writing to the respondent and it is signed and returned by the respondent to the adjudicative clerk's office, all subsequent dates set in the scheduling order are stayed or stricken pending final review of the settlement by the presiding officer.

The parties should exchange information and documents related to the case prior to the adjudicative proceeding. Formal discovery is obtained as follows:

(1) Methods, scope and limits:

(a) Parties may obtain discovery by production of records or things; deposition upon oral examination; requests for admission; or, if ordered by the presiding officer, written interrogatories.

(b) Unless otherwise limited by order of the presiding officer in accord with these rules, the scope of discovery shall be as follows:

(i) Parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter not privileged, which is relevant to the subject matter in the pending action. It is not grounds for objection that the information sought will be inadmissible at the adjudicative proceeding if the information sought appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.

(ii) The frequency or extent of use of the discovery methods established in these rules shall be limited by the presiding officer if the presiding officer determines that:

(A) The discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative, or is obtainable from another source that is more convenient, less burdensome, or less expensive; or

(B) The party seeking discovery has had an ample opportunity by discovery to obtain the information sought; or

(C) The discovery is unduly burdensome or expensive, taking into account the needs of the case, limitations of the parties' resources, and the importance of the issues at stake.

(iii) The presiding officer may limit discovery upon his or her own initiative after reasonable notice or pursuant to a motion submitted by a party.

(2) Production of records, documents or things:

(a) Upon written request of a party the opposing party shall identify experts and other witnesses to be called at a hearing and shall provide other information necessary to enable the party to conduct depositions of the witnesses.

(b) Any party may serve on any other party a request, which must be signed by the party or designated representative:

(i) To produce and permit the party making the request or designee to inspect and copy any designated documents, or to inspect and copy, test, or sample any tangible things which constitute or contain matters within the scope of discovery and which are in the possession, custody or control of the party upon whom the request is served; or

(ii) To permit entry onto designated land or other property which is in the possession or control of the party upon whom the request is served for the purpose of inspection, measuring, surveying, photographing, testing or sampling the property or designated object or operation thereon which is within the scope of discovery.

(c) Any party who produces documents for inspection shall produce them as they are kept in the usual course of business or may, if the parties agree, organize and label them to correspond with the categories in the request.

(d) The party upon whom a request is made may, by motion to the presiding officer, move for an order denying the request to produce or modifying the conditions of the request. Denial of the request or change in the conditions of the request shall be within the discretion of the presiding officer and shall be made by written order.

(3) Depositions may be taken subject to the following conditions:

(a) Within the United States or a territory or insular possession subject to the dominion of the United States, depositions must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths by the state of Washington or of the place where the examination is held. A presiding officer may, in his or her discretion or following motion of a party, preside at the deposition. Within a foreign country, depositions must be taken before a secretary of an embassy or legation, consul general, vice-consul or consular agent of the United States, or a person designated by the presiding officer or agreed upon by the parties by stipulation in writing filed with the adjudicative clerk's office. Except by stipulation, no deposition shall be taken before any person who is a party or a privy of a party, or a privy of any representative of a party, or who is financially interested in the proceeding.

(b) A party desiring to take the deposition of a person upon oral examination shall give reasonable notice of not less than five days in writing to the person to be deposed and to the opposing party. The notice must state the time and place for taking the deposition, the name and address of each person to be examined, if known, and if the name is not known, a description sufficient to identify the person to be examined or the particular class or group to which the person to be examined belongs. On motion of a party upon whom the notice is served, the presiding officer may for good cause shown, lengthen or shorten the time.

(c) After notice is served for taking a deposition, or upon motion of the presiding officer or upon motion reasonably made by any party or by the person to be examined, and upon notice and for good cause, the presiding officer may issue an order that the deposition may not be taken or that it be taken subject to specified restrictions, conditions, or limitations.

(d) Depositions must be recorded.

(i) The officer before whom the deposition is taken shall put the witness on oath or affirmation and shall personally or by someone acting under the officer's direction and in the officer's presence, record the testimony.

(ii) The officer or person acting under the officer's direction shall transcribe the testimony at the request of any party, provided that any expenses are paid by the requesting party.

(iii) The transcribed testimony must be submitted to the person deposed for review and signature, unless review and signature are waived by that person. The officer shall append to the transcript any changes in form or substance that may be submitted by the parties.

(iv) Copies of the transcribed and, unless review and signature has been waived, signed testimony will be served upon the person deposed and upon the parties.

(e) If the parties so stipulate in writing or on the record, depositions may be taken before any person, at any time or place, upon any notice, and in any manner and when so taken, may be used as any other deposition.

(4) Following motion of a party and opportunity for response by the opposing party, the presiding officer may order a party to respond to written interrogatories and may order that the interrogatories be subject to specified restriction, condition, or limitation.

(1) The presiding officer shall rule on motions. The presiding officer may rule on motions without oral argument or may request or permit the parties to argue the motion in person or by telephone. Oral argument may be limited in time at the discretion of the presiding officer.

(2) All prehearing motions, including discovery and evidentiary motions, must be made in writing and filed with the adjudicative clerk's office and served on all other parties by the dates set in the scheduling order.

(3) Motions for continuance must be made in writing and filed prior to the dates set in the scheduling order. If the adjudicative proceeding is scheduled to take place fewer than twenty days from service of the scheduling order, motions for continuance must be made within ten days of service of the scheduling order, but in no event fewer than five days prior to the hearing. Continuances may be granted by the presiding officer for good cause.

(4) The presiding officer may grant a continuance when a motion for continuance is not submitted within the time limits contained in subsection (3) of this section for good cause.

(5) The following is the recommended format for motions:

(a) A succinct statement of the facts contended to be material;

(b) A concise statement of the issue, issues or law upon which the presiding officer is requested to rule;

(c) The specific relief requested by the moving party;

(d) If the motion requires the consideration of facts or evidence not appearing on the record, the moving party shall also serve and file copies of all affidavits, declarations, and photographic or documentary evidence presented in support of the motion;

(e) The legal authority upon which the motion is based; and

(f) A proposed order may accompany the motion, and should contain findings of fact and conclusions of law.

(6) The moving party shall file the motion, and the accompanying affidavits, declarations, and photographic or documentary evidence when necessary, with the adjudicative clerk's office and shall serve the motion, and the accompanying affidavits, declarations, and photographic or documentary evidence when necessary, on all other parties. The motion may not exceed twenty-five pages without permission of the presiding officer.

(7) The opposing party shall file with the adjudicative clerk's office, and serve upon the moving party, a responsive memorandum, and accompanying affidavits, declarations, and photographic or documentary evidence when necessary, no later than eleven days following service of the motion, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer. A responsive memorandum may not exceed twenty-five pages without permission of the presiding officer.

(8) The moving party may file with the adjudicative clerk's office, and serve upon the opposing party, a reply memorandum no later than five days following service of the responsive memorandum, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer. A reply memorandum may not exceed fifteen pages without permission of the presiding officer.

(9) Unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, all motions must be decided without oral argument. A party requesting oral argument on a motion shall so indicate by typing "ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED" in the caption of the motion or the responsive memorandum. If a request for oral argument is granted, the presiding officer shall notify the parties of the date and time of the argument and whether the argument will be in person or by telephone conference.

(10) Motions to shorten time or emergency motions must be exceptions to the rule, and a party may only make such motions in exigent or exceptional circumstances. When making such a motion, the moving party shall:

(a) Suggest a date and time when the moving party seeks to have the presiding officer hear the motion to shorten time, which should be at least forty-eight hours after filing;

(b) Suggest a date and time when the moving party seeks to have the presiding officer consider the merits of the underlying motion;

(c) Describe the exigent or exceptional circumstances justifying shortening of time in an affidavit, declarations, or memorandum accompanying the motion;

(d) Certify that the motion to shorten time and the underlying motion have been served on all other parties prior to the filing of the motion with the presiding officer. Any opposition to the motion to shorten time must be served and filed within twenty-four hours of the service of the motion. If the presiding officer grants the motion to shorten time, the presiding officer shall notify the parties of the date by which the responsive memorandum to the underlying motion must be served and filed.

(11) All motions will be decided as soon as practical, but not more than thirty days following the filing of the motion. If the presiding officer will not decide the motion within this time, the presiding officer shall notify the parties in writing of the date by which the motion will be decided.

(12) If a party serves a motion or responsive memorandum by mail, pursuant to WAC 246-10-109, three days will be added to the time within which the opposing party must file and serve the responsive or reply memorandum. Service by electronic telefacsimile transmission (fax) upon each party is permitted upon agreement of the parties, with proof of confirmation of service to be filed with the presiding officer.

(13) All computations of time must be calculated pursuant to WAC 246-10-105.

(14) Departmental motions for summary actions are exempted from all requirements of this rule.

(1) As provided in WAC 246-10-205, the presiding officer may schedule one or more prehearing conferences to be held prior to the hearing. Parties will be notified of the time and place of the first prehearing conference in the scheduling order.

(2) The presiding officer shall conduct prehearing conferences and shall issue rulings related to prehearing motions and evidentiary issues. The rulings shall govern the conduct of subsequent proceedings.

(3) A prehearing conference may be recorded as ordered by the presiding officer. All offers of proof and objections concerning matters raised at the prehearing conference must be made on the record at the prehearing conference.

(4) Following the final prehearing conference, the presiding officer shall issue a written prehearing order which will:

(a) Identify the issues to be considered at the hearing and indicate which party has the burden of proof on these issues;

(b) Specify the facts which are admitted or not contested by the parties;

(c) Identify those documents and exhibits that will be admitted at hearing, and those which may be distributed prior to the hearing;

(d) Identify expert and lay witnesses that may be called at hearing and the issues to which those witnesses may testify;

(e) Rule on motions;

(f) Address such other issues or matters as may be reasonably anticipated to arise and which may aid in the disposition of the proceedings; and

(g) Rule on objections made in any preserved testimony.

(5) Following the prehearing conference, the presiding officer may issue an order directing that the matter be heard as a brief adjudicative proceeding, pursuant to WAC 246-10-501 through 246-10-504.

(6) Documentary evidence not offered in the prehearing conference will not be received into evidence at the adjudicative proceeding in the absence of a clear showing that the offering party had good cause for failing to produce the evidence at the prehearing conference.

(7) Witnesses not identified during the prehearing conference will not be allowed to testify at the adjudicative proceeding in the absence of a clear showing that the party offering the testimony of such witness had good cause for failing to identify the witness at the prehearing conference.

(8) If the authenticity of documents submitted at the prehearing conference is not challenged at the prehearing conference, the documents shall be deemed authentic. However, a party will be permitted to challenge such authenticity at a later time upon a clear showing of good cause for failure to object at the prehearing conference.

(9) Nothing in these rules prohibit the presiding officer from conducting a conference at any time, including during the hearing. The presiding officer shall state on the record the results of such conference.

(10) A party bound by a stipulation or admission of record may withdraw it in whole or in part only upon a determination by the presiding officer or hearing officer that:

(a) The stipulation or admission was made inadvertently or as a bona fide mistake of fact or law; and

(b) The withdrawal will not unjustly prejudice the rights of the other parties.

(11) In an appeal to superior court involving issues addressed in the prehearing order, the record of the prehearing conference, written motions and responses, the prehearing order, and any orders issued by the presiding officer pursuant to WAC 246-10-403, shall be the record.

(1) The presiding officer shall issue a protective order to preserve confidentiality related to health care records or provider-client information as required under state and federal law including, but not limited to, chapter 70.02 RCW; Public Law No. 104-191, 110 Statute 1936 (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)); and 45 C.F.R. Part 164.

(2) The presiding officer may issue additional protective orders at his or her discretion:

(a) To protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense;

(b) To protect examination processes;

(c) To protect the identity of a person supplying information to the department where the person indicates a desire for nondisclosure unless that person testifies or has been called to testify at an adjudicative proceeding; or

(d) To comply with applicable state or federal law.

(3) Parties submitting exhibits for administrative proceedings are required to redact all exhibits in a manner consistent with any protective order issued by the presiding officer. The clerk's office shall not accept documents that are not redacted consistent with the protective order.

(1) If an adjudicative proceeding is requested, a brief adjudicative proceeding will be conducted where the matter involves one or more of the following:

(a) A determination whether an applicant for a professional, business, or facility license meets the minimum criteria for an unrestricted license and the department proposes to deny such a license or to issue a restricted license;

(b) An application to approve a water system plan under WAC 246-290-100;

(c) An application to approve a project report under WAC 246-290-110;

(d) An application for source approval under WAC 246-290-130;

(e) An application to approve construction documents under WAC 246-290-120;

(f) An application to approve an existing Group A water system under WAC 246-290-140;

(g) An application for source approval under WAC 246-291-125;

(h) An application to approve a design report under WAC 246-291-120;

(i) An application to approve an existing Group B water system under WAC 246-291-280;

(j) An application to approve a water system plan under WAC 246-291-140;

(k) A decision under WAC 246-293-190;

(l) A decision with respect to service area conflicts under WAC 246-293-430;

(m) An application for approval as a satellite management agency under WAC 246-295-040;

(n) A civil penalty imposed under RCW 70A.125.040 when the amount of the civil penalty does not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars;

(o) A request to bank nursing home beds under RCW 70.38.111(9);

(p) A determination as to whether a person is in compliance with the terms and conditions of a final order previously issued by the department, except final orders under RCW 18.130.110;

(q) Any approval of a school or curriculum when such approval by the department is required or authorized by statute or rule;

(r) A determination whether a license holder requesting renewal has submitted all required information and meets minimum criteria for license renewal;

(s) A decision to deny, modify, or impose conditions upon an operating permit under WAC 246-294-050;

(t) A decision to deny or revoke certification as a home care aide when a long-term care worker is disqualified from working with vulnerable persons under chapter 74.39A RCW;

(u) A civil penalty imposed against a health carrier or third-party administrator under RCW 70.290.060;

(v) A decision to deny or revoke a credential under RCW 18.108.085(3);

(w) An action to suspend a credential under RCW 18.130.127;

(x) Issuance of written citation and assessment of a fine under RCW 18.130.230;

(y) An action to invalidate a credential that was issued to a person who failed to meet credentialing requirements;

(z) A decision to withdraw a credential issued in error. For the purposes of this rule, "credential issued in error" means a credential issued to an individual who did not fully complete the application process or meet the credentialing requirements yet was inadvertently granted a credential;

(aa) A decision to deny a request for a list of applicants for professional licenses or of professional licensees for commercial purposes under RCW 42.56.070(8);

(bb) A decision to deny or revoke registration of a report or application for an amendment, or withhold or deny issuance of a certification under RCW 70.58A.040 (1)(f);

(cc) A decision to deny a request for data under RCW 70.58A.520; or

(dd) A decision to deny an application for approval of a coordinated quality improvement program, or to revoke approval of a coordinated quality improvement program under RCW 43.70.510.

(2) If an adjudicative proceeding is requested, in a matter not listed in subsection (1) of this section, a brief adjudicative proceeding may be conducted in the discretion of the presiding officer when it appears that protection of the public interest does not require that the department provide notice and an opportunity to participate to persons other than the parties and:

(a) Only legal issues exist; or

(b) Both parties have agreed to a brief adjudicative proceeding.

(1) The preliminary record with respect to an application for a professional, business, or facility license, or for approval of a school or curriculum must consist of:

(a) The application for the license or approval and all associated documents;

(b) All documents relied on by the program in proposing to deny the application;

(c) All correspondence between the applicant for license or approval and the program regarding the application.

(2) Preliminary record.

(a) The preliminary record with respect to decisions made under WAC 246-290-100, 246-290-110, 246-290-120, 246-290-130, 246-290-140, 246-291-120, 246-291-125, 246-291-280, and 246-291-140 must consist of the decision document, all documents constituting the applicant's submittal and such other documents as the applicant or the department may wish to include in the preliminary record.

(b) The preliminary record with respect to decisions made under WAC 246-293-190.

(i) If proceedings are required and have been conducted by local agencies under the applicable coordinated water system plan, the preliminary record shall consist of the record submitted to the department under WAC 246-10-124(3).

(ii) If hearings are not required or have not been conducted by local agencies under the applicable coordinated water system plan or if the external boundaries of the coordination act area have been approved but a coordinated water system plan has not been adopted, then the preliminary record shall consist of such documents as the presiding officer may solicit from the affected parties.

(c) The preliminary record with respect to a decision made under WAC 246-293-401, 246-293-420, and 246-293-430 shall consist of the record submitted to the presiding officer under WAC 246-10-124(4).

(d) The preliminary record with respect to a decision under WAC 246-294-050 shall consist of:

(i) The permit, if any;

(ii) All documents relied upon by the program in proposing to deny, modify, or impose conditions upon the permit; and

(iii) The decision document.

(e) The preliminary record with respect to decisions made under WAC 246-295-040 shall consist of the decision document, all documents constituting the applicant's submittal, comments submitted by the county, and such other documents as the applicant or the department may wish to include in the preliminary record.

(f) The preliminary record with respect to civil penalties imposed under RCW 70A.125.040 shall consist of the notice of imposition of penalties, the departmental order, if any, all documentation of communication between the program and the person or persons incurring the civil penalties regarding the violation or violations for which the civil penalties were imposed, and such other documents as the person or persons incurring the civil penalties or the department may wish to include in the preliminary record.

(g) The preliminary record with respect to an action to deny or revoke a credential under RCW 18.108.085(3) shall consist of a certified copy of the court documents reflecting a conviction, any documentation regarding a certification of restoration of opportunity under RCW 9.97.020, and such other documents as the person making the request and the department may wish to include in the preliminary record which are relevant to the issue of the applicant's or licensee's identity.

(h) The preliminary record with respect to an action to suspend a credential under RCW 18.130.127 shall consist of the report from the lending agency to the department of the licensee's nonpayment or default on a federally or state-guaranteed educational loan or service-conditional scholarship, and such other documents as the person making the request and the department may wish to include in the preliminary record.

(i) The preliminary record with respect to the issuance of a written citation and assessment of a fine under RCW 18.130.230 shall consist of the citation, as described in RCW 18.130.230(2), the request by the disciplining authority to produce documents, records, or other items within the licensee's control, the licensee's request for extension of time and the disciplining authority's response if a request for extension of time was made, and such other documents as the licensee or disciplining authority may wish to include in the preliminary record with respect to whether or not the licensee timely provided the items requested.

(j) The preliminary record with respect to a decision to withdraw a credential issued in error shall consist of the application for credential and any associated documents, all documents relied on by the program in proposing to withdraw the credential, and all correspondence between the person to whom the credential was issued in error and the program regarding the application or credential.

(k) The preliminary record with respect to a decision to deny a request for a list of applicants for professional licenses or of professional licensees for commercial purposes shall consist of the written request for the list, any other documents relied on by the program in proposing to deny the request, all correspondence regarding the request between the person making the request and the department, and such other documents as the person making the request and the department may wish to include in the preliminary record.

(l) The preliminary record with respect to a decision to deny or revoke registration of a report or application for an amendment, or withhold or deny issuance of a certification under RCW 70.58A.040 (1)(f) shall consist of the application to amend any correspondence between the person who made the request and such other documents as the applicant or the department may wish to include in the preliminary record.

(m) The preliminary record with respect to a decision to withhold or deny certification of a vital record under RCW 70.58A.530 shall consist of request for certification, any correspondence between the person who made the request and the program, all documents relied on by the program in proposing to deny the request, and such other documents as the applicant or the department may wish to include in the preliminary record.

(n) The preliminary record with respect to a decision to deny an application or revoke an approved plan under RCW 43.70.510 and chapter 246-50 WAC shall consist of:

(i) For initial approval all documents required in WAC 246-50-030;

(ii) For modification of an approved plan all documents required in WAC 246-50-035(1);

(iii) For alternative programs all documents required in WAC 246-50-040; and

(iv) Any correspondence between the applicant and the program, all documents relied on by the program in proposing to deny the request, and such other documents as the applicant or the department may wish to include in the preliminary record.

(3) The preliminary record with respect to compliance with prior department orders shall consist of:

(a) The official department file of the proceeding in which the order was issued;

(b) All matters submitted by the person to whom the order is directed purporting to demonstrate compliance with the order;

(c) All documents relied on by the department in asserting noncompliance; and

(d) All correspondence between the department and the person to whom the order is directed respecting compliance.

(4) The preliminary record with respect to matters submitted to a brief adjudicative proceeding under WAC 246-10-501(2) shall be as agreed by the parties.

(5) For the purposes of this section, "decision document" shall mean one or more documents that provide notice to the affected party of the department's action, and that contain(s) the information provided by an initiating document.

(1) Brief adjudicative proceedings shall be conducted by a presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings designated by the assistant secretary having responsibility for the program that issued the initiating document that is the subject of the proceeding. The presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings shall have agency expertise in the subject matter but shall not have personally participated in the decision to issue the initiating document.

(2) The parties or their representatives may present written documentation in addition to the preliminary record. The presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings shall designate the date by which written documents must be submitted by the parties.

(3) The presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings may, in his or her discretion, entertain oral argument from the parties or their representatives, at a time and place designated by the presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings.

(4) No witnesses may appear to testify.

(5) In addition to the record, the presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings may employ agency expertise as a basis for decision.

(6) The presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings shall not issue an oral order. Within ten days of the final date for submission of materials or oral argument, if any, the presiding officer for brief adjudicative proceedings shall enter an initial order in accordance with WAC 246-10-608.

(1) Initial orders on brief adjudicative proceedings become final twenty-one days after service of the initial order unless:

(a) Administrative review has been requested pursuant to WAC 246-10-701; or

(b) On his or her own initiative, a designee of the secretary authorized to issue final orders determines to review the matter and, within twenty-one days of service of the initial order, provides notice to the parties of the date by which a determination will be made.

(2) If administrative review is taken under subsection (1) of this section, each party must be provided an opportunity to state its view of the matter, and the review officer shall issue a written order containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order must be entered and served upon the parties within twenty days of service of the initial order or the request for review whichever is later.

(3) A request for review is deemed to be denied if the review officer does not act on the request within twenty days after the request is submitted.

(4) If administrative review is taken under subsection (1) of this section, the review officer may convert the matter to a full adjudicative proceeding.

The agency record of brief adjudicative proceedings shall consist of:

(1) The preliminary record as set forth in WAC 246-10-502;

(2) All initiating documents including the notice of opportunity to defend;

(3) The request for adjudicative proceeding;

(4) All documents submitted in the proceeding;

(5) Any transcript or recording of any arguments presented; and

(6) All orders issued in the case.

Notice of an adjudicative proceeding shall be issued pursuant to RCW 34.05.434.

(1) The adjudicative proceeding shall be conducted as provided in RCW 34.05.449 through 34.05.455.

(2) The presiding officer may take the following actions to the extent not already determined in a prehearing order:

(a) Conduct the hearing de novo;

(b) Determine the order of presentation of evidence;

(c) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(d) Issue subpoenas;

(e) Rule on procedural matters, objections, motions, and offers of proof;

(f) Receive relevant evidence;

(g) Interrogate witnesses called by the parties in an impartial manner to develop any facts necessary to fairly and adequately decide the matter;

(h) Call additional witnesses and request additional exhibits deemed necessary to complete the record and receive such evidence subject to full opportunity for cross-examination and rebuttal by all parties;

(i) Take any appropriate action necessary to maintain order during the adjudicative proceeding;

(j) Determine whether to permit or require oral argument or briefs and determine the time limits for submission thereof;

(k) Permit photographic and recording equipment at hearing subject to conditions necessary to preserve confidentiality and prevent disruption;

(l) Permit a person to waive any right conferred upon that person by chapter 34.05 RCW or this chapter, except as precluded by law; and

(m) Take any other action necessary and authorized by applicable law or rule.

(3) The presiding officer shall:

(a) Apply as the first source of law governing an issue those statutes and rules deemed applicable to the issue;

(b) If there is no statute or rule governing the issue, resolve the issue on the basis of the best legal authority and reasoning available, including that found in federal and Washington constitutions, statutes, rules, and court decisions; and

(c) Not declare any statute or rule invalid.

(4) If the validity of any statute or rule is raised as an issue, the presiding officer may permit arguments to be made on the record concerning the issue for the purpose of subsequent review.

(5) A party may move to disqualify the presiding officer pursuant to RCW 34.05.425(3).

(1) The presiding officer shall rule on objections to the admissibility of evidence pursuant to RCW 34.05.452 unless those objections have been addressed in the prehearing order.

(2) The refusal of a witness to answer any question ruled proper shall be grounds for the presiding officer, at his/her discretion, to strike some or all prior testimony by that witness on related matters or to grant a continuance to allow a party to seek a court order to compel the witness to answer.

(3) Each person called as a witness in an adjudicative proceeding shall swear or affirm that the evidence about to be given in the adjudicative proceeding shall be the truth under the provisions of RCW 5.28.020 through 5.28.060.

When a party contests the approval or denial of an application for a certificate of need, the evidence at hearing is limited to information and materials:

(1) Provided to the certificate of need program (program) during the application process by the applicant or an interested or affected party;

(2) Collected by the program during the application process;

(3) Timely submitted and meeting the grounds for reconsideration of a program decision under WAC 246-310-560; or

(4) Intended to clarify, explain, or correct evidence admitted under subsections (1) through (3) of this section. Evidence will be admitted under this subsection only if:

(a) The evidence is of consequence to the determination of approving or denying the application; and

(b) The evidence relates to facts in existence prior to whichever of the following occurred last:

(i) The conclusion of a public hearing held in accordance with WAC 246-310-180; or

(ii) The end of the public comment period.

At the conclusion of the hearing or by a date specified by the presiding officer, the presiding officer may require each party to submit to the presiding officer proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and a proposed order.

If the adjudicative proceeding is conducted by a presiding officer or review officer authorized to make the final decision, the presiding officer or review officer shall:

(1) Issue a final order containing findings of fact and conclusions of law and an order; and

(2) Cause the adjudicative clerk's office to serve a copy of the order on each party and any designated representative of the party.

(1) The order shall be based on the kind of evidence upon which reasonably prudent persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of their affairs.

(2) In all cases involving an application for license the burden shall be on the applicant to establish that the application meets all applicable criteria. In all other cases the burden is on the department to prove the alleged factual basis set forth in the initiating document.

(3) Except as otherwise required by law, the burden in all cases is a preponderance of the evidence.

(1) When two or more applications for adjudicative proceeding involve a similar issue, the applications may be consolidated by the presiding officer and the hearings conducted together. The presiding officer may consolidate on his/her own motion or upon the request of a party.

(2) A party scheduled for a consolidated proceeding may request to withdraw from the consolidated proceeding in favor of an individual proceeding. The presiding officer may grant a motion to withdraw from a consolidated proceeding at any time when good cause is shown.

(3) Each respondent in a consolidated proceeding shall retain the right to representation.

If the adjudicative proceeding is conducted by a presiding officer who is not authorized to make the final decision, the presiding officer shall:

(1) Issue an initial order containing proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a proposed order;

(2) Cause the adjudicative clerk's office to serve a copy of the initial order on each party and any designated representative of a party; and

(3) Forward the initial order and record of the adjudicative proceeding to the adjudicative clerk's office.

(1) Any party may file a written petition for administrative review of an initial order issued under WAC 246-10-503 or 246-10-608 stating the specific grounds upon which exception is taken and the relief requested.

(2) The secretary, upon his or her own motion, may petition for administrative review of an initial order.

(3) Petitions for administrative review must be served upon the opposing party and filed with the adjudicative clerk's office within twenty-one days of service of the initial order.

(4) The opposing party may file a response to a petition for administrative review filed as provided in this section. The response shall be filed at the adjudicative clerk's office. The party filing the response shall serve a copy of the response upon the party requesting administrative review. If the initial order was entered pursuant to WAC 246-10-503, the response shall be filed within ten days of service of the petition. In all other matters, the response shall be filed within twenty days of service of the petition.

(5) If a party or the secretary does not request timely administrative review of an initial order as described in this section, or a request for administrative review is dismissed, an initial order becomes a final order at 5:00 p.m. on the twenty-first calendar day after the adjudicative clerk's office serves the initial order.

(1) Prior to an initial order becoming a final order, any party may file a request with the presiding officer who issued the initial order seeking clarification of a term of the initial order or correction of a clerical error.

(2) The request for clarification or correction must be filed and served on the opposing party within five days of the service of the initial order. The opposing party must respond within five days of service of the request for clarification or correction. Both parties must follow the service and filing requirements in WAC 246-10-109.

(3) Filing a request for clarification or correction of an initial order freezes the timelines for filing a petition for administrative review with the review officer.

(4) For purposes of this section:

(a) A clerical clarification is a request to clarify an unclear or ambiguous term of the initial order to facilitate implementation of the order and does not change the intent of the initial order.

(b) A clerical error is a mistake that when corrected does not change the intent of the initial order.

(5) The presiding officer corrects clerical errors in the initial order by entering and serving a second decision referred to as a corrected initial order.

(6) Nothing in this section affects a party's right to file a petition for administrative review of the initial order as allowed for under this chapter.

(7) The presiding officer's response to the request for clarification or correction, if the request is denied, must be part of the record on review.

(1) The form and content of final orders:

(a) Must contain findings of fact, conclusions of law, and an order, and must be signed by the presiding officer or review officer.

(b) May adopt by reference the initial order in whole or in part.

(c) May modify or revise the initial order in whole or in part.

(2) Final orders must be served upon the parties and their representatives as provided in WAC 246-10-109.

(3) Final orders must be issued following:

(a) A review of the record;

(b) A review of the initial order, if any;

(c) A review of any request for administrative review of the initial order and any response thereto; and

(d) Consideration of protection of the public health and welfare.

(4) Unless a later date is stated in the final order, final orders will be effective when entered but a party is not required to comply with a final order until the order is served upon that party.

(5) Final orders may contain orders that specified portions of the agency record are not disclosed as public records if necessary to protect privacy interests, the public welfare, or vital governmental functions. Such orders include, but are not limited to, protective orders issued during the proceeding or pursuant to WAC 246-10-405.

No final order will be stayed except by its own terms or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(1) Within ten days of service of a final order, either party may file a petition for reconsideration, stating the specific grounds upon which reconsideration is requested and the relief requested.

(2) Grounds for reconsideration are limited to:

(a) Specific errors of fact or law; or

(b) Implementation of the final order would require department activities inconsistent with current department practice; or

(c) Specific circumstances render the person requesting reconsideration unable to comply with the terms of the order.

(3) Petitions for reconsideration must be served upon the opposing party and filed with the adjudicative clerk's office within ten days of service of the final order.

(4) If reconsideration is requested based on an error of fact, the request for reconsideration must contain specific reference to the record. If reconsideration is requested based on testimony of record, the request for reconsideration must contain specific reference to the testimony. The presiding officer or review officer may require that the party requesting reconsideration submit a copy of the transcript of the adjudicative proceeding and provide specific reference to the transcript.

(5) The petition for reconsideration is denied if, within twenty days of the date the petition is filed, the presiding officer or review officer:

(a) Denies the petition;

(b) Does not act upon the petition; or

(c) Does not serve the parties with notice of the date by which he or she will act on the petition.

(6) If the presiding officer or review officer determines to act upon the petition, the opposing party must be provided at least ten days in which to file a response to the petition.

(7) Disposition of petitions for reconsideration must be in the form of a written order denying the petition, granting the petition, and dissolving or modifying the final order, or granting the petition and setting the matter for further proceedings.

(1) The department shall maintain an official record of each adjudicative proceeding.

(2) The record shall include:

(a) Notices of all proceedings;

(b) Any prehearing order;

(c) Any motions, pleadings, briefs, petitions, and requests filed, and rulings thereon;

(d) Evidence received or considered;

(e) A statement of matters officially noted;

(f) Offers of proof and objections and rulings thereon;

(g) Any proposed findings, requested orders, and exceptions;

(h) Any recording of the adjudicative proceeding and any transcript of all or part of the adjudicative proceeding considered before final disposition of the matter;

(i) Any final order, initial order, or order on reconsideration; and

(j) Matters placed on the record following an ex parte communication, if any.

(3) The record is subject to disclosure as provided by chapter 42.56 RCW, the Public Records Act, and by WAC 246-10-114, except as limited by protective orders and provisions contained in the final order.

(1) Judicial review of actions taken under this chapter shall be as provided in RCW 34.05.510, et seq.

(2) Notice of the opportunity for judicial review shall be provided in all final orders.

(3) Following a petition for judicial review, the record forwarded to the reviewing court shall be those portions of the agency record designated by the parties within the time period set by the secretary.

(1) A party may petition to vacate a default order entered against that party for failing to attend an adjudicative proceeding requested by that party for good cause. The requesting party shall:

(a) Specify the grounds relied upon in the petition; and

(b) File the petition at the adjudicative clerk's office and with the opposing party within seven days of service of the default order.

(2) The presiding officer shall consider the petition and shall:

(a) Grant the motion to vacate and reinstate the application for adjudicative proceeding, and may impose conditions on licensure pending final adjudication; or

(b) Deny the motion to vacate the default order.

(1) If the disciplining authority alleges failure to comply with a disciplinary order, the department may file a motion for hearing with the adjudicative clerk's office and serve a copy on the respondent.

(2) Upon receipt of the motion, the adjudicative clerk's office shall issue a notice of hearing on motion notifying the parties of the time, place and date of the administrative hearing.

(3) The sole issue at the hearing shall be whether the respondent failed to comply with a disciplinary order.

(4) At the hearing, the department has the burden of proving it is more probable than not that the respondent failed to comply with a disciplinary order.

(5) The presiding officer will issue an order including findings of fact and conclusion of law.

(6) If the department has proven failure to comply with a disciplinary order, the sanction will be indefinite suspension until compliance is achieved as determined by the disciplining authority.