The purpose of a coordinated quality improvement program is to improve the quality of health care services and identify and prevent medical malpractice under RCW 43.70.510. This chapter establishes the criteria and approval process for health care entities who choose to apply for a department of health-approved coordinated quality improvement program under RCW 43.70.510. A coordinated quality improvement program plan must be approved by the department before the discovery limitations provided in RCW 43.70.510 (3) and (4) and the exemptions under RCW 42.56.360 (1)(c) and 43.70.510(5) shall apply.