The department amended or suspended portions of this section from June 23, 2020, through May 7, 2022, in response to the state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For requirements in place during that time, see WAC 388-97-17601.

(1) The nursing home must maintain a process for quality assessment and assurance. The department may not require disclosure of the records of the quality assessment and assurance committee except in so far as such disclosure is related to ensuring compliance with the requirements of this section.

(2) The nursing home must ensure the quality assessment and assurance process:

(a) Seeks out and incorporates input from the resident and family councils, if any, or individual residents and support groups; and

(b) Reviews expressed concerns and grievances.