WAC 246-341-0310. Agency licensure and certification — Deeming

(1) The department shall deem an agency or branch site as meeting state minimum standards for licensing and certification described in this chapter as a result of accreditation by a national accreditation organization that is recognized by and has a current agreement with the department. (2) To implement deemed status when opening a new main site agency, adding a new type of certification or behavioral health service to a main site agency, or adding a new type of certification or behavioral health service to a branch site location that is not currently offered at the main site agency, an agency must: (a) Submit proof of accreditation for the services provided by the agency to the department; and (b) Complete a department initial on-site review. (3) To implement deemed status when opening a new branch site location that is providing the same services as a deemed main site agency, or a certification or behavioral health service is being added to a branch site location that is a deemed service at a main site location, an agency must submit proof of accreditation for the services provided by the agency to the department. (4) The department will not conduct an on-site review as part of the deeming process for tribal behavioral health agencies who seek licensure pursuant to WAC 246-341-0310. (5) Deeming will be in accordance with the established written agreement between the national accreditation organization and the department. (6) Specific licensing and certification requirements of any: (a) State rule may only be waived through a deeming process consistent with the established written agreement between the recognized behavioral health accrediting body and the department. (b) State or federal statute or regulation will not be waived through a deeming process. (7) A deemed main site agency or branch site must submit to the department a copy of any relevant reports such as audits, findings, or documentation related to accreditation status.