Washington faces major lag in state inspections of hospitals

Washington state's hospital inspection system is in crisis, with a preliminary report showing that nearly 75% of acute care hospitals are inspected late. One facility has not received a state inspection since 2018, raising alarms about the quality of patient care. The Department of Health explains that staff shortages and increased demands for inspections are driving the delays. The state previously maintained an on-time inspection rate of 81% before the pandemic, which has now dropped to just 28%. The report also points out that a backlog of complaints against hospitals remains unaddressed.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee suggests the legislature refine laws regarding inspection frequency, as current regulations do not specify maximum time intervals between inspections. The final report is anticipated in July, following a legislative audit initiated in 2022. As hospitals expand services, the Department of Health aims to meet the required inspection timelines by 2028 or 2029.