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

(1) "Department" means the department of health.

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

(3) "Tuberculosis control" refers to the procedures administered in the counties for the control, prevention, and treatment of tuberculosis.

Finding—Severability—1999 c 172: See notes following RCW 70.28.010.

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease and tuberculosis prevention, treatment, control, and follow-up of known cases of tuberculosis are the basic steps in the control of this major health problem. In order to carry on such work effectively in accordance with the standards set by the secretary under RCW 70.28.025, the legislative authority of each county shall budget a sum to be used for the control of tuberculosis, including case finding, prevention, treatment, and follow-up of known cases of tuberculosis. Under no circumstances should this section be construed to mean that the legislative authority of each county shall budget sums to provide tuberculosis treatment when the patient has the ability to pay for the treatment. Each patient's ability to pay for the treatment shall be assessed by the local health department.

Finding—Severability—1999 c 172: See notes following RCW 70.28.010.

Effective dates—Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 291: See notes following RCW 82.04.050.

Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.

County budget for tuberculosis facilities: RCW 70.30.055.

County treasurer: Chapter 36.29 RCW.

In order to maintain adequate facilities and services for the residents of the state of Washington who are or may be suffering from tuberculosis and to assure their proper care, the legislative authority of each county shall budget annually a sum to provide such services in the county.

The funds may be retained by the county for operating its own services for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. None of the counties shall be required to make any payments to the state or any other agency from these funds except as authorized by the local health department. However, if the counties do not comply with the adopted standards of the department, the secretary shall take action to provide the required services and to charge the affected county directly for the provision of these services by the state.

Finding—Severability—1999 c 172: See notes following RCW 70.28.010.

Effective dates—Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 291: See notes following RCW 82.04.050.

Expenditures for tuberculosis control directed—Standards—Payment for treatment: RCW 70.30.045.

Any person residing in the state and needing treatment for tuberculosis may apply in person to the local health officer or to any licensed physician, *advanced registered nurse practitioner, or licensed physician assistant for examination and if that health care provider has reasonable cause to believe that the person is suffering from tuberculosis in any form he or she may apply to the local health officer or designee for admission of the person to an appropriate facility for the care and treatment of tuberculosis.

*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.

Finding—Severability—1999 c 172: See notes following RCW 70.28.010.

All hospitals established or maintained for the treatment of persons suffering from tuberculosis shall be subject to annual inspection, or more frequently if required by federal law, by agents of the department of health, and the medical director shall admit such agents into every part of the facility and its buildings, and give them access on demand to all records, reports, books, papers, and accounts pertaining to the facility.