(1) The department of health shall not grant any such license until it has made an examination of all phases of the operation of the establishment necessary to determine compliance with rules adopted under this chapter including the premises proposed to be licensed and is satisfied that the premises are substantially as described, and are otherwise fit and suitable for the purposes for which they are designed to be used, and that such license should be granted.

(2) During the first two years of licensure for a new *psychiatric hospital or any existing *psychiatric hospital that changes ownership after July 1, 2020, the department shall provide technical assistance, perform at least three unannounced inspections, and conduct additional inspections of the hospital as necessary to verify the hospital is complying with the requirements of this chapter.

*Reviser's note: The term "psychiatric hospital" was changed to "behavioral health hospital" by 2024 c 121 s 19.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2020 c 115: See notes following RCW 71.12.700.

Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.