Passed by the 2026 31st Democrats Convention Delegation:
Whereas the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) of WA state conducted “The Oversight of Hospital Data Reporting, Inspections and Complaints” and submitted their final report to the WA State Legislature July 2025 after a three-year exhaustive investigation
Whereas the findings of the report found that the Department of Health (DOH) is placing patient safety at risk by failing to perform inspections on time and HB 2577 has addressed mandated 18-month time line for inspections but did not address that all third-party inspections meet state standards and are accredited, and to ensure hospitals submit proof of inspections and deficiencies corrected and review adverse events and medical errors (increase 84% since 2016),
Whereas over 50% of health care in the state of Washington is restricted in faith-based hospitals by the Ethical Religious Directives, such as emergency miscarriage care, informed consent and science driven health care decisions as required by law but are not being monitored by the DOH.
Whereas, both the JLARC committee and the House Health and Wellness committees are alarmed by the JLARC conclusions and though DOH has taken some initial steps to address issues the scope and depth of these findings are beyond the capabilities of this agency
Whereas, DOH has failed to perform its duty, repeatedly and systematically, and is unable to carry out the laws, identify patients at risk and ensure safe and competent health care and fulfill its oversight responsibilities for patients in the State of Washington.
Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Washington State Democratic Central Committee shall issue letters to all Democratic members of the Washington State House of Representatives, the Washington State Senate, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, the House Health and Wellness committee, the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee, urging immediate legislative action to bring the Department of Health into full compliance with its statutory oversight responsibilities; and
Be It Further Resolved, that the Washington State Democratic Central Committee calls for the establishment of an appointed supervisory oversight panel or other appropriate oversight authority with the power to take meaningful corrective actions to ensure that the findings identified in the JLARC report are addressed and corrected, and that patient safety and lawful access to health care are protected in the State of Washington
Judith Chelotti
Vice Chair 31st LD
Judithanne1955@gmail.com
Passed by the 31st Legislative District
May 17, 2026
References
Oversight of Hospital Data Reporting, Inspections, and Complaints – 25-06 Final Report (July 2025)
Washington State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC)
Revised Code of Washington 70.400: Health Care Entities – Pregnancy Complications
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, Seventh Edition
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
