1. (1) For the purposes of this section, "correction of deficiencies" shall mean one or more of the following:

   1. (a) Eliminating or preventing imminent safety hazards as defined by federal, state, or local fire, building, or life safety codes or regulations; or
   2. (b) Complying with state licensing standards; or
   3. (c) Complying with accreditation or certification standards which must be met to receive reimbursement under Titles XVIII or XIX of the Social Security Act.

2. (2) An application submitted for a project limited to the correction of deficiencies, as defined in subsection (1) of this section, shall be approved unless the department finds that:

   1. (a) The applicant was provided sufficient advanced notification of such deficiencies to allow for ongoing correction; or
   2. (b) The project would result in the substantial modification or replacement of an existing health care facility and the licensee would not be exempt under WAC 246-310-044.
3. (3) An application submitted for the correction of deficiencies shall be reviewed under the expedited review process, in accordance with WAC 246-310-150, unless it qualifies for emergency review in accordance with WAC 246-310-140.
4. (4) An application reviewed under the provisions of this section shall be approved only to the extent the capital expenditure is needed for the correction of the deficiency.
5. (5) If the department finds any portion of the project or the project as a whole is not needed for the correction of deficiencies, such portion or entire project shall be reviewed in accordance with WAC 246-310-200, 246-310-210, 246-310-220, 246-310-230, and 246-310-240.
6. (6) If the department finds a proposed capital expenditure is needed to correct deficiencies, as defined in subsection (1) of this section, the criteria in WAC 246-310-210 shall not be applied to the consideration of the project.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.38 RCW. WSR 96-24-052, § 246-310-480, filed 11/27/96, effective 12/28/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.38.135 and 70.38.919. WSR 92-02-018 (Order 224), § 246-310-480, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-310-480, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.38.135. WSR 86-06-030 (Order 2344), § 248-19-415, filed 2/28/86; WSR 81-09-012 (Order 210), § 248-19-415, filed 4/9/81, effective 5/20/81.]