1. (1) A provider who disagrees with a citation, certification decision, or enforcement action may request an informal dispute resolution with DDA where DDA will review evidence from the provider.

2. (2) To request an informal dispute resolution, the provider must:

   1. (a) Submit a written request to DDA no more than 15 calendar days after the date of the certification letter or written notice of an enforcement action; and

   2. (b) Include a written statement that identifies:

      1. (i) Each disputed citation, certification decision, or enforcement action;
      2. (ii) The grounds for disagreement with DDA's finding; and
      3. (iii) The provider's preferred method for evidence presentation (i.e., face-to-face, video conference, teleconference, or document review).
3. (3) No more than 10 business days after receiving an informal dispute resolution request, DDA must notify the provider the request was received.

4. (4) No more than 30 calendar days after DDA receives the provider's request, DDA must:

   1. (a) Review the evidence and argument presented;
   2. (b) Notify the provider in writing which action DDA is taking under subsection (5) of this section; and
   3. (c) Issue an amended notice if a citation, certification decision, or enforcement action is rescinded or changed.

5. (5) DDA may take the following action:

   1. (a) Rescind a citation, certification decision, or enforcement action;
   2. (b) Change a citation, certification decision, or enforcement action;
   3. (c) Make editorial changes to a citation, certification decision, or enforcement action; and
   4. (d) Take no action.
6. (6) The DDA assistant secretary or designee makes the final decision following an informal dispute resolution.
7. (7) The effective date of an enforcement action must not be delayed or suspended pending an informal dispute resolution process.
8. (8) A corrective action due date must not be delayed or suspended pending an informal dispute resolution process.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 71A.12.030 and 71A.12.080. WSR 25-11-087, s 388-825A-0230, filed 5/21/25, effective 7/1/25.]