Washington State Statutes - Washington Attorney Directory

It is declared to be the public policy of this state:

     (1) That health planning to promote, maintain, and assure the health of all citizens in the state, to provide accessible health services, health manpower, health facilities, and other resources while controlling excessive increases in costs, and to recognize prevention as a high priority in health programs, is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state. Health planning should be responsive to changing health and social needs and conditions. Involvement in health planning from both consumers and providers throughout the state should be encouraged;

     (2) That the development of health services and resources, including the construction, modernization, and conversion of health facilities, should be accomplished in a planned, orderly fashion, consistent with identified priorities and without unnecessary duplication or fragmentation;

     (3) That the development and maintenance of adequate health care information, statistics and projections of need for health facilities and services is essential to effective health planning and resources development;

     (4) That the development of nonregulatory approaches to health care cost containment should be considered, including the strengthening of price competition; and

     (5) That health planning should be concerned with public health and health care financing, access, and quality, recognizing their close interrelationship and emphasizing cost control of health services, including cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis.

[1989 1st ex.s. c 9 § 601; 1983 c 235 § 1; 1980 c 139 § 1; 1979 ex.s. c 161 § 1.]

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