Source: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=18.235&full=true
Timestamp: 2020-04-01 06:03:30
Document Index: 204380879

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RCWs > Title 18 > Chapter 18.235
Chapter 18.235 RCW
18.235.005 Intent.
18.235.010 Definitions.
18.235.020 Application of chapter—Director's authority—Disciplinary authority.
18.235.030 Disciplinary authority—Powers.
18.235.040 Director's authority.
18.235.050 Statement of charges—Hearing.
18.235.060 Procedures governing adjudicative proceedings.
18.235.070 Previous denial, revocation, or suspension of license.
18.235.080 Orders.
18.235.090 Appeal.
18.235.100 Reinstatement.
18.235.110 Unprofessional conduct—Finding.
18.235.120 Payment of a fine.
18.235.130 Unprofessional conduct—Acts or conditions that constitute.
18.235.140 Final order issued under RCW 18.235.130—Failure to comply.
18.235.150 Investigation of complaint—Cease and desist order/notice of intent to issue—Final determination—Fine—Temporary cease and desist order—Action/who may maintain—Remedies not limited.
18.235.160 Violation of injunction—Contempt of court—Civil penalty.
18.235.170 Misrepresentation—Gross misdemeanor.
18.235.180 Crime or violation by license holder—Disciplinary authority may give notification.
18.235.190 Immunity from suit.
18.235.200 Use of records—Exchange of information—Chapter does not affect or limit.
18.235.210 Application of chapter—January 1, 2003.
18.235.215 Application of chapter to notarial officers.
18.235.900 Short title.
18.235.901 Effective date—2002 c 86 §§ 101-123.
18.235.902 Part headings not law—2002 c 86.
18.235.903 Severability—2002 c 86.
RCW 18.235.005
It is the intent of the legislature to consolidate disciplinary procedures for the licensed businesses and professions under the department of licensing by providing a uniform disciplinary act with standardized procedures for the regulation of businesses and professions and the enforcement of laws, the purpose of which is to assure the public of the adequacy of business and professional competence and conduct.
It is also the intent of the legislature that all businesses and professions newly credentialed by the state and regulated by the department of licensing come under this chapter.
[ 2007 c 256 § 10; 2002 c 86 § 101.]
RCW 18.235.010
(1) "Board" means those boards specified in RCW 18.235.020(2)(b).
(3)(a) "Director" means the:
(i) Executive director of the state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors for matters under the authority of the state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors established under chapter 18.43 RCW; or
(ii) Director of the department or the director's designee in all other contexts.
(b) The director of the department has no authority under this chapter over the state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors.
(4) "Disciplinary action" means sanctions identified in RCW 18.235.110.
(5) "Disciplinary authority" means the director, board, or commission having the authority to take disciplinary action against a holder of, or applicant for, a professional or business license upon a finding of a violation of this chapter or a chapter specified under RCW 18.235.020.
(6) "License," "licensing," and "licensure" are deemed equivalent to the terms "license," "licensing," "licensure," "certificate," "certification," and "registration" as those terms are defined in RCW 18.118.020. Each of these terms, and the term "commission" under chapter 42.45 RCW, are interchangeable under the provisions of this chapter.
(7) "Unlicensed practice" means:
(a) Practicing a profession or operating a business identified in RCW 18.235.020 without holding a valid, unexpired, unrevoked, and unsuspended license to do so; or
(b) Representing to a person, through offerings, advertisements, or use of a professional title or designation, that the individual or business is qualified to practice a profession or operate a business identified in RCW 18.235.020 without holding a valid, unexpired, unrevoked, and unsuspended license to do so.
[ 2019 c 442 § 21; 2017 c 281 § 36; 2007 c 256 § 11; 2002 c 86 § 102.]
Application of chapter—Director's authority—Disciplinary authority.
RCW 18.235.030
Disciplinary authority—Powers.
The disciplinary authority has the power to:
(1) Adopt, amend, and rescind rules as necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, rules regarding standards of professional conduct and practice;
(2) Investigate complaints or reports of unprofessional conduct and hold hearings as provided in this chapter;
(3) Issue subpoenas and administer oaths in connection with any investigation, hearing, or proceeding held under this chapter;
(4) Take or cause depositions to be taken and use other discovery procedures as needed in an investigation, hearing, or proceeding held under this chapter;
(5) Compel attendance of witnesses at hearings;
(6) Conduct practice reviews in the course of investigating a complaint or report of unprofessional conduct, unless the disciplinary authority is authorized to audit or inspect applicants or licensees under the chapters specified in RCW 18.235.020;
(7) Take emergency action ordering summary suspension of a license, or restriction or limitation of the licensee's practice or business pending proceedings by the disciplinary authority;
(8) Appoint a presiding officer or authorize the office of administrative hearings, as provided in chapter 34.12 RCW, to conduct hearings. The disciplinary authority may make the final decision regarding disposition of the license unless the disciplinary authority elects to delegate, in writing, the final decision to the presiding officer;
(9) Use individual members of the boards and commissions to direct investigations. However, the member of the board or commission may not subsequently participate in the hearing of the case;
(10) Enter into contracts for professional services determined to be necessary for adequate enforcement of this chapter;
(11) Grant or deny license applications, secure the return of a license obtained through the mistake or inadvertence of the department or the disciplinary authority after providing the person so licensed with an opportunity for an adjudicative proceeding, and, in the event of a finding of unprofessional conduct by an applicant or license holder, impose any sanction against a license applicant or license holder provided by this chapter;
(12) Designate individuals authorized to sign subpoenas and statements of charges;
(13) Establish panels consisting of three or more members of the board or commission to perform any duty or authority within the board's or commission's jurisdiction under this chapter; and
(14) Contract with licensees, registrants, endorsement or permit holders, or any other persons or organizations to provide services necessary for the monitoring or supervision of licensees, registrants, or endorsement or permit holders who are placed on probation, whose professional or business activities are restricted, or who are for an authorized purpose subject to monitoring by the disciplinary authority. If the subject licensee, registrant, or endorsement or permit holders may only practice or operate a business under the supervision of another licensee, registrant, or endorsement or permit holder under the terms of the law regulating that occupation or business, the supervising licensee, registrant, or endorsement or permit holder must consent to the monitoring or supervision under this subsection, unless the supervising licensee, registrant, or endorsement or permit holder is, at the time, the subject of a disciplinary order.
[ 2002 c 86 § 104.]
RCW 18.235.040
The director has the following additional authority:
(1) To employ investigative, administrative, and clerical staff as necessary for the enforcement of this chapter, except as provided otherwise by statute;
(2) Upon request of a board or commission, to appoint not more than three pro tem members as provided in this subsection. Individuals appointed as pro tem members of a board or commission must meet the same minimum qualifications as regular members of the board or commission. While serving as a pro tem board or commission member, a person so appointed has all the powers, duties, and immunities, and is entitled to the entitlements, including travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060, of a regular member of the board or commission; and
(3) To establish fees to be paid for witnesses, expert witnesses, and consultants used in any investigation or adjudicative proceedings as authorized by RCW 34.05.446.
[ 2007 c 256 § 13; 2002 c 86 § 105.]
RCW 18.235.050
Statement of charges—Hearing.
(1) If the disciplinary authority determines, upon investigation, that there is reason to believe that a license holder or applicant for a license has violated RCW 18.235.130 or has not met a minimum eligibility criteria for licensure, the disciplinary authority may prepare and serve the license holder or applicant a statement of charge, charges, or intent to deny. A notice that the license holder or applicant may request a hearing to contest the charge, charges, or intent to deny must accompany the statement. The license holder or applicant must file a request for a hearing with the disciplinary authority within twenty days after being served the statement of charges or statement of intent to deny. The failure to request a hearing constitutes a default, whereupon the disciplinary authority may enter a decision on the facts available to it.
(2) If a license holder or applicant for a license requests a hearing, the disciplinary authority must fix the time of the hearing as soon as convenient, but not earlier than thirty days after the service of charge, charges, or intent to deny. The disciplinary authority may hold a hearing sooner than thirty days only if the disciplinary authority has issued a summary suspension or summary restriction.
[ 2007 c 256 § 14; 2002 c 86 § 106.]
RCW 18.235.060
Procedures governing adjudicative proceedings.
The procedures governing adjudicative proceedings before agencies under chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act, govern all hearings before the disciplinary authority. The disciplinary authority has, in addition to the powers and duties set forth in this chapter, all of the powers and duties under chapter 34.05 RCW, which include, without limitation, all powers relating to the administration of oaths, the receipt of evidence, the issuance and enforcing of subpoenas, and the taking of depositions.
[ 2002 c 86 § 107.]
RCW 18.235.070
Previous denial, revocation, or suspension of license.
The department shall not issue a license to any person whose license has been previously denied, revoked, or suspended by the disciplinary authority for that profession or business, except in conformity with the terms and conditions of the certificate or order of denial, revocation, or suspension, or in conformity with any order of reinstatement issued by the disciplinary authority, or in accordance with the final judgment in any proceeding for review instituted under this chapter.
[ 2002 c 86 § 108.]
RCW 18.235.080
An order pursuant to proceedings authorized by this chapter, after due notice and findings in accordance with this chapter and chapter 34.05 RCW, or an order of summary suspension entered under this chapter, takes effect immediately upon its being served. The final order, if appealed to the court, may not be stayed pending the appeal unless the disciplinary authority or court to which the appeal is taken enters an order staying the order of the disciplinary authority, which stay shall provide for terms necessary to protect the public.
[ 2007 c 256 § 15; 2002 c 86 § 109.]
RCW 18.235.090
A person who has been disciplined or has been denied a license by a disciplinary authority may appeal the decision as provided in chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 2007 c 256 § 16; 2002 c 86 § 110.]
RCW 18.235.100
A person whose license has been suspended or revoked under this chapter may petition the disciplinary authority for reinstatement after an interval of time and upon conditions determined by the disciplinary authority in the order suspending or revoking the license. The disciplinary authority shall act on the petition in accordance with the adjudicative proceedings provided under chapter 34.05 RCW and may impose such conditions as authorized by RCW 18.235.110. The disciplinary authority may require successful completion of an examination as a condition of reinstatement.
[ 2007 c 256 § 17; 2002 c 86 § 111.]
RCW 18.235.120
Where payment of a fine is required as a result of a disciplinary action under RCW 18.235.060 or 18.235.150 and timely payment is not made as directed in the final order, the disciplinary authority may enforce the order for payment in the superior court in the county in which the hearing was held. This right of enforcement is in addition to any other rights the disciplinary authority may have as to any licensee ordered to pay a fine but may not be construed to limit a licensee's ability to seek judicial review under RCW 18.235.090. In any action for enforcement of an order of payment of a fine, the disciplinary authority's order is conclusive proof of the validity of the order of a fine and the terms of payment.
[ 2002 c 86 § 113.]
Unprofessional conduct—Acts or conditions that constitute.
RCW 18.235.140
Final order issued under RCW 18.235.130—Failure to comply.
If a person or business regulated by this chapter violates or fails to comply with a final order issued under RCW 18.235.130, the attorney general, any prosecuting attorney, the director, the board or commission, or any other person may maintain an action in the name of the state of Washington to enjoin the person from violating the order or failing to comply with the order. The injunction does not relieve the offender from criminal prosecution, but the remedy by injunction is in addition to the liability of the offender to criminal prosecution and disciplinary action.
[ 2002 c 86 § 115.]
RCW 18.235.160
Violation of injunction—Contempt of court—Civil penalty.
A person or business that violates an injunction issued under this chapter may be found in contempt of court under RCW 7.21.010. Upon a finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the person or business is in contempt, the court may order any remedial sanction as authorized by RCW 7.21.030. Further, the court may, in addition to the remedial sanctions available under RCW 7.21.030, order the person or business to pay a civil penalty to the state in an amount not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars, which shall be deposited in the related program account. For the purposes of this section, the superior court issuing any injunction retains jurisdiction and the cause shall be continued, and in such cases the attorney general acting in the name of the state may petition for the recovery of civil penalties.
[ 2002 c 86 § 117.]
RCW 18.235.170
Misrepresentation—Gross misdemeanor.
A person who attempts to obtain, obtains, or attempts to maintain a license by willful misrepresentation or fraudulent representation is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2002 c 86 § 118.]
RCW 18.235.180
Crime or violation by license holder—Disciplinary authority may give notification.
If the disciplinary authority has reason to believe that a license holder has committed a crime, or violated the laws of another regulatory body, the disciplinary authority may notify the attorney general or the county prosecuting attorney in the county in which the act took place, or other responsible official of the facts known to the disciplinary authority.
[ 2002 c 86 § 119.]
RCW 18.235.190
The director, members of the boards or commissions, or individuals acting on their behalf are immune from suit in any action, civil or criminal, based on any disciplinary actions or other official acts performed in the course of their duties.
[ 2002 c 86 § 120.]
RCW 18.235.200
Use of records—Exchange of information—Chapter does not affect or limit.
This chapter does not affect the use of records, obtained from the director or the disciplinary authorities, in any existing investigation or action by any public agency. Nor does this chapter limit any existing exchange of information between the director or the disciplinary authorities and other public agencies.
[ 2002 c 86 § 121.]
RCW 18.235.210
Application of chapter—January 1, 2003.
(1) This chapter applies to any conduct, acts, or conditions occurring on or after January 1, 2003.
(2) This chapter does not apply to or govern the construction of and disciplinary action for any conduct, acts, or conditions occurring prior to January 1, 2003. The conduct, acts, or conditions must be construed and disciplinary action taken according to the provisions of law existing at the time of the occurrence in the same manner as if this chapter had not been enacted.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, this chapter applies to applications for licensure made on or after January 1, 2003.
[ 2007 c 256 § 21; 2002 c 86 § 122.]
RCW 18.235.215
Application of chapter to notarial officers.
See RCW 42.45.270.
RCW 18.235.900
This chapter may be known and cited as the uniform regulation of business and professions act.
[ 2002 c 86 § 123.]
RCW 18.235.901
Effective date—2002 c 86 §§ 101-123.
Sections 101 through 123 of this act take effect January 1, 2003.
[ 2002 c 86 § 124.]
RCW 18.235.902
Part headings not law—2002 c 86.
[ 2002 c 86 § 402.]
RCW 18.235.903
Severability—2002 c 86.
[ 2002 c 86 § 404.]