(1) A nursing home licensed under this chapter may employ physicians for the provision of professional services to its residents under the following conditions:
(a) The nursing home may not in any manner, directly or indirectly, supplant, diminish, or regulate any employed physician's judgment concerning the practice of medicine or the diagnosis and treatment of any patient; and
(b) The employed physicians may provide professional services only to residents of the nursing home or a related living facility.
(2) The employment of physicians as authorized by this section may be through the following entities:
(a) The entity licensed to operate the nursing home; or
(b) A separate entity authorized to conduct business in the state of Washington that has common or overlapping ownership as an affiliate or subsidiary of the licensee, as long as the licensee complies with subsection (3) of this section.
(3) Nothing in this section relieves the licensee of its ultimate responsibility for the daily operations of the nursing home.
(4) Nothing in this section may be construed to interfere with the federal resident rights requirements found in 42 C.F.R. 483.10, or successor rules, or found in this chapter, chapter
74.42 RCW, or the rules adopted by the department addressing resident's rights under this chapter or chapter
74.42 RCW.
(5) As used in this section, "related living facility" means (a) a separate nursing home that is owned, controlled, or managed by the same or an affiliated or subsidiary entity; or (b) a facility that (i) provides independent living services or *boarding home services under chapter
18.20 RCW, in a single contiguous campus as the nursing home, and (ii) is owned, controlled, or managed by the same or related entity as the nursing home. For purposes of this subsection "contiguous" means land adjoining or touching property on which the nursing home is located, including land divided by a public road.
*Reviser's note: The term "boarding home" was changed to "assisted living facility" by 2012 c 10.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 18.51.560
What does Revised Code of Washington § 18.51.560 cover?
Section 18.51.560 ("Employment of physicians.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 18.51.560?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 18.51.560" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 18.51.560 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
