The incidence and burden of assessments imposed under this chapter shall be on hospitals and the expense associated with the assessments shall constitute a part of the operating overhead of hospitals. Hospitals shall not increase charges or billings to patients or third-party payers as a result of the assessments under this chapter. The authority may require hospitals to submit certified statements by their chief financial officers or equivalent officials attesting that they have not increased charges or billings as a result of the assessments.

Effective date—2013 2nd sp.s. c 17: See note following RCW 74.60.005.