(1) To obtain department approval of a program, an authorized representative of the health care entity shall submit to the department a completed application on forms provided by the department. A completed application must include at least the following:

(a) A table of contents clearly denoting, at a minimum, where each component specified in WAC 246-50-020 is located within the program plan;

(b) A program plan with detailed description of every aspect of the program including every component of the program required under WAC 246-50-020;

(c) The fee specified in WAC 246-50-990; and

(d) Other information as may be required by the department.

(2) The department may grant or deny approval of an application. If an application is denied, the health care entity may modify and resubmit its application or request a brief adjudicative proceeding according to RCW 34.05.482.

(3) A health care entity that maintains a department-approved program must renew every five years after the date of initial approval. An application for renewal must meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section. A program remains approved during the renewal process. A health care entity must apply for renewal on or before the original expired due date, unless it has received written confirmation from the department that the applicant may apply at a later date. Failure to apply for renewal will mean that the approval is expired and no longer valid. A health care entity that does not apply for renewal and the approval expires must reapply for the initial department approval by meeting the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.

(4) The department may grant or deny approval or application for renewal. If an application for renewal is denied, the health care entity may modify and resubmit its application or request a brief adjudicative proceeding according to RCW 34.05.482. A program remains approved while an application for renewal is under review, including the time that a health care entity may use to modify and resubmit its application for renewal, until the adjudicative process is exhausted, or the health care entity indicates it does not intend to seek renewal.