(1) If a person intends to convert a licensed nursing home building into a licensed assisted living facility, the building must meet all assisted living facility licensing requirements specified in this chapter and chapter 18.20 RCW unless the licensee has a contract with the department to provide enhanced adult residential care services in the assisted living facility per RCW 18.20.220.

(2) If the licensee provides contracted enhanced adult residential care services in the building converted from a licensed nursing home into a licensed assisted living facility, the assisted living facility licensing requirements for the physical structure are considered to be met if the most recent nursing home inspection report for the nursing home building demonstrates compliance, and compliance is maintained, with safety standards and fire regulations:

(a) As required by RCW 18.51.140; and

(b) Specified in the applicable building code, as required by RCW 18.51.145, including any waivers that may have been granted, except that the licensee must ensure the building meets the licensed assisted living facility standards, or their functional equivalency, for:

(i) Resident to bathing fixture ratio required per WAC 388-78A-3030;

(ii) Resident to toilet ratio required per WAC 388-78A-3030;

(iii) A call system required per WAC 388-78A-2930;

(iv) Resident room door closures; and

(v) Resident room windows required per WAC 388-78A-3010.

(3) If the licensee does not continue to provide contracted enhanced adult residential care services in the assisted living facility converted from a licensed nursing home, the licensee must meet all assisted living facility licensing requirements specified in this chapter and chapter 18.20 RCW.