This chapter is adopted by the Washington state department of health to implement chapter 70.41 RCW and establish minimum health and safety requirements for the licensing, inspection, operation, maintenance, and construction of hospitals.

(1) Compliance with the regulations in this chapter does not constitute release from the requirements of applicable federal, state and local codes and ordinances. Where regulations in this chapter exceed other codes and ordinances, the regulations in this chapter will apply.

(2) The department will update or adopt references to codes and regulations in this chapter as necessary.