Enter Text Here

The Supreme Court is the final rule-making body for all other state courts. It administers the state court system and supervises certain activities of the Washington State Bar Association, including attorney discipline. The Court hears and rules upon cases argued on the appeal calendar, and reviews all cases in which the death penalty has been imposed.

The primary purpose of the Court of Appeals is to serve as the intermediary appellate court for the state of Washington in the adjudication of laws. Statutes give the Court exclusive appellate jurisdiction in almost all appeals from a lower court decision. Court rules require the Court to accept review of a final judgment entered in any action in Superior Court. The Court operates in three divisions in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane.

The Commission on Judicial Conduct was created by constitutional amendment as an independent agency of the judicial branch of government to review complaints concerning the ethical conduct of judges, state officers, and state employees of the judicial branch. The Commission, an 11-member body composed of judges, attorneys and representatives of the public, may impose sanctions, recommend disciplinary action, and issue decisions in the interest of both judicial independence and public accountability. Commission activities commence with a complaint from which follows a mandatory process involving four distinct constitutionally-required phases: preliminary investigation (96.1 percent of the complaints are resolved at this stage), initial proceedings (2.9 percent); public fact-finding hearing (.5 percent); and Supreme Court review (.5 percent) . The outcome at the end of each stage dictates whether further proceedings are necessary.

The Office of the Administrator for the Courts, operating under the direction of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is responsible for the execution of administrative policies and rules applicable to Washington State's judicial system. This court system includes the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, superior courts, and courts of limited jurisdiction. The office is responsible for the orderly collection and compilation of court statistics; operation of the judicial information system; training and education of judicial staff; and research, development, and administrative support for judicial staff.

The Office of Public Defense's duties are to implement the constitutional guarantee of counsel and to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of indigent appellate services.

The Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is an independent agency of the judicial branch of government. OCLA is responsible for ensuring indigent persons have access to the civil justice system. OCLA contracts for civil legal services for indigent persons and does not provide direct representation of clients. OCLA reports quarterly to the civil legal aid oversight committee and the Supreme Court's Access to Justice Board on the use of state funds for legal aid. It also reports biennially on the status of access to the civil justice system for low-income people eligible for state-funded legal aid.

The Sexually Violent Predator Unit (SVPU) protects the public by ensuring that the most dangerous and violent sexual predators in the state are detained, evaluated, and treated until they no longer meet Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) criteria. When a sexual offender is about to be released from confinement and appears to meet SVP criteria, the SVPU acts as the prosecuting agency to classify them as a SVP resulting in Civil commitment. Once committed, the SVPU oversees the extensive post-commitment responsibilities to ensure that SVPs are not being released before being rehabilitated. These responsibilities include appeals, annual reviews, less restrictive alternative placements, and re-commitment hearings and trials.

The Criminal Litigation Unit (CLU) investigates and prosecutes all levels of criminal cases when requested by the Governor or county prosecuting attorneys. The types of cases commonly handled by the CLU include homicide, sexual assault, multi-jurisdictional crime, white-collar crime, governmental corruption cases, environmental crimes, tax fraud cases on behalf of the Department of Revenue, licensing fraud on behalf of the Department of Licensing, insurance fraud on behalf of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, and fraudulent workers’ compensation claims and wage and hour violations on behalf of the Department of Labor and Industries. The CLU assists local prosecutors when they have a conflict of interest or need additional resources for major prosecutions. The CLU occasionally assumes responsibility for the appellate review of a criminal case that were originally brought by a county prosecutor if the case involves fundamental issues affecting the public interest and the administration of justice.

The Homicide Investigation Tracking System (HITS) system provides assistance to law enforcement by providing them with greater access to information, advice, and assistance resulting in enhanced and speedier investigation of violent crimes. As a result, suspects are pursued more quickly leading to better public protections.

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) is federally mandated and 75% federally funded for this investigative and prosecutorial unit staffed by Attorneys, Auditors, Investigators, Paralegals and support personnel. MFCU’s mission is to protect patients and taxpayers through civil (including qui tam action) and criminal law enforcement. MFCU investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers that illegally divert Medicaid funds. These enforcement efforts curtail and deter similar criminal activity and lead to recoveries for the state and federal government. MFCU also prosecutes the abuse and neglect of residents in Medicaid-funded facilities. MFCU provides valuable assistance to local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting crimes committed against vulnerable adults. MFCU helps coordinate the efforts of local vulnerable adult task forces, enforces the law, holds criminals accountable, increases public safety, deters fraud, and recovers money for the state. The addition of the Medicaid False Claims Act (FCA) in 2012 allows whistleblower qui tam actions. This increases MFCU’s capacity to aggressively combat fraud through civil and criminal means, benefits our state by expanding the AGO’s capacity to address fraud, neglect and abuse. This is essential as more Washingtonians become eligible for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and as more people are entering the long-term care system.

The AGO is committed to making our communities safer, and to support those who provide direct services to victims of crime, increase quality services for victims of crime in Washington State, protect victims' rights, and enhance public awareness. All Washingtonians have the right to fairness, dignity and respect.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is responsible for the incarceration of felony offenders. This population includes offenders sentenced to confinement for violent, sex, person, drug, and offenders receiving alternative sentences. The majority of resources are allocated for custody activities such as the transportation of offenders, operation and security of offender housing units, perimeter and access control, and security threat group monitoring and investigation. Prison-based production of goods as enterprise and job skills is reflected in this activity. Other items purchased through this activity include food service, laundry, clothing, and janitorial services; the administration of offender records; and routine maintenance and repairs to state-owned facilities and infrastructure.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is responsible for medical and dental services for incarcerated offenders. Resources dedicated to this activity allow the DOC to hire or contract for health services staff and to purchase the goods and services necessary to provide basic health services to offenders (such as on-site medical and dental) and off-site inpatient and outpatient services. These services consist of primary care scheduled visits, sick calls, outpatient medical clinic care, x-ray, lab, radiology, dental services, inpatient infirmary care, and risk management evaluations and assessments for the DOC and the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is responsible for supervising certain felony and gross misdemeanor offenders upon release or when completing a sentence in the community. These adult offenders may present high to low safety risks to communities as offenders qualify or earn release from jail and prison confinement. Resources are allocated for supervision activities/oversight that includes, but is not limited to, monitoring conditions of supervision, developing offender accountability plans, case planning, intervention activities, and violation hearings. The basic means of reporting is face-to-face contact and by kiosk, depending upon the offender's history of violence or the nature of current violation behavior. The DOC imposes swift and certain sanctions to reinforce expectations during the transition as offenders earn less restriction. The DOC collaborates with victims and stakeholders over accountability.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) must provide basic infrastructure services in support of the confinement, supervision, and rehabilitation of offenders. This activity includes such fundamental services as accounting, budgeting, contracting, purchasing, human resources, information technology, public disclosure, data and research, communications and agency administration

The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) makes a judicial determination of fitness for release and rehabilitation for offenders who committed their crimes before July 1984 per RCW 9.95.100. Certain sex offenders are under ISRB jurisdiction for crimes committed after August 2001. The statutory basis for consideration of their release is RCW 9.95.420.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) must provide basic infrastructure from services provided by other state agencies. This activity consolidates payments the DOC makes to other support services agencies. Funding supports department-wide services to include, but not limited to, self-insurance premiums, risk management, state human resources, information services, and other general administrative services. Service agencies include the Office of Financial Management, Consolidated Technology Services, Washington State Patrol, Secretary of State, Department of Enterprise Services, State Auditor’s Office, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of Administrative Hearings.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) provides programming to offenders based on an individual's identified risks and needs. Programming resources are allocated for evidenced based interventions designed specifically to address underlying criminogenic behaviors, thoughts and actions to reduce recidivism and increase pro-social behavior, thereby changing adult offenders’ propensity to reoffend. Interventions include adult education, sex offender and chemical dependency treatment, and cognitive behavioral interventions. To ensure that offenders receive the correct program dosage and sequence, validated assessment tools and quality assurance measures for program fidelity are utilized. Offender change programs and activities cut across the continuum from entry into prison through release to the community, and community supervision.

Investigate and ensure that only qualified applicants participate in gambling activities and the funding for gambling activities are from legitimate sources.

Ensure gambling activities are operated legally and honestly by conducting proactive inspections.

In cooperation with the tribes, compacts are negotiated so that gambling is conducted legally and honestly. The Commission provides training, testing of gambling equipment, licensing, certification, regulation and investigations.

Investigate crimes that involve gambling or have a nexus to gambling.

The Forensic Investigations Council is composed of law enforcement personnel and pathologists. The Council reviews, recommends, and promotes improvements to the criminal justice and death investigation systems in Washington State. In conjunction with the University of Washington, the Council monitors the operations of the State Toxicology Laboratory and manages a State Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program. In addition, the Council reviews and monitors the budgets of the State Toxicology Laboratory and the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory, and appoints the State Toxicologist. (Death Investigations Account-State)

Pilots in the Aviation Section provide a rapid air response to citizen reports of possible drunk drivers and conduct proactive aerial traffic enforcement patrols to locate, track, and coordinate the apprehension of impaired, reckless, and aggressive drivers in support of Target Zero goals. Pilots also provide assistance to agency staff and local jurisdictions with drug enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security, natural disasters, and aerial surveillance. The section facilitates the transport of donor organs and blood supplies in medical emergencies. The section also provides air transportation for the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor.

Agency Administration provides the services that support effective direction and management of the agency. These services include overall management and leadership, strategic policy development and research, risk management and government relations. It also includes the core services of human resources, training, facility and fleet management, purchasing/inventory, budgeting, accounting, contracting and information technology support. Administration costs are supported by all programs and fund sources, through a combination of direct appropriation and indirect charges and represent those management activities that guide the entire agency in achieving its public safety mission.

The Collision Records Section is the repository for statewide officer and civilian collision reports, compiling statistical data for the Washington State departments of Transportation and Licensing. The section provides copies of the Police Traffic Collision Report and the Vehicle Collision Report to eligible persons, upon application and submission of a non-refundable fee to process the application.

This activity includes the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section, Motor Carrier Safety Assistance and New Entrants Programs, School Bus Inspection Program, Compliance and Review Section, Tow Truck Inspection Unit, and Equipment and Standards Review. These programs promote the safe travel of commercial vehicles and school buses on Washington State highways through education, technical assistance, and enforcement activities. This activity also includes participation on the Fuel Tax Evasion Task Force, which works to educate the public and industry on the fuel tax laws; investigates suspected fuel tax evasion; and pursues prosecution of fuel tax evaders.

The Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory Division operates full-service crime laboratories in Seattle, Tacoma, Marysville, Spokane, Vancouver, and limited-service crime laboratories in Kennewick, Tumwater and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Laboratory in Seattle. The laboratories provide forensic services for criminal justice agencies within the state and are accredited through the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD). Forensic laboratory services include biochemistry of body fluids; examination of firearms/toolmarks; microanalysis of trace evidence; analysis of physical evidence; chemical analysis of evidence and controlled substances; examination of questioned documents; latent fingerprint identification; crime scene assistance; clandestine laboratory assistance; and training for criminal justice agencies.

This activity includes the management and operation of the statewide law enforcement telecommunications system, A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System (ACCESS), and the Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC). ACCESS provides telecommunications linkage to law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, and associated state databases. It allows contact with agencies nationwide through the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System and access to National Crime Information Center files. The WACIC is a computerized database of stolen property, wanted persons, missing persons, and other information of interest to law enforcement officers and criminal justice agencies throughout the state. The Identification and Criminal History Section is the repository for statewide fingerprint-based criminal history record information and sex/kidnapping offender registration. Other services include technical fingerprint assistance and help in identifying unknown persons.

This activity provides security for the Governor, the Governor's family, and under limited circumstances, the Lieutenant Governor. Executive Protection personnel also provide law enforcement and visitor security services at the Capitol Campus. Executive Services Section staff also provide protection and services for the Department of Labor and Industries.

This activity includes administration of the Fire Protection Bureau and the All Risk Mobilization program. Per statute, the Fire Protection Bureau has the critical responsibility to prevent the loss of life and property for the citizens across the state. Primary activities include providing critical response resources to local jurisdictions facing extraordinary emergency incidents such as wildland fires; developing, managing and updating the Mobilization Plan (Plan); and implementing the Plan during large scale emergencies. Implementing the Plan includes receiving, reviewing and authorizing requests for mobilization, coordinating the dispatch of resources, tracking the use of resources for payments, making the payments, and auditing the payments to ensure all funds were used appropriately. Plan implementation also requires selected personnel to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Highway Traffic Enforcement includes field force commissioned officers who patrol state highways in eight districts across Washington State. Troopers are responsible for enforcing traffic laws, investigating collisions, assisting motorists, and providing a safe motoring environment on over 17,500 miles of state highway. This activity also includes oversight of the Aviation Section, Canine Unit, Explosives Unit and the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard.

The Impaired Driving activity includes the Breath Test and Drug Evaluation and Classification Programs of the Washington State Patrol. The Breath Test Program manages and maintains all evidentiary breath-testing instruments in the state and provides all re-certification training. The section provides statistical data and analysis related to driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement and provides expert witness testimony on the breath alcohol testing program. Drug recognition experts in the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program are trained to recognize the symptoms of intoxication for seven different categories of drugs, using a 12-step standardized process to identify drug impairment. The State Patrol provides specialized training in these skills to troopers and officers from local law enforcement agencies.

The Investigative Assistance Division provides investigative coordination, support, and training that fosters a collaborative response to criminal activity in Washington State. The Narcotics Section provides ongoing drug investigation training for the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and local clandestine laboratory teams, monitoring the progress of federally-funded task forces throughout the state. The Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) responds to tactical incidents and clandestine drug labs with highly trained personnel who execute search warrants, arrest suspects, and process evidence for criminal prosecution. The Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) provides assistance to criminal justice agencies with complex criminal investigations, as well as training to troopers, sergeants, and local law enforcement agencies on gang enforcement and trends. The Computer Forensics Unit provides technical support and training to criminal justice agencies, and recovers relevant evidence that may exist on computer hard drives and other storage media for use in related criminal and internal investigations.

This activity includes the management and operation of the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force, a multi-agency task force that assists law enforcement, state and federal agencies, and custodial parents or guardians by conducting investigations on missing, abducted, and exploited children through referrals, on-site assistance, case management, and training. The Missing Children Clearinghouse coordinates the exchange of information among law enforcement agencies, citizens, schools, the Department of Social and Health Services, and other interested groups regarding the location and return of missing children. The Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit maintains dental data and other descriptive data on persons reported missing for longer than 30 days and unidentified human remains.

This activity is directed by statute to provide critical fire and life safety programs to prevent the loss of life and property. Activities include delivery of regular and specialized fire service training and certification at the state Fire Training Academy in North Bend as well as training sites across the state. Funding is provided to local jurisdictions to assist with the cost of basic firefighter training. Additional activities include licensing and certifying the fire sprinkler, fireworks and cigarette industries, and conducting appropriate enforcement action; conducting life safety inspections of hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, boarding homes, and child daycare centers; and providing hazardous materials response training and technical assistance to the public and other state agencies.

The Washington State Toxicology Laboratory performs drug and alcohol testing for all coroners, medical examiners, police agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and the Liquor Control Board. The laboratory receives over 8,000 cases each year, of which approximately half are police cases involving driving under the influence (DUI), sexual assaults, and death investigations. The other half is coroner/medical examiner casework that supports counties. Each toxicologist tests about 1,000 samples each year and spends one to two days each week in court testifying in DUI-related cases.

The Criminal Investigation Division conducts investigations into vehicular homicides, vehicular assaults, felony hit-and-run, auto thefts, crimes on the Capitol Campus, and threats against elected officials. It provides investigative follow-up to all felony crimes discovered by uniformed line troopers, allowing troopers to return to their primary traffic enforcement duties. The Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team is a joint effort of the Crime Laboratory Division, the Criminal Investigation Division, and the Identification Section, providing comprehensive investigative services at crime scenes at the request of any law enforcement agency in the state.

Staff in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Section conduct physical inspections on vehicles that have been rebuilt after being destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance company. The section also performs physical inspections as required on vehicles reported stolen, homemade vehicles, vehicles without a proper VIN, or in any VIN discrepancy.

The Homeland Security Division provides enhanced security for state ferries and terminals in Washington. A security plan was developed by the Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to comply with the U.S. Coast Guard Security Level 1 and 2 regulatory requirements. In order to meet concerns associated with possible terrorist activities on state ferries and to comply with the WSDOT security plan, the WSP deploys explosive detection canine and handler teams and provides electronic surveillance of public access areas in vessels and terminals.

The Communications Division operates a 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year statewide emergency communications system. There are eight communication centers throughout the state. The division provides emergency dispatch services for the Washington State Patrol and 18 other State, Federal, and Tribal agencies on a contract basis including Department of Fish and Wildlife, Liquor Control Board, State Parks and the U.S. Marshal.

The administrative activity supports agency functions by providing leadership, strategic planning, and operational coordination for Criminal Justice Training Commission training statewide. Administration manages the agency's long-term financial health; provides information to support sound decision making and resource management by managers, and administers the Peace Officer Certification Program; serves as liaison to the state Legislature, local governments, and criminal justice jurisdictions, Indian tribes, and citizen groups; provides comprehensive human resource services; oversees information management facility and vehicle management; maintains the agency's centralized records and library resources; responds to public records requests; and provides mail services.

The state of Washington accomplishes its initial certification of all full-time peace officers through training at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. State law mandates that all officers, deputies, and agents must begin basic training within six months of hiring by their respective agencies. The Academy’s 720-hour curriculum covers all facets of training, including criminal law, criminal procedures, patrol procedures, crisis management, communication, community policing, ethics, defensive tactics, traffic, and firearms. Clients include all municipal police departments and county sheriff's offices, four-year college and university police departments, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington State Gambling Commission, and the Liquor Control Board.

The Corrections Division provides state-mandated, initial entry-level training for new institutional and community corrections workers for state, county, and local jurisdictions. Training is intended for personnel who provide for the custody, safety, and security of adult and juvenile prisoners in jails and detention facilities, as well as for personnel who manage cases of offenders in the community on probation or parole. Approximately 1,000 students are trained annually in the Correction Officer, Adult Services, Juvenile Security Workers, and Juvenile Services Academies. This training is mandated by state law to meet minimum essential initial training for persons contributing to public safety by dealing properly with offenders in custody or in the community.

State funding is provided to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, an organization that addresses common problems involved in the delivery of executive and management services to public law enforcement agencies, for the Uniform Crime Reporting Section. This section is responsible for four major statistical projects: Uniform Crime Reporting, Incident Based Reporting, Hate/Bias Crime Reporting, and Domestic Violence Reporting. Databases are maintained to record information on various crimes and used to provide statistical reports to the criminal justice community, Legislature, media, researchers, students, and private citizens. These databases also assist law enforcement as an investigative tool. WASPC is required to act as the permanent repository of records of investigative reports prepared by all law enforcement agencies in the state pertaining to sex offenders or sexually violent offenses. Funding is also provided to WASPC for a project in which maps of schools will be available electronically to emergency services personnel.

The Development, Training, and Standards Division is responsible for developing and administering training across the law enforcement and corrections spectrum. This includes curriculum and instructor development for recruit training through specialized tactics and investigations, and leadership training for first-level supervision, middle management, and executive management personnel. Recruit, leadership, and other specialized requirements are mandated by state law and must be completed within the allotted timelines as a condition of maintaining a specific position or rank. It is critical that law enforcement and corrections supervisors, managers, and executives receive advanced training after basic academy training. Examples of other instruction include domestic violence training, sexual assault investigation, crime scene investigation, planning and conducting special operations, coroners training, and training to defense and municipal attorneys. The division also sets and enforces standards of annual in-service training and audits agencies for compliance.

Prosecuting attorneys and their staff fall within the purview of the Commission. In accordance with an agreement between the Commission and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (WAPA), WAPA is responsible for the full and complete administration and conduct of training programs for prosecuting attorneys, deputy prosecuting attorneys, and their support personnel. In addition to training, WAPA is responsible for the development and maintenance of manuals. (Public Safety and Education Account-State)

The Auto Theft Prevention Authority allocates money placed in the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority Account to establish, maintain, and support programs designed to prevent motor vehicle theft. These programs will provide financial support to proesecution agencies to increase the effectiveness of motor vehicle theft prosecution; to units of local government for increased effectiveness of motor vehicle theft enforcement; for the procurement of equipment and technologies for use by law enforcement agencies in enforcing motor vehicle theft laws; and for programs designed to educate and assist the public in the prevention of motor vehicle theft. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs will administer the Auto Theft Prevention Authority.

The Traffic Safety Commission promotes information and education campaigns related to traffic safety; coordinates development of statewide and local safety activities; and promotes uniform enforcement of traffic safety laws. Commission staff collects and analyzes traffic safety-related data to assist in targeting efforts to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries. Staff also conducts research to define problem areas, identify and evaluate solutions, and track progress. State traffic safety goals are established each year, and public opinion and behavior surveys are conducted annually. The Commission provides grants to state and local agencies to support innovative projects to improve traffic safety. It administers the School Zone Safety Account which provides for enforcement activities, community and school district projects, and educational programs to improve traffic safety in school zones throughout the state.

Department of Health administration manages the day-to-day operations and leadership functions of the agency. Staff in this area provides executive leadership, policy development and review, financial services, computer and information technology services, personnel services, communications, performance management and quality improvement, internal audit, and safety and emergency management support for the agency's programs.

Prevention is the cornerstone of public health. The Department of Health works through many channels to provide public health promotion resources, materials, and evidence-based strategies to educate and inform the public on how to be healthy and prevent disease. The Department provides technical assistance in community planning with the goal of making the healthy choice the easy choice. Activities include tobacco prevention and control; promotion of regular physical activity and proper nutrition; chronic disease prevention and disease management strategies; cancer prevention and control; and cardiovascular disease prevention and control.

The Drinking Water program works with the State Board of Health, local water systems, and communities to make sure that drinking water is safe and reliable. Activities include monitoring water quality tests; conducting inspections of water systems; enforcing regulations and safety measures; assisting water systems during planning, design, and construction of new facilities and upgrades; training and certifying water system operators; and providing funding for water system improvements.

Public health agencies play a key role in making sure our communities are prepared for emergencies. The Department of Health works with local health departments, hospitals, emergency managers, and others to help prepare our state for everything from natural disasters to bioterrorism threats. The Department coordinates the development of state, regional, and local public health emergency response plans as part of this work. The agency also works with emergency responders and others to provide training and exercises on topics such as mass vaccination and risk communication. The Department is improving preparedness in Washington State through a variety of activities including facilitating local, regional, state, and tribal partnerships, public education campaigns and activities, and building systems to quickly share health information.

The Department of Health works with public health partners and businesses to protect the community from hazards in the environment by educating the public about how to make and keep their environment safe and healthy; developing environmental public health standards for septic systems and swimming pools; conducting environmental surveillance and technical assistance to help the public prevent disease spread by animals; monitoring sources of radiation, radioactive materials, and radioactive waste; providing resources to clean areas that have been contaminated by dangerous materials; monitoring and preventing pesticide-related illness; and helping communities minimize or eliminate exposure to contaminants in the environment.

The Department of Health helps make sure that food served in restaurants and other businesses is safe to eat. The Department ensures that shellfish harvested from Washington waters is also safe to eat. Activities include monitoring local waters and beaches where shellfish grow for pollution and harmful toxins; developing public health standards for the safe sale and service of food; educating food service workers and the public on proper food safety; inspecting commercial shellfish companies; and investigating and controlling outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.

The Department of Health maintains an active partnership and continuous communication with public health decision-makers at the local, state, and federal level. Coordinated response is essential in responding to widespread disease threats, negotiating policy and budget objectives for health improvement and assuring that information can flow across county lines or to other health partners. Activities include providing resources for emergency medical and trauma services; promoting access to healthcare in rural communities; increasing electronic communications between the Department, local health partners, hospitals, and emergency responders; coordinating response to emerging health issues with federal, state, and local partners; offering certified copies of birth, death, divorce, and marriage records to the public; building and supporting information networks to provide data that helps people make good decisions about public health. Blue Ribbon Commission and Local Capacity Development Funds distributed to local jurisdictions are an essential source of support to assure a minimum level of public health services everywhere in the state and are primarily used to address issues pertaining to communicable disease, maternal and child health, immunizations and community health assessments.

Working with many state and local partners, the Department of Health promotes healthy behaviors and the use of preventive health services. The agency promotes regular health checkups for everyone and prenatal care and education for parents. Some of the agency's most important work is to distribute vaccines for children and investigate and control vaccine-preventable disease. The agency provides health promotion materials and consultation on the best strategies; provides nutrition and health education for pregnant women; and helps thousands of state residents by providing healthy food through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The Department of Health supports family planning/reproductive health services for women, men, and teens; linking children and families to health services; and providing programs to prevent injuries.

The Department of Health's Public Health Laboratories serve the people of our state by providing accurate and timely laboratory results. The laboratories' broad spectrum of tests are available to local health agencies, Department of Health programs, and the state's health care and emergency response system. During an emergency response, testing services are available 24/7 or on an as needed basis. The laboratories provide a broad range of tests including those that look for communicable disease, shellfish poisoning, foodborne illnesses, health issues in newborn babies, and contamination of air, water, and food that may endanger human health.

The State Board of Health is housed within the Department of Health but works independently to understand and prevent disease across the entire population. The Board adopts rules that protect the public’s health and guide many public health functions, including newborn screening, food safety, public water systems, and immunizations for school and child care entry. The Board also serves as a public forum and works with many public and private partners to develop public health regulations and policy. The Board assists the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities in developing a state action plan to eliminate health disparities by race/ethnicity and gender.

All people in Washington State deserve to have access to competent and safe, quality healthcare. The Department's programs work to build and maintain systems so that people in all parts of the state can access healthcare. Programs include: a specialized emergency medical services and trauma care system that sets standards and works with hospitals and ambulance/aid services to ensure that the critically ill and injured get timely, high quality and appropriate care; Indian health planning, providing technical assistance to help address health disparities in this population; rural healthcare systems development and health professional shortage area designations, providing federal funding and technical assistance to hospitals and medical services to help maintain and improve care in rural communities. The Department of Health assists communities to recruit and retain physicians, dentists, and nurses in rural and underserved parts of the state.

Patient and consumer safety are among the Department of Health's top priorities. The Department works to ensure that health care providers and facilities comply with health, safety, and professional standards through licensing, investigation, and disciplinary activities. The Department collaborates with health profession boards, commissions and committees to regulate care by providers. The Department of Health provides information to health care facilities, health care professionals, and consumers that allows them to make informed decisions.

The Department of Health works with many partners to protect people from communicable and infectious disease. The agency educates the public on ways to stay healthy and avoid contracting and spreading communicable and infectious disease. It monitors and tracks disease trends as well as the rate and frequency of infectious disease. State health programs pay for drugs and limited medical care for HIV clients and works with local health agencies to investigate disease outbreaks. The Department also works to prevent and reduce the spread of communicable and infectious disease.

The Department of Health is required as a state agency to make payments to other agencies for certain statewide, central service operation costs. These payments are mandatory and are billed to the department based on either the department’s actual service usage or a statewide allocation method. . These charges include but are not limited to payments for use or support for the following: auditing from the State Auditor’s Office; archive services and storage from Secretary of State; personnel services and personnel systems; financial systems; state data center; network and security from Department of Enterprise Services; and risk management from the Office of Financial Management.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Administrative Services unit provides legislative, stakeholder, public, and federal Veterans' Administration (VA) coordination for the department. It is also the center of strategic planning and provides centralized support for all of the department's products and services, including budget, accounting, and payroll services; human resources; and publications and information services.

DVA operates veterans’ homes in Spokane, Retsil, and Orting, with a combined residential capacity of 575. These facilities offer skilled nursing and long-term care for honorably discharged veterans (and some spouses) who are or may likely become disabled and medically indigent. At Orting, domiciliary services (independent living) is also provided. The homes use an interdisciplinary team approach to providing nursing, clinic, rehabilitative therapy, therapeutic activity, and social services. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the cost for these services is recovered from federal and local sources.

The Veterans Disability and Claims Support program delivers critical services to the state's vulnerable veteran population living in both urban and rural areas. This network provides advocacy services and representation to ensure that veterans and their family members are able to understand and navigate the complicated federal system. The role of the federal Veterans' Administration is to adjudicate; it does not provide community claims support. DVA operates a statewide network that includes 34 contracted professional licensed war trauma counselors and 100 contracted service officers to provide disability claims services.

The Veterans' community-based program incorporates an agency division and a statewide network of veteran groups that perform veteran outreach and reintegration services. Outreach includes claims assistance, financial assistance, homeless prevention, incarcerated veteran reintegration, estate management, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, and conservation corps participation.

The Executive Management Team and administrative functions support all of the activities of the department. The range of services/support includes executive oversight and direction, policy development, strategic planning, public disclosure, records management, quality initiatives, budgeting, accounting services, procurement, inventory control, risk management, information technology/telecommunications, and human resource management.

The Emergency Management Division (EMD) manages public information, educational and outreach programs that support local and state preparedness, and readiness initiatives. These programs engage businesses, the public, non-profit organizations, local governments, and state agencies to prepare for emergencies or disasters, and to respond and recover with minimal disruption. Objectives of these programs are to enhance public knowledge of the hazards they face; instruct the public on how to prepare, and the correct actions to take during and after a disaster; and ensure state and local government essential emergency services remain available, which reduces the impact of disasters and emergencies on the people, economy, environment, and property in Washington. Military Support to Civil Authorities is a key component of this function and the National Guard readiness to assist in disasters is a core mission of the agency. Nearly 90 percent of all federal non-disaster related grants managed by the EMD are passed through to local jurisdictions to enhance their preparedness and response programs.

The Emergency Management Division (EMD) manages and maintains the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), to effectively communicate and coordinate action with state agencies and local jurisdictions for effective response during an emergency. The State Alert and Warning Center, located in the state EOC, is a central point of contact for incident notification and information dissemination (24 hours a day, 365 days a year), which begins the state response to emergencies. The state EOC requires trained staff and effective and redundant communication and information systems to coordinate with and assist local jurisdictions and state agencies during emergencies and disasters. Local jurisdiction governments collect and process information from multiple sources and communicate status to the state EOC, which allows the state to coordinate state agency response and recovery actions (including resource assignment) and request assistance from the federal government when necessary. EMD administers federal disaster relief funds after a federal declaration of major disaster or emergency and coordinates the state recovery efforts. Over 90 percent of funds managed by the activity are passed through to local jurisdictions to enhance their preparedness and response programs.

The Enhanced 911 (E-911) program works with other state agencies, counties, and communications companies to ensure that residents of the state of Washington have access to emergency assistance through an enhanced 911 system. The E-911 state coordinator has the responsibility to provide oversight of statewide 911 wire line and wireless systems including working with national and state regulators, establishing statewide performance standards, influencing national standards, and establishing rules and policies for reimbursement of 911 expenses. Assistance includes the following areas: network, technical, database/GIS, national issues, financial, operations, training, administration, accessibility, contingency planning, wireless, and public education. Over 90 percent of the Enhanced 911 funds received by the Military Department are passed through or provide direct support to local jurisdictions E-911 systems.

The Military Department Emergency Management Division (EMD) coordinates and manages educational and outreach programs that support hazard mitigation. Objectives of these programs are to enhance public knowledge of the hazards they face, and encourage homeowners, private businesses, non-profit organizations, and state and local governments to take appropriate hazard mitigation measures. These activities reduce the impact of hazards on the people, economy, environment, and property in Washington. EMD develops and coordinates the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is required to maintain eligibility for Federal Disaster Relief funds. EMD also assists local jurisdictions develop hazard mitigation plans, which makes them eligible to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation grant funding opportunities.

The Military Department is responsible for a variety of facility management functions which include facility operations and maintenance, facility planning and capital budget development, property management services, security services, and environmental management for all facilities and properties under the jurisdiction of the agency. These management functions cover a wide range of activities such as routine maintenance, repair, and daily caretaker services that preserve existing facilities to ensure the National Guard and the Military Department have well maintained and operational facilities from which to operate and to respond to an emergency or major disaster. The security force provides security to Camp Murray and provides for the protection of state officials, including the Governor, while at Camp Murray during times of emergency.

The Military Department’s Security Services provides personnel and equipment for force protection for all staff, facility, and equipment security statewide. This program is a key component of the agency’s anti-terrorism plan. Services are provided through armed security personnel; a vehicle and employee pass and identification program; electronic monitoring and surveillance; and an extensive facility lock/key program. In addition to routine security functions, the Military Department also has responsibilities under the state's continuity of government plan for protection of state officials while at Camp Murray during times of emergency.

Administration encompasses the executive and general administrative oversight of the agency. Functions in this area include: executive leadership, financial management, employee services, facilities, legal support, and administrative support.

Direct Operations represents those activities where there is direct contact with clients, enrollees, and/or providers in the delivery of benefits or the development of policy that impacts benefits. Functions in this area include: eligibility determination, coordination of benefits, call center operations, claims processing, pre-authorization review, hearings and appeals, program integrity, provider and hospital rate development, healthcare benefits and utilization management, and quality and care management..

Information technology provides support for daily operations, ProviderOne System maintenance and enhancement efforts, the Health Information Technology (HIT) project, and other IT based projects.

This represents payments made to a Third Party Administrators to provide benefits to members (Uniform Medical and Dental) and costs associated with the Voluntary Employee Benefit Account (VEBA) and the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) programs.

This represents costs and workload driven by the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The federally funded waiver program provides family planning services. Services include annual exams, birth control, emergency contraception, and limited testing for sexually transmitted infections.

Healthcare coverage is provided for children who are not eligible for Medicaid because their families do not meet medical income eligibility criteria or are unable to qualify for other reasons.

Limited healthcare coverage is provided via state funding for clients who are not covered by Medicaid. Programs include Kidney Disease and Alien Emergency Medical.

Healthcare is provided to Medicaid clients via the Apple Health managed care program. This activity also includes wrap around services that are paid for on a fee for service basis for these clients.

Federally mandated healthcare services are provided for Medicaid clients who are not in the state’s Apple Health managed care program. Clients include families and children eligible to receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF); families and individuals terminated from TANF because they have increased earnings or hours of employment or Social Security Disability Insurance income; individuals who are ineligible for TANF because of requirements that do not apply to Medicaid; eligible pregnant women and their newborns; individuals receiving Social Security Income or those eligible to receive mandatory state supplements; and children in foster care or adoption support. Mandatory services for eligible clients include inpatient and outpatient hospital care, rural health clinic services, nursing home services for clients 21 years or older (other than those in mental hospitals or institutions for the developmentally disabled), Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) health care program for children, and physician care.

Optional healthcare services are provided for Medicaid clients who are not in the state’s Apple Health managed care program. Federal regulations allow states to cover optional services such as laboratory and X-ray services, hearing, dental, and vision care under Medicaid, as long as those services are listed in the state plan. Medicaid services are provided to those children who do not qualify under the federal mandatory guidelines, but live in families with incomes that fall within the State's criteria as a percentage of the federal poverty level. This activity also includes family planning clinics and pass- through dollars to school health services, school districts, Indian Nations, etc.