Providence Health & Services—Washington v. Department of Health

¶1 — UWMC applied for a certificate of need to add 79 acute care beds to its Seattle facility. The traditional numeric methodology did not demonstrate need. However, the Department’s certificate of need program approved the application. The HLJ upheld this approval, reasoning that an alternative methodology, “Criterion 2,” showed a need for additional beds. This appeal challenges the review officer’s subsequent decision that it was proper to utilize Criterion 2 and that it was properly applied. We affirm.

BACKGROUND

¶2 The State Health Planning and Resources Development Act, chapter 70.38 RCW,…