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Last updated:  March 19, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I check the current status of any licensed, registered or certified health care provider (includes health care facilities, hotels/motels, and migrant farmworker housing)?

• How do I contact local health departments?

• How do I obtain a Washington Food and Beverage Services Worker's Permit?

• Who do I contact if I have a complaint about a restaurant or food service provider?

• How do I order vital records, birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates?

• How do I make a complaint about a health professional or hospital?

• How do I get immunization "shot" records?

• Do people have a right to get copies of their medical records?
   

• How do I obtain a Washington Food and Beverage Services Worker's Permit?

These are issued by local health departments/districts, a test is required and there is a small fee.

• Who do I contact if I have a complaint about a restaurant or food service provider?

Complaints are handled by the local health department/district where the restaurant or food service establishment is located.

• How do I make a complaint about a health professional or hospital?

To make a complaint against a health professional, call, the Department of Health at (360) 236-4700.

To make a complaint against a facility, call the Department of Health at 1-800-633-6828 or for Spanish call 1-800-832-8822.

Link to list of professions and facilities regulated by the Department of Health.

• How do I get immunization "shot" records?

People are surprised to learn that, presently, there is no centralized computer that maintains immunization records. To get immunization records you need to obtain the records from the physician, medical center, or local health jurisdiction that provided the immunizations.

• Do people have a right to get copies of their medical records?

Yes. However, the Department of Health, a different agency, only has jurisdiction over what fees providers may set for charging for copies of medical records. This is adjusted based on changes in the consumer price index. The providers don’t have to release the medical records until they are paid for the copies. Providers may charge a $21 clerical fee for searching and handling records, 91 cents per page for first 30 pages, and 69 cents per page for pages after that. If you have trouble getting a provider to release the copies, the civil remedies are within the court system. See RCW 70.02 for the law. The civil remedies are in 70.02.170. If a provider refuses to provide copies under this law, then an unprofessional conduct complaint may be in order. See complaint information above.

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All of the information provided is believed to be accurate and reliable, however, the Washington State Board of Health (SBOH) assumes no responsibility for any errors appearing in rules or otherwise. Further, SBOH assumes no responsibility for the use of the information provided. Unless otherwise noted on an individual document, file, home page, or the like, SBOH grants permission to copy and distribute the files, documents, and information provided for non-commercial use, so long as they are copied and distributed in the format provided.