The Quality Medical Assurance Commission, established under the Washington State Department of Health, heard testimony on June 3rd on proposed WAC 246-919-601 on Safe and Effective Analgesia and Anesthesia Administration.  Previous hearings were held on this section of Washington State law, but the primary purpose of the June 3rd hearing was to listen to arguments relating to a proposal about accrediting abortion clinics.  The proposed change in law would allow Planned Parenthood of America or the National Abortion Federation to certify and bestow accreditation on abortion facilities, including those run by Planned Parenthood.

Of particular concern in the WAC was the section stating that in lieu of accreditation by the Joint Commission, the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “…facilities limiting office-based surgery to abortions or abortion-related services may be accredited or certified by either the Planned Parenthood Federation of America or the National Abortion Federation.”

The Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) offered testimony stating that the purpose of accreditation of medical facilities was to ensure that the health and safety of those who are being treated is protected.  To allow a facility to obtain a “stamp of approval” from its own organization injects a totally new concept into the meaning of accreditation.  The public needs objective inquiry of abortion service providers in order to ensure compliance with actual standards.  Self-accreditation appears to create a potential conflict of interest, and could set a precedent for allowing other facilities to self-accredit.

WSCC requested that the Quality Medical Assurance Commission require that facilities providing abortion services be accredited by an independent accrediting body.  The request was denied; the WAC was approved and will be adopted by the Department of Health.