Cross-Disciplinary Legal Statutes

Vital Records Statutes

This group of statutes and rules establishes the legal framework for recording and maintaining vital records in Washington State, including births, deaths, and related events. They ensure that accurate, timely, and standardized data is collected and reported, which is essential for public health tracking, legal documentation, and identity verification. These provisions also support data integrity, fraud prevention, and consistent reporting practices across the state.

  • RCW 70.58A.070 (Mandatory use of prescribed forms, reporting of data required for registration)
  • RCW 70.58A.100 (Live birth of child of known parentage—Reporting and registration requirements)
  • RCW 70.58A.110 (Live birth of child of unknown parentage—Reporting and registration requirements)
  • RCW 70.58A.200 (reports of death – filing and registration requirements)
  • RCW 70.58A.210 (Final disposition of human remains—Issuance of burial-transit and disinterment permits)
  • RCW 70.58A.570 (Duty of local registrar to submit monthly reports—Duty of state registrar to periodically test and audit fraud prevention procedures)
  • WAC 246-490-069 (Birth certificate to be filed for foundling child)
  • WAC 246-490-100 (Reporting of pregnancy terminations)
  • WAC 246-490-200 (Electronic reporting of deaths)

Radiological Equipment

These statutes govern the safe use, licensing, and regulation of radiological equipment and sources of ionizing radiation. Their primary purpose is to protect public health and safety by minimizing exposure to harmful radiation, while ensuring that facilities and operators meet established standards. They also outline permitting requirements, oversight processes, and prohibited uses to maintain safe and responsible operation.

  • RCW 70A.388.050 (Rules and regulations—Licensing requirements and procedure—Notice of license application—Objections—Notice upon granting of license—Registration of sources of ionizing radiation—Exemptions from registration or licensing
  • RCW 70A.388.060 (User permit system—Fees—Indemnify and hold state harmless—Adoption of rules)
  • RCW 70A.388.170 (Prohibited uses)

Handling of Human Remains

These rules provide guidance on the safe, respectful, and sanitary handling of human remains. They establish standards for storage, transportation, and final disposition methods, including burial, cremation, and newer alternatives such as alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction. The regulations also define the role of local health officers in oversight, ensuring that public health risks are minimized while maintaining dignity and respect for the deceased.