Wash. Rev. Code » Title 70 · Chapter 70.05
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 70.05.050 (2026)

Local health officer—Qualifications—Employment of personnel—Salary and expenses

✓ current as of May 2026
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The local health officer shall be an experienced physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in this state and who is qualified or provisionally qualified in accordance with the standards prescribed in RCW 70.05.051 through 70.05.055 to hold the office of local health officer. No term of office shall be established for the local health officer but the local health officer shall not be removed until after notice is given, and an opportunity for a hearing before the board or official responsible for his or her appointment under this section as to the reason for his or her removal. The local health officer shall act as executive secretary to, and administrative officer for the local board of health and shall also be empowered to employ such technical and other personnel as approved by the local board of health except where the local board of health has appointed an administrative officer under RCW 70.05.040. The local health officer shall be paid such salary and allowed such expenses as shall be determined by the local board of health. In home rule counties that are part of a health district under this chapter and chapter 70.46 RCW the local health officer and administrative officer shall be appointed by the local board of health.
[ 1996 c 178 s 19; 1995 c 43 s 8; 1993 c 492 s 238; 1984 c 25 s 5; 1983 1st ex.s. c 39 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 114 s 1; 1967 ex.s. c 51 s 9.]

Notes:

Effective date—1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.
Effective dates—Contingent effective dates—1995 c 43: See note following RCW 70.05.030.
Severability—1995 c 43: See note following RCW 43.70.570.
Findings—Intent—1993 c 492: See notes following RCW 43.20.050.
Short title—Savings—Reservation of legislative power—Effective dates—1993 c 492: See RCW 43.72.910 through 43.72.915.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 2023–2025 · leading case: Lutz v. Spokane Reg'l Health Dist. (E.D. Wash. 2023).
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Lutz v. Spokane Reg'l Health Dist. (E.D. Wash. 2023). · cites it 17× “Wrongful Termination in Violation of the SRHD Bylaws, RCW 70.05.050, and the WAPA 2 Lutz alleges he was wrongfully terminated in violation of procedures 3 guaranteed in SRHD’s Bylaws, RCW 70.”
Lutz v. Spokane Reg'l Health Dist. (E.D. Wash. 2025). · cites it 4× “An Administrative Law Judge heard the case and reviewed any 18 violations under WAPA and Wash. Rev. Code § 70.05.050 . The case was 19 dismissed following Ms.”
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