Examinations Unit Covid-19 Update
The Department, in accordance with ongoing proclamations from the Governor’s Office, ceased on-site compliance examinations effective March 11. The change to remote examinations is currently effective through May. The Department will reevaluate the procedure as necessary based on ongoing guidance from the Governor’s Office. If not already enrolled, you may Sign Up for Email Updates near the bottom of the Department’s home page. The updates provide timely information of interest to our licensees.
The Consumer Services Division already conducts the majority of its examinations offsite. For the current fiscal year through February 2020, the examinations unit performed 73.88 percent of its examinations offsite (the fiscal year began July 1, 2019). The unit went to largely paperless examinations in January 2014. In June of 2014, licensees began receiving access to Box.com’s secure enterprise level file sharing platform. Additionally, as of August 2016 all licensees are required to have a business resumption plan.
Preparation in prior years for paperless examinations and unforeseen events are bearing fruit amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. While realizing turn times may be affected, we believe the examinations unit and our licensees are prepared for continuing operations as we comply with the Governor’s “Stay Home. Stay Healthy” proclamation. If your company is selected for an examination and you need additional time to comply with examination requirements or if there are circumstances keeping you from complying, please contact us so we can work to find a way to keep your company compliant and operating safely in Washington. Please address any comments or concerns regarding your ongoing examinations with the contacts provided to you.