Source: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=49.19&full=true
Timestamp: 2020-06-05 01:05:45
Document Index: 434853767

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 10', '§ 18', '§ 2', '§ 501', '§ 10', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 10', '§ 18', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 6', '§ 7', '§ 8']

Chapter 49.19 RCW: SAFETY—HEALTH CARE SETTINGS
RCWs > Title 49 > Chapter 49.19
Chapter 49.19 RCW
SAFETY—HEALTH CARE SETTINGS
49.19.005 Findings—1999 c 377.
49.19.010 Definitions.
49.19.020 Workplace violence plan—Security and safety assessment.
49.19.030 Violence prevention training.
49.19.040 Violent acts—Records.
49.19.050 Noncompliance—Penalties.
49.19.060 Health care setting—Assistance.
49.19.070 Intent—Finding—Enforcement.
Findings—1999 c 377.
(1) Violence is an escalating problem in many health care settings in this state and across the nation;
(2) Based on an analysis of workers' compensation claims, the department of labor and industries reports that health care employees face the highest rate of workplace violence in Washington state;
(3) The actual incidence of workplace violence in health care settings is likely to be greater than documented because of failure to report or failure to maintain records of incidents that are reported;
(4) Patients, visitors, and health care employees should be assured a reasonably safe and secure environment in health care settings; and
(5) Many health care settings have undertaken efforts to assure that patients, visitors, and employees are safe from violence, but additional personnel training and appropriate safeguards may be needed to prevent workplace violence and minimize the risk and dangers affecting people in health care settings.
[ 1999 c 377 § 1.]
RCW 49.19.010
(c) Evaluation and treatment facilities as defined in RCW 71.05.020; and
(d) Community mental health programs as defined in *RCW 71.24.025.
(4) "Violence" or "violent act" means any physical assault or verbal threat of physical assault against an employee of a health care setting.
[ 2007 c 414 § 3; 2007 c 375 § 10; 2000 c 94 § 18; 1999 c 377 § 2.]
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 71.24.025 was amended by 2016 sp.s. c 29 § 501, deleting the definition of "community mental health program."
(2) This section was amended by 2007 c 375 § 10 and by 2007 c 414 § 3, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
(c) Evaluation and treatment facilities as defined in RCW 71.05.020;
(d) Behavioral health programs as defined in RCW 71.24.025; and
[ 2019 c 430 § 1. Prior: 2007 c 414 § 3; 2007 c 375 § 10; 2000 c 94 § 18; 1999 c 377 § 2.]
Effective date—2019 c 430: "This act takes effect January 1, 2020." [ 2019 c 430 § 5.]
RCW 49.19.040
Violent acts—Records. (Effective until January 1, 2020.)
Beginning no later than July 1, 2000, each health care setting shall keep a record of any violent act against an employee, a patient, or a visitor occurring at the setting. At a minimum, the record shall include:
(10) A description of actions taken by employees and the health care setting in response to the act. Each record shall be kept for at least five years following the act reported, during which time it shall be available for inspection by the department upon request.
[ 1999 c 377 § 5.]
Violent acts—Records. (Effective January 1, 2020.)
Each health care setting shall keep a record of any violent act against an employee, a patient, or a visitor occurring at the setting. Each record shall be kept for at least five years following the act reported, during which time it shall be available for inspection by the department upon request. At a minimum, the record shall include:
(10) A description of actions taken by employees and the health care setting in response to the act.
[ 2019 c 430 § 4; 1999 c 377 § 5.]
RCW 49.19.050
Noncompliance—Penalties.
Failure of a health care setting to comply with this chapter shall subject the setting to citation under chapter 49.17 RCW.
[ 1999 c 377 § 6.]
RCW 49.19.060
Health care setting—Assistance.
A health care setting needing assistance to comply with this chapter may contact the federal department of labor or the state department of labor and industries for assistance. The state departments of labor and industries, social and health services, and health shall collaborate with representatives of health care settings to develop technical assistance and training seminars on plan development and implementation, and shall coordinate their assistance to health care settings.
[ 1999 c 377 § 7.]
RCW 49.19.070
Intent—Finding—Enforcement.
It is the intent of the legislature that any violence protection and prevention plan developed under this chapter be appropriate to the setting in which it is to be implemented. To that end, the legislature recognizes that not all professional health care is provided in a facility or other formal setting, such as a hospital. Many services are provided by home health, hospice, and home care agencies. The legislature finds that it is inappropriate and impractical for these agencies to address workplace violence in the same manner as other, facility-based, health care settings. When enforcing this chapter as to home health, hospice, and home care agencies, the department shall allow agencies sufficient flexibility in recognition of the unique circumstances in which these agencies deliver services.
[ 1999 c 377 § 8.]