reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.020 - Definitions.

RCW 70.122.020
Definitions.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions contained in this section shall apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Adult person" means a person who has attained the age of majority as defined in RCW 26.28.010 and 26.28.015, and who has the capacity to make health care decisions.
(2) "Attending physician" means the physician selected by, or assigned to, the patient who has primary responsibility for the treatment and care of the patient.
(3) "Directive" means a written document voluntarily executed by the declarer generally consistent with the guidelines of RCW 70.122.030.
(4) "Health facility" means a hospital as defined in *RCW 70.41.020(4) or a nursing home as defined in RCW 18.51.010, a home health agency or hospice agency as defined in RCW 70.126.010, or an assisted living facility as defined in RCW 18.20.020.
(5) "Life-sustaining treatment" means any medical or surgical intervention that uses mechanical or other artificial means, including artificially provided nutrition and hydration, to sustain, restore, or replace a vital function, which, when applied to a qualified patient, would serve only to prolong the process of dying. "Life-sustaining treatment" shall not include the administration of medication or the performance of any medical or surgical intervention deemed necessary solely to alleviate pain.
(6) "Permanent unconscious condition" means an incurable and irreversible condition in which the patient is medically assessed within reasonable medical judgment as having no reasonable probability of recovery from an irreversible coma or a persistent vegetative state.
(7) "Physician" means a person licensed under chapters 18.71 or 18.57 RCW.
(8) "Qualified patient" means an adult person who is a patient diagnosed in writing to have a terminal condition by the patient's attending physician, who has personally examined the patient, or a patient who is diagnosed in writing to be in a permanent unconscious condition in accordance with accepted medical standards by two physicians, one of whom is the patient's attending physician, and both of whom have personally examined the patient.
(9) "Terminal condition" means an incurable and irreversible condition caused by injury, disease, or illness, that, within reasonable medical judgment, will cause death within a reasonable period of time in accordance with accepted medical standards, and where the application of life-sustaining treatment serves only to prolong the process of dying.
[ 2012 c 10 § 53; 1992 c 98 § 2; 1979 c 112 § 3.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 70.41.020 was alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k), changing subsection (4) to subsection (5). RCW 70.41.020 was subsequently amended by 2016 c 226 § 1, changing subsection (5) to subsection (7). RCW 70.41.020 was subsequently amended by 2021 c 157 § 3, changing subsection (7) to subsection (8).
Application—2012 c 10: See note following RCW 18.20.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.040 - Revocation of directive.

RCW 70.122.040
Revocation of directive.
(1) A directive may be revoked at any time by the declarer, without regard to the declarer's mental state or competency, by any of the following methods:
(a) By being canceled, defaced, obliterated, burned, torn, or otherwise destroyed by the declarer or by some person in the declarer's presence and by the declarer's direction.
(b) By a written revocation of the declarer expressing his or her intent to revoke, signed, and dated by the declarer. Such revocation shall become effective only upon communication to the attending physician by the declarer or by a person acting on behalf of the declarer. The attending physician shall record in the patient's medical record the time and date when the physician received notification of the written revocation.
(c) By a verbal expression by the declarer of his or her intent to revoke the directive. Such revocation shall become effective only upon communication to the attending physician by the declarer or by a person acting on behalf of the declarer. The attending physician shall record in the patient's medical record the time, date, and place of the revocation and the time, date, and place, if different, of when the physician received notification of the revocation.
(d) In the case of a directive that is stored in the health care declarations registry under RCW 70.122.130, by an online method established by the department of health. Failure to use this method of revocation for a directive that is stored in the registry does not invalidate a revocation that is made by another method described under this section.
(2) There shall be no criminal or civil liability on the part of any person for failure to act upon a revocation made pursuant to this section unless that person has actual or constructive knowledge of the revocation except as provided in RCW 70.122.051(4).
(3) If the declarer becomes comatose or is rendered incapable of communicating with the attending physician, the directive shall remain in effect for the duration of the comatose condition or until such time as the declarer's condition renders the declarer able to communicate with the attending physician.
[ 2006 c 108 § 4; 1979 c 112 § 5.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—2006 c 108: See note following RCW 70.122.130.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.051 - Liability of health care provider.

RCW 70.122.051
Liability of health care provider.
(1) For the purposes of this section, "provider" means a physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, health care provider acting under the direction of a physician or an advanced registered nurse practitioner, or health care facility, as defined in this chapter or in chapter 71.32 RCW, and its personnel.
(2) Any provider who participates in good faith in the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from a qualified patient in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, shall be immune from legal liability, including civil, criminal, or professional conduct sanctions, unless otherwise negligent.
(3) The establishment of a health care declarations registry does not create any new or distinct obligation for a provider to determine whether a patient has a health care declaration.
(4) A provider is not subject to civil or criminal liability or sanctions for unprofessional conduct under the uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, when in good faith and without negligence:
(a) The provider provides, does not provide, withdraws, or withholds treatment to a patient in the absence of actual knowledge of the existence of a health care declaration stored in the health care declarations registry established in RCW 70.122.130;
(b) The provider provides, does not provide, withdraws, or withholds treatment pursuant to a health care declaration stored in the health care declarations registry established in RCW 70.122.130 in the absence of actual knowledge of the revocation of the declaration;
(c) The provider provides, does not provide, withdraws, or withholds treatment according to a health care declaration stored in the health care declarations registry established in RCW 70.122.130 in good faith reliance upon the validity of the health care declaration and the declaration is subsequently found to be invalid; or
(d) The provider provides, does not provide, withdraws, or withholds treatment according to the patient's health care declaration stored in the health care declarations registry established in RCW 70.122.130.
(5) Except for acts of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional wrongdoing, the department of health is not subject to civil liability for any claims or demands arising out of the administration or operation of the health care declarations registry established in RCW 70.122.130.
[ 2006 c 108 § 6; 1992 c 98 § 5.]
NOTES:
Finding—Intent—2006 c 108: See note following RCW 70.122.130.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.060 - Procedures by physician—Health care facility or personnel may refuse to participate.

RCW 70.122.060
Procedures by physician—Health care facility or personnel may refuse to participate.
(1) Prior to the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from a qualified patient pursuant to the directive, the attending physician shall make a reasonable effort to determine that the directive complies with RCW 70.122.030 and, if the patient is capable of making health care decisions, that the directive and all steps proposed by the attending physician to be undertaken are currently in accord with the desires of the qualified patient.
(2) The attending physician or health facility shall inform a patient or patient's authorized representative of the existence of any policy or practice that would preclude the honoring of the patient's directive at the time the physician or facility becomes aware of the existence of such a directive. If the patient, after being informed of such policy or directive, chooses to retain the physician or facility, the physician or facility with the patient or the patient's representative shall prepare a written plan to be filed with the patient's directive that sets forth the physician's or facilities' intended actions should the patient's medical status change so that the directive would become operative. The physician or facility under this subsection has no obligation to honor the patient's directive if they have complied with the requirements of this subsection, including compliance with the written plan required under this subsection.
(3) The directive shall be conclusively presumed, unless revoked, to be the directions of the patient regarding the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. No physician, health facility, or health personnel acting in good faith with the directive or in accordance with the written plan in subsection (2) of this section shall be criminally or civilly liable for failing to effectuate the directive of the qualified patient pursuant to this subsection.
(4) No nurse, physician, or other health care practitioner may be required by law or contract in any circumstances to participate in the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment if such person objects to so doing. No person may be discriminated against in employment or professional privileges because of the person's participation or refusal to participate in the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.
[ 1992 c 98 § 6; 1979 c 112 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.070 - Effects of carrying out directive—Insurance.

RCW 70.122.070
Effects of carrying out directive—Insurance.
(1) The withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from a qualified patient pursuant to the patient's directive in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall not, for any purpose, constitute a suicide or a homicide.
(2) The making of a directive pursuant to RCW 70.122.030 shall not restrict, inhibit, or impair in any manner the sale, procurement, or issuance of any policy of life insurance, nor shall it be deemed to modify the terms of an existing policy of life insurance. No policy of life insurance shall be legally impaired or invalidated in any manner by the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from an insured qualified patient, notwithstanding any term of the policy to the contrary.
(3) No physician, health facility, or other health provider, and no health care service plan, insurer issuing disability insurance, self-insured employee welfare benefit plan, or nonprofit hospital service plan, shall require any person to execute a directive as a condition for being insured for, or receiving, health care services.
[ 1992 c 98 § 7; 1979 c 112 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.080 - Effects of carrying out directive on cause of death.

RCW 70.122.080
Effects of carrying out directive on cause of death.
The act of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, when done pursuant to a directive described in RCW 70.122.030 and which results in the death of the declarer, shall not be construed to be an intervening force or to affect the chain of proximate cause between the conduct of anyone that placed the declarer in a terminal condition or a permanent unconscious condition and the death of the declarer.
[ 1992 c 98 § 8; 1979 c 112 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.090 - Criminal conduct—Penalties.

RCW 70.122.090
Criminal conduct—Penalties.
(1) Any person who willfully conceals, cancels, defaces, obliterates, or damages the directive of another without such declarer's consent is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(2) Any person who falsifies or forges the directive of another, or willfully conceals or withholds personal knowledge of a revocation as provided in RCW 70.122.040 with the intent to cause a withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment contrary to the wishes of the declarer, and thereby, because of any such act, directly causes life-sustaining treatment to be withheld or withdrawn and death to thereby be hastened, shall be subject to prosecution for murder in the first degree as defined in RCW 9A.32.030.
[ 2003 c 53 § 362; 1992 c 98 § 9; 1979 c 112 § 9.]
NOTES:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.100 - Mercy killing, lethal injection, or active euthanasia not authorized.

RCW 70.122.100
Mercy killing, lethal injection, or active euthanasia not authorized.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to condone, authorize, or approve mercy killing, lethal injection, or active euthanasia.
[ 2009 c 1 § 25 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008); 1992 c 98 § 10; 1979 c 112 § 11.]
NOTES:
Short title—Effective dates—2009 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 1000): See RCW 70.245.901 and 70.245.903.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.110 - Discharge so that patient may die at home.

RCW 70.122.110
Discharge so that patient may die at home.
If a qualified patient capable of making health care decisions indicates that he or she wishes to die at home, the patient shall be discharged as soon as reasonably possible. The health care provider or facility has an obligation to explain the medical risks of an immediate discharge to the qualified patient. If the provider or facility complies with the obligation to explain the medical risks of an immediate discharge to a qualified patient, there shall be no civil or criminal liability for claims arising from such discharge.
[ 1992 c 98 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.900 - Short title—1979 c 112.

RCW 70.122.900
Short title—1979 c 112.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Natural Death Act".
[ 1979 c 112 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.910 - Construction.

RCW 70.122.910
Construction.
This chapter shall not be construed as providing the exclusive means by which individuals may make decisions regarding their health treatment, including but not limited to, the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, nor limiting the means provided by case law more expansive than chapter 98, Laws of 1992.
[ 1992 c 98 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.915 - Application—1992 c 98.

RCW 70.122.915
Application—1992 c 98.
A directive executed anytime before June 11, 1992, which generally complies with chapter 98, Laws of 1992 is effective under chapter 98, Laws of 1992.
[ 1992 c 98 § 13.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.122 - Natural Death Act. › 70.122.925 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.

RCW 70.122.925
Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 § 154.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.010 - Legislative findings.

RCW 70.123.010
Legislative findings.
(1) The legislature finds that domestic violence is an issue of serious concern at all levels of society and government and that there is a pressing need for innovative strategies to address and prevent domestic violence and to strengthen services which will ameliorate and reduce the trauma of domestic violence and enhance survivors' resiliency and autonomy.
(2) The legislature finds that there are a wide range of consequences to domestic violence, including deaths, injuries, hospitalizations, homelessness, employment problems, property damage, and lifelong physical and psychological impacts on victims and their children. These impacts also affect victims' friends and families, neighbors, employers, landlords, law enforcement, the courts, the health care system, and Washington state and society as a whole. Advocacy and shelters for victims of domestic violence are essential to provide support to victims in preventing further abuse and to help victims assess and plan for their immediate and longer term safety, including finding long-range alternative living situations, if requested.
(3) Thus, it is the intent of the legislature to:
(a) Provide for a statewide network of supportive services, emergency shelter services, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and their dependents;
(b) Provide for culturally relevant and appropriate services for victims of domestic violence and their children from populations that have been traditionally unserved or underserved;
(c) Provide for a statewide domestic violence information and referral resource;
(d) Assist communities in efforts to increase public awareness about, and primary and secondary prevention of domestic violence;
(e) Provide for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of current information related to emerging issues and model and promising practices related to preventing and intervening in situations involving domestic violence; and
(f) Provide for ongoing training and technical assistance for individuals working with victims in community-based domestic violence programs and other persons seeking such training and technical assistance.
[ 2015 c 275 § 1; 1979 ex.s. c 245 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.040 - Department to establish minimum standards.

RCW 70.123.040
Department to establish minimum standards.
(1) The department shall establish minimum standards that ensure that community-based domestic violence programs provide client-centered advocacy and services designed to enhance immediate and longer term safety, victim autonomy, and security by means such as, but not limited to, safety assessment and planning, information and referral, legal advocacy, culturally and linguistically appropriate services, access to shelter, and client confidentiality.
(2) Minimum standards established by the department under RCW 70.123.030 shall ensure that emergency shelter programs receiving grants under this chapter provide services meeting basic survival needs, where not provided by other means, such as, but not limited to, food, clothing, housing, emergency transportation, child care assistance, safety assessment and planning, and security. Emergency shelters receiving grants under this chapter shall also provide client-centered advocacy and services designed to enhance client autonomy, client confidentiality, and immediate and longer term safety. These services shall be problem-oriented and designed to provide necessary assistance to the victims of domestic violence and their children.
(3) In establishing minimum standards for programs providing culturally relevant prevention efforts and culturally appropriate services, priority for funding must be given to agencies or organizations that have a demonstrated history and expertise of serving domestic violence victims from the relevant populations that have traditionally been underserved or unserved.
(4) In establishing minimum standards for age appropriate prevention and intervention services for children who have been exposed to domestic violence, or youth who have been victims of dating violence, priority for funding must be given to programs with a documented history of effective work in providing advocacy and services to victims of domestic violence or dating violence, or an agency with a demonstrated history of effective work with children and youth partnered with a domestic violence program.
[ 2015 c 275 § 4; 2006 c 259 § 3; 1979 ex.s. c 245 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.070 - Duties and responsibilities of community-based domestic violence programs and emergency shelter programs.

RCW 70.123.070
Duties and responsibilities of community-based domestic violence programs and emergency shelter programs.
(1) Community-based domestic violence programs receiving state funds under this chapter shall:
(a) Provide a location to assist victims of domestic violence who have a need for community advocacy or support services;
(b) Make available confidential services, advocacy, and prevention programs to victims of domestic violence and to their children within available resources;
(c) Require that persons employed by or volunteering services for a community-based domestic violence program protect the confidentiality and privacy of domestic violence victims and their families in accordance with this chapter and RCW 5.60.060(8);
(d) Recruit, to the extent feasible, persons who are former victims of domestic violence to work as volunteers or staff personnel. An effort shall also be made to recruit staff and volunteers from relevant communities to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services;
(e) Ensure that all employees or volunteers providing intervention or prevention programming to domestic violence victims or their children have completed or will complete sufficient training in connection with domestic violence; and
(f) Refrain from engaging in activities that compromise the safety of victims or their children.
(2) Emergency shelter programs receiving state funds under this chapter shall:
(a) Provide intake for and access to safe shelter services to any person who is a victim of domestic violence and to that person's children, within available resources. Priority for emergency shelter shall be made for victims who are in immediate risk of harm or imminent danger from domestic violence;
(b) Require that persons employed by or volunteering services for an emergency shelter protect the confidentiality and privacy of domestic violence victims and their families in accordance with this chapter and RCW 5.60.060(8);
(c) Recruit, to the extent feasible, persons who are former victims of domestic violence to work as volunteers or staff personnel. An effort shall also be made to recruit staff and volunteers from relevant communities to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services;
(d) Ensure that all employees or volunteers providing intervention or prevention programming to domestic violence victims or their children have completed or will complete sufficient training in connection with domestic violence; and
(e) Refrain from engaging in activities that compromise the safety of victims or their children.
[ 2015 c 275 § 5; 1979 ex.s. c 245 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.075 - Client records.

RCW 70.123.075
Client records.
(1) Client records maintained by domestic violence programs shall not be subject to discovery in any judicial proceeding unless:
(a) A written pretrial motion is made to a court stating that discovery is requested of the client's domestic violence records;
(b) The written motion is accompanied by an affidavit or affidavits setting forth specifically the reasons why discovery is requested of the domestic violence program's records;
(c) The court reviews the domestic violence program's records in camera to determine whether the domestic violence program's records are relevant and whether the probative value of the records is outweighed by the victim's privacy interest in the confidentiality of such records, taking into account the further trauma that may be inflicted upon the victim or the victim's children by the disclosure of the records; and
(d) The court enters an order stating whether the records or any part of the records are discoverable and setting forth the basis for the court's findings. The court shall further order that the parties are prohibited from further dissemination of the records or parts of the records that are discoverable, and that any portion of any domestic violence program records included in the court file be sealed.
(2) For purposes of this section, "domestic violence program" means a program that provides shelter, advocacy, or counseling services for domestic violence victims.
(3) Disclosure of domestic violence program records is not a waiver of the victim's rights or privileges under statutes, rules of evidence, or common law.
(4) If disclosure of a victim's records is required by court order, the domestic violence program shall make reasonable attempts to provide notice to the recipient affected by the disclosure, and shall take steps necessary to protect the privacy and safety of the persons affected by the disclosure of the information.
[ 2015 c 275 § 6; 1994 c 233 § 1; 1991 c 301 § 10.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1994 c 233: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1994." [ 1994 c 233 § 3.]
Finding—1991 c 301: See note following RCW 10.99.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.076 - Disclosure of recipient information.

RCW 70.123.076
Disclosure of recipient information.
(1) Except as authorized in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, or pursuant to court order under RCW 70.123.075, a domestic violence program, an individual who assists a domestic violence program in the delivery of services, or an agent, employee, or volunteer of a domestic violence program shall not disclose information about a recipient of shelter, advocacy, or counseling services without the informed authorization of the recipient. In the case of an unemancipated minor, the minor and the parent or guardian must provide the authorization. For the purposes of this section, a "domestic violence program" means an agency that provides shelter, advocacy, or counseling for domestic violence victims in a supportive environment.
(2)(a) A recipient of shelter, advocacy, or counseling services may authorize a domestic violence program to disclose information about the recipient. The authorization must be in writing, signed by the recipient, or if an unemancipated minor is the recipient, signed by the minor and the parent or guardian, and must contain a reasonable time limit on the duration of the recipient's authorization. If the authorization does not contain a date upon which the authorization to disclose information expires, the recipient's authorization expires ninety days after the date it was signed.
(b) The domestic violence program's disclosure of information shall be only to the extent authorized by the recipient. The domestic violence program, if requested, shall provide a copy of the disclosed information to the recipient.
(c) Except as provided under this chapter, an authorization is not a waiver of the recipient's rights or privileges under other statutes, rules of evidence, or common law.
(3) If disclosure of a recipient's information is required by statute or court order, the domestic violence program shall make reasonable attempts to provide notice to the recipient affected by the disclosure of information. If personally identifying information is or will be disclosed, the domestic violence program shall take steps necessary to protect the privacy and safety of the persons affected by the disclosure of the information.
(4) To comply with tribal, federal, state, or territorial reporting, evaluation, or data collection requirements, domestic violence programs may share data in the aggregate that does not contain personally identifying information and that: (a) Pertains to services to their clients; or (b) is demographic information.
[ 2006 c 259 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.078 - Disclosure of information.

RCW 70.123.078
Disclosure of information.
(1)(a) No court or administrative body may compel any person or domestic violence program as defined in RCW 70.123.020 to disclose the name, address, or location of any domestic violence program, including a shelter or transitional housing facility location, in any civil or criminal case or in any administrative proceeding unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that disclosure is necessary for the implementation of justice after consideration of safety and confidentiality concerns of the parties and other residents of the domestic violence program, and other alternatives to disclosure that would protect the interests of the parties.
(b) The court's findings shall be made following a hearing in which the domestic violence program has been provided notice of the request for disclosure and an opportunity to respond.
(2) In any proceeding where the confidential name, address, or location of a domestic violence program is ordered to be disclosed, the court shall order that the parties be prohibited from further dissemination of the confidential information, and that any portion of any records containing such confidential information be sealed.
(3) Any person who obtains access to and intentionally and maliciously releases confidential information about the location of a domestic violence program for any purpose other than required by a court proceeding is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2012 c 223 § 9. Formerly RCW 26.50.250.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.080 - Department to consult.

RCW 70.123.080
Department to consult.
The department shall consult in all phases with key stakeholders in the implementation of this chapter, including relevant state departments, the domestic violence coalition, individuals or groups who have experience providing culturally appropriate services to populations that have traditionally been underserved or unserved, and other persons and organizations having experience and expertise in the field of domestic violence.
[ 2015 c 275 § 7; 1979 ex.s. c 245 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.090 - Department authorized to make available grants to certain entities.

RCW 70.123.090
Department authorized to make available grants to certain entities.
The department is authorized, under this chapter and the rules adopted to effectuate its purposes, to make available grants awarded on a contract basis to public or private nonprofit agencies, organizations, or individuals providing community-based domestic violence services, emergency shelter services, domestic violence hotline or information and referral services, and prevention efforts meeting minimum standards established by the department. Consideration as to need, geographic location, population ratios, the needs of specific underserved and cultural populations, and the extent of existing services shall be made in the award of grants. The department shall provide consultation to any nonprofit organization desiring to apply for the contracts if the organization does not possess the resources and expertise necessary to develop and transmit an application without assistance.
[ 2015 c 275 § 8; 1979 ex.s. c 245 § 9.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.100 - Funding for shelters.

RCW 70.123.100
Funding for shelters.
The department shall seek, receive, and make use of any funds which may be available from federal or other sources in order to augment state funds appropriated for the purpose of this chapter, and shall make every effort to qualify for federal funding.
[ 1997 c 160 § 1; 1979 ex.s. c 245 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.110 - Assistance to families in shelters.

RCW 70.123.110
Assistance to families in shelters.
Aged, blind, or disabled assistance benefits, essential needs and housing support benefits, pregnant women assistance benefits, or temporary assistance for needy families payments shall be made to otherwise eligible individuals who are residing in a secure shelter, a housing network, an emergency shelter, or other shelter facility which provides shelter services to persons who are victims of domestic violence. Provisions shall be made by the department for the confidentiality of the shelter addresses where victims are residing.
[ 2015 c 275 § 9; 2011 1st sp.s. c 36 § 16; 2010 1st sp.s. c 8 § 16; 1997 c 59 § 9; 1979 ex.s. c 245 § 11.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—2011 1st sp.s. c 36: See RCW 74.62.005.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 36: See note following RCW 74.62.005.
Findings—Intent—Short title—Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 8: See notes following RCW 74.04.225.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.120 - Liability for withholding services.

RCW 70.123.120
Liability for withholding services.
A shelter shall not be held liable in any civil action for denial or withdrawal of services provided pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 245 § 12.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.140 - Technical assistance grant for county plans.

RCW 70.123.140
Technical assistance grant for county plans.
(1) A county or group of counties may apply to the department for a technical assistance grant to develop a comprehensive county plan for dealing with domestic violence. The county authority may contract with a local nonprofit entity to develop the plan.
(2) County comprehensive plans shall be developed in consultation with the department, domestic violence programs, schools, law enforcement, and health care, legal, and social service providers that provide services to persons affected by domestic violence.
(3) County comprehensive plans shall be based on the following principles:
(a) The safety of the victim is primary;
(b) The community needs to be well-educated about domestic violence;
(c) Those who want to and who should intervene need to know how to do so effectively;
(d) Adequate services, both crisis and long-term support, should exist throughout all parts of the county;
(e) Police and courts should hold the batterer accountable for his or her crimes;
(f) Treatment for batterers should be provided by qualified counselors; and
(g) Coordination teams are needed to ensure that the system continues to work over the coming decades.
(4) County comprehensive plans shall provide for the following:
(a) Public education about domestic violence;
(b) Training for professionals on how to recognize domestic violence and assist those affected by it;
(c) Development of protocols among agencies so that professionals respond to domestic violence in an effective, consistent manner;
(d) Development of services to victims of domestic violence and their families, including shelters, safe homes, transitional housing, community and legal advocates, and children's services; and
(e) Local and regional teams to oversee implementation of the system, ensure that efforts continue over the years, and assist with day-to-day and systemwide coordination.
[ 1991 c 301 § 12.]
NOTES:
Finding—1991 c 301: See note following RCW 10.99.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.123 - Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence. › 70.123.150 - Domestic violence prevention account.

RCW 70.123.150
Domestic violence prevention account.
The domestic violence prevention account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from fees imposed for deposit in the domestic violence prevention account under RCW 36.18.016 must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for funding the following:
(1) Culturally specific prevention efforts and culturally appropriate community-based domestic violence services for victims of domestic violence from populations that have been traditionally underserved or unserved;
(2) Age appropriate prevention and intervention services for children who have been exposed to domestic violence or youth who have been victims of dating violence; and
(3) Outreach and education efforts by community-based domestic violence programs designed to increase public awareness about, and primary and secondary prevention of, domestic and dating violence.
[ 2015 c 275 § 10; 2005 c 374 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.124 - Abuse of Patients. › 70.124.010 - Legislative findings.

RCW 70.124.010
Legislative findings.
(1) The Washington state legislature finds and declares that a reporting system is needed to protect state hospital patients from abuse. Instances of nonaccidental injury, neglect, death, sexual abuse, and cruelty to such patients have occurred, and in the instance where such a patient is deprived of his or her right to conditions of minimal health and safety, the state is justified in emergency intervention based upon verified information. Therefore the Washington state legislature hereby provides for the reporting of such cases to the appropriate public authorities.
(2) It is the intent of the legislature that: (a) As a result of such reports, protective services shall be made available in an effort to prevent further abuses, and to safeguard the general welfare of the patients; and (b) such reports shall be maintained and disseminated with strictest regard for the privacy of the subjects of such reports and so as to safeguard against arbitrary, malicious, or erroneous information or actions.
[ 1999 c 176 § 20; 1981 c 174 § 1; 1979 ex.s. c 228 § 1.]
NOTES:
Findings—Purpose—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.124 - Abuse of Patients. › 70.124.020 - Definitions.

RCW 70.124.020
Definitions.
Unless the context requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Court" means the superior court of the state of Washington.
(2) "Law enforcement agency" means the police department, the director of public safety, or the office of the sheriff.
(3) "Practitioner of the healing arts" or "practitioner" means a person licensed by this state to practice podiatric medicine and surgery, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, chiropractic, nursing, dentistry, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or medicine and surgery. The term "practitioner" includes a nurse's aide and a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner.
(4) "Department" means the state department of social and health services.
(5) "Social worker" means anyone engaged in a professional capacity during the regular course of employment in encouraging or promoting the health, welfare, support, or education of patients, or providing social services to patients, whether in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.
(6) "Psychologist" means any person licensed to practice psychology under chapter 18.83 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.
(7) "Pharmacist" means any registered pharmacist under chapter 18.64 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.
(8) "Abuse or neglect" or "patient abuse or neglect" means the nonaccidental physical injury or condition, sexual abuse, or negligent treatment of a state hospital patient under circumstances which indicate that the patient's health, welfare, or safety is harmed thereby.
(9) "Negligent treatment" means an act or omission which evinces a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the patient's health, welfare, or safety.
(10) "State hospital" means any hospital operated and maintained by the state for the care of the mentally ill under chapter 72.23 RCW.
[ 1999 c 176 § 21; 1997 c 392 § 519; 1996 c 178 § 24; 1981 c 174 § 2; 1979 ex.s. c 228 § 2.]
NOTES:
Findings—Purpose—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.
Short title—Findings—Construction—Conflict with federal requirements—Part headings and captions not law—1997 c 392: See notes following RCW 74.39A.009.
Effective date—1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.124 - Abuse of Patients. › 70.124.030 - Reports of abuse or neglect.

RCW 70.124.030
Reports of abuse or neglect.
(1) When any practitioner, social worker, psychologist, pharmacist, employee of a state hospital, or employee of the department has reasonable cause to believe that a state hospital patient has suffered abuse or neglect, the person shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to either a law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 70.124.040.
(2) Any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a state hospital patient has suffered abuse or neglect may report such incident to either a law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 70.124.040.
(3) The department or any law enforcement agency receiving a report of an incident of abuse or neglect involving a state hospital patient who has died or has had physical injury or injuries inflicted other than by accidental means or who has been subjected to sexual abuse shall report the incident to the proper county prosecutor for appropriate action.
[ 1999 c 176 § 22; 1981 c 174 § 3; 1979 ex.s. c 228 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings—Purpose—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.124 - Abuse of Patients. › 70.124.040 - Reports to department or law enforcement agency—Action required.

RCW 70.124.040
Reports to department or law enforcement agency—Action required.
(1) Where a report is required under RCW 70.124.030, an immediate oral report must be made by telephone or otherwise to either a law enforcement agency or to the department and, upon request, must be followed by a report in writing. The reports must contain the following information, if known:
(a) The name and address of the person making the report;
(b) The name and address of the state hospital patient;
(c) The name and address of the patient's relatives having responsibility for the patient;
(d) The nature and extent of the alleged injury or injuries;
(e) The nature and extent of the alleged neglect;
(f) The nature and extent of the alleged sexual abuse;
(g) Any evidence of previous injuries, including their nature and extent; and
(h) Any other information that may be helpful in establishing the cause of the patient's death, injury, or injuries, and the identity of the perpetrator or perpetrators.
(2) Each law enforcement agency receiving such a report shall, in addition to taking the action required by RCW 70.124.050, immediately relay the report to the department, and to other law enforcement agencies, including the medicaid fraud control unit of the office of the attorney general, as appropriate. For any report it receives, the department shall likewise take the required action and in addition relay the report to the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies. The appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies must receive immediate notification when the department, upon receipt of such report, has reasonable cause to believe that a criminal act has been committed.
[ 1999 c 176 § 23. Prior: 1997 c 392 § 520; 1997 c 386 § 30; 1981 c 174 § 4; 1979 ex.s. c 228 § 4.]
NOTES:
Findings—Purpose—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.
Short title—Findings—Construction—Conflict with federal requirements—Part headings and captions not law—1997 c 392: See notes following RCW 74.39A.009.
Application—Effective date—1997 c 386: See notes following RCW 13.50.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 70 - Public Health and Safety › Chapter 70.124 - Abuse of Patients. › 70.124.050 - Investigations required—Seeking restraining orders authorized.

RCW 70.124.050
Investigations required—Seeking restraining orders authorized.
Upon the receipt of a report concerning the possible occurrence of abuse or neglect, it is the duty of the law enforcement agency and the department to commence an investigation within twenty-four hours of such receipt and, where appropriate, submit a report to the appropriate prosecuting attorney. The local prosecutor may seek a restraining order to prohibit continued patient abuse. In all cases investigated by the department a report to the complainant shall be made by the department.
[ 1983 1st ex.s. c 41 § 24; 1979 ex.s. c 228 § 5.]
NOTES:
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 41: See note following RCW 26.09.060.