Opinion ID: 1451338
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: developmental disability as a mental disorder under rcw 71.05

Text: This case concerns the proper interpretation of the involuntary treatment provisions of RCW 71.05. More specifically, the question presented is whether a developmental disability can ever qualify as a mental disorder supporting civil commitment under RCW 71.05.040. [3] RCW 71.05.040 authorizes the detention of an individual on the basis of developmental disability under two circumstances. The first is if a person is gravely disabled; the second is if a developmentally disabled person, as a result of a mental disorder, is dangerous: Persons who are developmentally disabled ... shall not be detained for evaluation and treatment or judicially committed solely by reason of that condition unless such condition causes a person to be gravely disabled or as a result of a mental disorder such condition exists that constitutes a likelihood of serious harm to self or others. (Italics and boldface ours.) RCW 71.05.040. RCW 71.05.020(2) defines mental disorder broadly, as any organic, mental, or emotional impairment which has substantial adverse effects on an individual's cognitive or volitional functions[.]