title: RCW 70.245.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Adult" means an individual who is 18 years of age or older.
(2) "Attending qualified medical provider" means the qualified medical provider who has primary responsibility for the care of the patient and treatment of the patient's terminal disease.
(3) "Competent" means that, in the opinion of a court or in the opinion of the patient's attending qualified medical provider, consulting qualified medical provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist, a patient has the ability to make and communicate an informed decision to health care providers, including communication through persons familiar with the patient's manner of communicating if those persons are available.
(4) "Consulting qualified medical provider" means a qualified medical provider who is qualified by specialty or experience to make a professional diagnosis and prognosis regarding the patient's disease.
(5) "Counseling" means one or more consultations as necessary between a state licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, independent clinical social worker, advanced social worker, mental health counselor, or psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner and a patient for the purpose of determining that the patient is competent and not suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment.
(6) "Health care provider" means a person licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to administer health care or dispense medication in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession, and includes a health care facility.
(7) "Informed decision" means a decision by a qualified patient, to request and obtain a prescription for medication that the qualified patient may self-administer to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner, that is based on an appreciation of the relevant facts and after being fully informed by the attending qualified medical provider of:
(a) His or her medical diagnosis;
(b) His or her prognosis;
(c) The potential risks associated with taking the medication to be prescribed;
(d) The probable result of taking the medication to be prescribed; and
(e) The feasible alternatives including, but not limited to, comfort care, hospice care, and pain control.
(8) "Medically confirmed" means the medical opinion of the attending qualified medical provider has been confirmed by a consulting qualified medical provider who has examined the patient and the patient's relevant medical records.
(9) "Patient" means a person who is under the care of an attending qualified medical provider.
(10) "Qualified medical provider" means a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW, a physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.71A RCW, or an *advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW.
(11) "Qualified patient" means a competent adult who is a resident of Washington state and has satisfied the requirements of this chapter in order to obtain a prescription for medication that the qualified patient may self-administer to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner.
(12) "Self-administer" means a qualified patient's act of ingesting medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner.
(13) "Terminal disease" means an incurable and irreversible disease that has been medically confirmed and will, within reasonable medical judgment, produce death within six months.
[ 2023 c 38 s 1; 2009 c 1 s 1 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
PDF
RCW 70.245.010
Definitions. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Adult" means an individual who is 18 years of age or older.
(2) "Attending qualified medical provider" means the qualified medical provider who has primary responsibility for the care of the patient and treatment of the patient's terminal disease.
(3) "Competent" means that, in the opinion of a court or in the opinion of the patient's attending qualified medical provider, consulting qualified medical provider, psychiatrist, or psychologist, a patient has the ability to make and communicate an informed decision to health care providers, including communication through persons familiar with the patient's manner of communicating if those persons are available.
(4) "Consulting qualified medical provider" means a qualified medical provider who is qualified by specialty or experience to make a professional diagnosis and prognosis regarding the patient's disease.
(5) "Counseling" means one or more consultations as necessary between a state licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, independent clinical social worker, advanced social worker, mental health counselor, or psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse and a patient for the purpose of determining that the patient is competent and not suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment.
(6) "Health care provider" means a person licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized or permitted by law to administer health care or dispense medication in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession, and includes a health care facility.
(7) "Informed decision" means a decision by a qualified patient, to request and obtain a prescription for medication that the qualified patient may self-administer to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner, that is based on an appreciation of the relevant facts and after being fully informed by the attending qualified medical provider of:
(a) His or her medical diagnosis;
(b) His or her prognosis;
(c) The potential risks associated with taking the medication to be prescribed;
(d) The probable result of taking the medication to be prescribed; and
(e) The feasible alternatives including, but not limited to, comfort care, hospice care, and pain control.
(8) "Medically confirmed" means the medical opinion of the attending qualified medical provider has been confirmed by a consulting qualified medical provider who has examined the patient and the patient's relevant medical records.
(9) "Patient" means a person who is under the care of an attending qualified medical provider.
(10) "Qualified medical provider" means a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW, a physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.71A RCW, or an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW.
(11) "Qualified patient" means a competent adult who is a resident of Washington state and has satisfied the requirements of this chapter in order to obtain a prescription for medication that the qualified patient may self-administer to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner.
(12) "Self-administer" means a qualified patient's act of ingesting medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner.
(13) "Terminal disease" means an incurable and irreversible disease that has been medically confirmed and will, within reasonable medical judgment, produce death within six months.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5144; 2023 c 38 s 1; 2009 c 1 s 1 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.

catchline: Definitions. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 70.245.020

text:
(1) An adult patient who is competent, is a resident of Washington state, and has been determined by the attending qualified medical provider to be suffering from a terminal disease, and who has voluntarily expressed his or her wish to die, may make a written request for medication that the patient may self-administer to end the patient's life in a humane and dignified manner in accordance with this chapter.
(2) A person does not qualify under this chapter solely because of age or disability.
[ 2023 c 38 s 3; 2009 c 1 s 2 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Written request for medication.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 70.245.030

text:
(1) A valid request for medication under this chapter shall be in substantially the form described in RCW 70.245.220, signed and dated by the patient and witnessed by at least two individuals who, in the presence of the patient, attest that to the best of their knowledge and belief the patient is competent, acting voluntarily, and is not being coerced to sign the request.
(2) One of the witnesses shall be a person who is not:
(a) A relative of the patient by blood or by law;
(b) A person who at the time the request is signed would be entitled to any portion of the estate of the qualified patient upon death under any will or by operation of law; or
(c) An owner, operator, or employee of a health care facility where the qualified patient is receiving medical treatment or is a resident.
(3) The patient's attending qualified medical provider at the time the request is signed shall not be a witness.
[ 2023 c 38 s 4; 2009 c 1 s 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Form of the written request.


title: RCW 70.245.040

text:
(1) The attending qualified medical provider shall:
(a) Make the determination of whether a patient has a terminal disease, is competent, and has made the request voluntarily;
(b) Request that the patient demonstrate Washington state residency under RCW 70.245.130;
(c) To ensure that the patient is making an informed decision, inform the patient of:
(i) The patient's medical diagnosis;
(ii) The patient's prognosis;
(iii) The potential risks associated with taking the medication to be prescribed;
(iv) The probable result of taking the medication to be prescribed; and
(v) The feasible alternatives including, but not limited to, comfort care, hospice care, and pain control;
(d) Refer the patient to a consulting qualified medical provider for medical confirmation of the diagnosis, and for a determination that the patient is competent and acting voluntarily;
(e) Refer the patient for counseling if appropriate under RCW 70.245.060;
(f) Recommend that the patient notify next of kin;
(g) Counsel the patient about the importance of having another person present when the patient takes the medication prescribed under this chapter and of not taking the medication in a public place;
(h) Inform the patient that he or she has an opportunity to rescind the request at any time and in any manner, and offer the patient an opportunity to rescind at the end of the relevant waiting period under RCW 70.245.090;
(i) Verify, immediately before writing the prescription for medication under this chapter, that the patient is making an informed decision;
(j) Fulfill the medical record documentation requirements of RCW 70.245.120;
(k) Ensure that all appropriate steps are carried out in accordance with this chapter before writing a prescription for medication to enable a qualified patient to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner; and
(l)(i) Dispense medications directly, including ancillary medications intended to facilitate the desired effect to minimize the patient's discomfort, if the attending qualified medical provider is authorized under statute and rule to dispense and has a current drug enforcement administration certificate; or
(ii)(A) Contact a pharmacist and inform the pharmacist of the prescription; and
(B) Deliver the written prescription personally, by mail, facsimile, or electronically to the pharmacist, who will dispense the medications directly to either the patient, the attending qualified medical provider, or another person as requested by the qualified patient.
(2) The attending qualified medical provider may sign the patient's death certificate which shall list the underlying terminal disease as the cause of death.
(3) Delivery of the dispensed drug to the qualified patient, the attending qualified medical provider, or another person as requested by the qualified patient may be made only:
(a) By personal delivery, messenger service, or the United States postal service or a similar private parcel delivery entity; and
(b) Upon the receipt of the signature of the addressee or an authorized person at the time of delivery by an entity listed in (a) of this subsection.
[ 2023 c 38 s 5; 2009 c 1 s 4 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Attending qualified medical provider responsibilities.


title: RCW 70.245.050

text:
Before a patient is qualified under this chapter, a consulting qualified medical provider shall examine the patient and his or her relevant medical records and confirm, in writing, the attending qualified medical provider's diagnosis that the patient is suffering from a terminal disease, and verify that the patient is competent, is acting voluntarily, and has made an informed decision.
[ 2023 c 38 s 6; 2009 c 1 s 5 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Consulting qualified medical provider confirmation.


title: RCW 70.245.060

text:
If, in the opinion of either the attending qualified medical provider or the consulting qualified medical provider, a patient may be suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment, the qualified medical provider shall refer the patient for counseling. Medication to end a patient's life in a humane and dignified manner shall not be prescribed until the person performing the counseling determines that the patient is not suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder or depression causing impaired judgment.
[ 2023 c 38 s 7; 2009 c 1 s 6 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Counseling referral.


title: RCW 70.245.070

text:
A person shall not receive a prescription for medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner unless he or she has made an informed decision. Immediately before writing a prescription for medication under this chapter, the attending qualified medical provider shall verify that the qualified patient is making an informed decision.
[ 2023 c 38 s 8; 2009 c 1 s 7 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Informed decision.


title: RCW 70.245.080

text:
The attending qualified medical provider shall recommend that the patient notify the next of kin of his or her request for medication under this chapter. A patient who declines or is unable to notify next of kin shall not have his or her request denied for that reason.
[ 2023 c 38 s 9; 2009 c 1 s 8 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Notification of next of kin.


title: RCW 70.245.090

text:
(1) To receive a prescription for medication that the qualified patient may self-administer to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner, a qualified patient shall have made an oral request and a written request, and reiterate the oral request to his or her attending qualified medical provider at least seven days after making the initial oral request.
(2) At the time the qualified patient makes his or her second oral request, the attending qualified medical provider shall offer the qualified patient an opportunity to rescind the request.
(3) A transfer of care or medical records does not restart any waiting period under this section.
[ 2023 c 38 s 10; 2009 c 1 s 9 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Written and oral requests.


title: RCW 70.245.100

text:
A patient may rescind his or her request at any time and in any manner without regard to his or her mental state. No prescription for medication under this chapter may be written without the attending qualified medical provider offering the qualified patient an opportunity to rescind the request.
[ 2023 c 38 s 11; 2009 c 1 s 10 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Right to rescind request.


title: RCW 70.245.110

text:
At least seven days shall elapse between the patient's initial oral request and the writing of a prescription under this chapter.
[ 2023 c 38 s 12; 2009 c 1 s 11 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Waiting period.


title: RCW 70.245.120

text:
The following shall be documented or filed in the patient's medical record:
(1) All oral requests by a patient for medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner;
(2) All written requests by a patient for medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner;
(3) The attending qualified medical provider's diagnosis and prognosis, and determination that the patient is competent, is acting voluntarily, and has made an informed decision;
(4) The consulting qualified medical provider's diagnosis and prognosis, and verification that the patient is competent, is acting voluntarily, and has made an informed decision;
(5) A report of the outcome and determinations made during counseling, if performed;
(6) The attending qualified medical provider's offer to the patient to rescind his or her request at the time of the patient's second oral request under RCW 70.245.090; and
(7) A note by the attending qualified medical provider indicating that all requirements under this chapter have been met and indicating the steps taken to carry out the request, including a notation of the medication prescribed.
[ 2023 c 38 s 13; 2009 c 1 s 12 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Medical record documentation requirements.


title: RCW 70.245.130

text:
Only requests made by Washington state residents under this chapter may be granted. Factors demonstrating Washington state residency include but are not limited to:
(1) Possession of a Washington state driver's license;
(2) Registration to vote in Washington state; or
(3) Evidence that the person owns or leases property in Washington state.
[ 2009 c 1 s 13 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Residency requirement.


title: RCW 70.245.140

text:
Any medication dispensed under this chapter that was not self-administered shall be disposed of by lawful means.
[ 2009 c 1 s 14 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Disposal of unused medications.


title: RCW 70.245.150

text:
(1)(a) The department of health shall annually review all records maintained under this chapter.
(b) The department of health shall require any health care provider upon writing a prescription or dispensing medication under this chapter to file a copy of the dispensing record and such other administratively required documentation with the department. All administratively required documentation shall be transmitted electronically, mailed, or otherwise transmitted as allowed by department of health rule to the department no later than 30 calendar days after the writing of a prescription and dispensing of medication under this chapter, except that all documents required to be filed with the department by the prescribing qualified medical provider after the death of the patient shall be transmitted electronically, mailed, or faxed no later than 30 calendar days after the date of death of the patient. In the event that anyone required under this chapter to report information to the department of health provides an inadequate or incomplete report, the department shall contact the person to request a complete report.
(2) The department of health shall adopt rules to facilitate the collection of information regarding compliance with this chapter. Except as otherwise required by law, the information collected is not a public record and may not be made available for inspection by the public.
(3) The department of health shall generate and make available to the public an annual statistical report of information collected under subsection (2) of this section.
[ 2023 c 38 s 14; 2009 c 1 s 15 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Reporting of information to the department of health—Adoption of rules—Information collected not a public record—Annual statistical report.


title: RCW 70.245.160

text:
(1) Any provision in a contract, will, or other agreement, whether written or oral, to the extent the provision would affect whether a person may make or rescind a request for medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner, is not valid.
(2) Any obligation owing under any currently existing contract shall not be conditioned or affected by the making or rescinding of a request, by a person, for medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner.
[ 2009 c 1 s 16 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Effect on construction of wills, contracts, and statutes.


title: RCW 70.245.170

text:
The sale, procurement, or issuance of any life, health, or accident insurance or annuity policy or the rate charged for any policy shall not be conditioned upon or affected by the making or rescinding of a request, by a person, for medication that the patient may self-administer to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner. A qualified patient's act of ingesting medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner shall not have an effect upon a life, health, or accident insurance or annuity policy.
[ 2009 c 1 s 17 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Insurance or annuity policies.


title: RCW 70.245.180

text:
(1) Nothing in this chapter authorizes an attending qualified medical provider, consulting qualified medical provider, or any other person to end a patient's life by lethal injection, mercy killing, or active euthanasia. Actions taken in accordance with this chapter do not, for any purpose, constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing, or homicide, under the law. State reports shall not refer to practice under this chapter as "suicide" or "assisted suicide." Consistent with RCW 70.245.010 (7), (11), and (12), 70.245.020(1), 70.245.040(1)(k), 70.245.060, 70.245.070, 70.245.090, 70.245.120 (1) and (2), 70.245.160 (1) and (2), 70.245.170, 70.245.190(1) (a) and (d), and 70.245.200(2), state reports shall refer to practice under this chapter as obtaining and self-administering life-ending medication.
(2) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be interpreted to lower the applicable standard of care for the attending qualified medical provider, consulting qualified medical provider, psychiatrist or psychologist, or other health care provider participating under this chapter.
[ 2023 c 38 s 15; 2009 c 1 s 18 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Authority of chapter—References to practices under this chapter—Applicable standard of care.


title: RCW 70.245.190

text:
(1) Except as provided in RCW 70.245.200 and subsection (2) of this section:
(a) A person shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability or professional disciplinary action for participating in good faith compliance with this chapter. This includes being present when a qualified patient takes the prescribed medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner;
(b) A professional organization or association, or health care provider, may not subject a person to censure, discipline, suspension, loss of license, loss of privileges, loss of membership, or other penalty for participating or refusing to participate in good faith compliance with this chapter;
(c) A patient's request for or provision by an attending qualified medical provider of medication in good faith compliance with this chapter does not constitute neglect for any purpose of law or provide the sole basis for the appointment of a guardian or conservator; and
(d) Only willing health care providers shall participate in the provision to a qualified patient of medication to end his or her life in a humane and dignified manner. If a health care provider is unable or unwilling to carry out a patient's request under this chapter, and the patient transfers his or her care to a new health care provider, the prior health care provider shall transfer, upon request, a copy of the patient's relevant medical records to the new health care provider.
(2)(a) A health care provider may prohibit another health care provider from participating under chapter 1, Laws of 2009 on the premises of the prohibiting provider if the prohibiting provider has given notice to all health care providers with privileges to practice on the premises and to the general public of the prohibiting provider's policy regarding participating under chapter 1, Laws of 2009. A health care provider may not, by contract or other form of agreement, prohibit another health care provider from participating under chapter 1, Laws of 2009 while acting outside the course and scope of the provider's capacity as an employee or independent contractor of the prohibiting health care provider and while at a location that is not on the prohibiting health care provider's premises and not on property that is owned by, leased by, or under the direct control of the prohibiting health care provider. This subsection does not prevent a health care provider from providing health care services to a patient that do not constitute participation under chapter 1, Laws of 2009.
(b) A health care provider may subject another health care provider to the sanctions stated in this subsection if the sanctioning health care provider has notified the sanctioned provider before participation in chapter 1, Laws of 2009 that it prohibits participation in chapter 1, Laws of 2009:
(i) Loss of privileges, loss of membership, or other sanctions provided under the medical staff bylaws, policies, and procedures of the sanctioning health care provider if the sanctioned provider is a member of the sanctioning provider's medical staff and participates in chapter 1, Laws of 2009 while on the health care facility premises of the sanctioning health care provider, but not including the private medical office of a qualified medical provider or other provider;
(ii) Termination of a lease or other property contract or other nonmonetary remedies provided by a lease contract, not including loss or restriction of medical staff privileges or exclusion from a provider panel, if the sanctioned provider participates in chapter 1, Laws of 2009 while on the premises of the sanctioning health care provider or on property that is owned by or under the direct control of the sanctioning health care provider; or
(iii) Termination of a contract or other nonmonetary remedies provided by contract if the sanctioned provider participates in chapter 1, Laws of 2009 while acting in the course and scope of the sanctioned provider's capacity as an employee or independent contractor of the sanctioning health care provider. Nothing in this subsection (2)(b)(iii) prevents:
(A) A health care provider from participating in chapter 1, Laws of 2009 while acting outside the course and scope of the provider's capacity as an employee or independent contractor and while at a location that is not on the sanctioning health care provider's facility premises and is not on property that is owned by, leased by, or under the direct control of the sanctioning health care provider; or
(B) A patient from contracting with his or her attending qualified medical provider and consulting qualified medical provider to act outside the course and scope of the provider's capacity as an employee or independent contractor of the sanctioning health care provider and while at a location that is not on the sanctioning health care provider's facility premises and is not on property that is owned by, leased by, or under the direct control of the sanctioning health care provider.
(c) A health care provider that imposes sanctions under (b) of this subsection shall follow all due process and other procedures the sanctioning health care provider may have that are related to the imposition of sanctions on another health care provider.
(d) For the purposes of this subsection:
(i) "Notify" means a separate statement in writing to the health care provider specifically informing the health care provider before the provider's participation in chapter 1, Laws of 2009 of the sanctioning health care provider's policy about participation in activities covered by this chapter.
(ii) "Participate in chapter 1, Laws of 2009" means to perform the duties of an attending qualified medical provider under RCW 70.245.040, the consulting qualified medical provider function under RCW 70.245.050, or the counseling function under RCW 70.245.060. "Participate in chapter 1, Laws of 2009" does not include:
(A) Making an initial determination that a patient has a terminal disease and informing the patient of the medical prognosis;
(B) Providing information about the Washington death with dignity act to a patient upon the request of the patient;
(C) Charting a patient's first request, as referenced in RCW 70.245.020, to services as provided in chapter 1, Laws of 2009;
(D) Providing a patient, upon the request of the patient, with a referral to another attending or consulting qualified medical provider; or
(E) A patient contracting with his or her attending qualified medical provider and consulting qualified medical provider to act outside of the course and scope of the provider's capacity as an employee or independent contractor of the sanctioning health care provider.
(3) Suspension or termination of staff membership or privileges under subsection (2) of this section is not reportable under RCW 18.130.070. Action taken under RCW 70.245.030, 70.245.040, 70.245.050, or 70.245.060 may not be the sole basis for a report of unprofessional conduct under RCW 18.130.180.
(4) References to "good faith" in subsection (1)(a), (b), and (c) of this section do not allow a lower standard of care for health care providers in the state of Washington.
[ 2023 c 38 s 16; 2009 c 1 s 19 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Immunities—Basis for prohibiting health care provider from participation—Notification—Permissible sanctions.


title: RCW 70.245.200

text:
(1) A person who without authorization of the patient willfully alters or forges a request for medication or conceals or destroys a rescission of that request with the intent or effect of causing the patient's death is guilty of a class A felony.
(2) A person who coerces or exerts undue influence on a patient to request medication to end the patient's life, or to destroy a rescission of a request, is guilty of a class A felony.
(3) This chapter does not limit further liability for civil damages resulting from other negligent conduct or intentional misconduct by any person.
(4) The penalties in this chapter do not preclude criminal penalties applicable under other law for conduct that is inconsistent with this chapter.
[ 2009 c 1 s 20 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Willful alteration/forgery—Coercion or undue influence—Penalties—Civil damages—Other penalties not precluded.


title: RCW 70.245.210

text:
Any governmental entity that incurs costs resulting from a person terminating his or her life under this chapter in a public place has a claim against the estate of the person to recover such costs and reasonable attorneys' fees related to enforcing the claim.
[ 2009 c 1 s 21 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Claims by governmental entity for costs incurred.


title: RCW 70.245.220

text:
A request for a medication as authorized by this chapter shall be in substantially the following form:
REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO END MY LIFE IN A HUMANE AND DIGNIFIED MANNER
I, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., am an adult of sound mind.
I am suffering from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., which my attending qualified medical provider has determined is a terminal disease that will result in death within six months.
I have been fully informed of my diagnosis, prognosis, the nature of medication to be prescribed and potential associated risks, the expected result, and the feasible alternatives, including comfort care, hospice care, and pain control.
I request that my attending qualified medical provider prescribe medication that I may self-administer to end my life in a humane and dignified manner and to contact any pharmacist to fill the prescription.
INITIAL ONE:
. . . . . I have informed my family of my decision and taken their opinions into consideration.
. . . . . I have decided not to inform my family of my decision.
. . . . . I have no family to inform of my decision.
I understand that I have the right to rescind this request at any time.
I understand the full import of this request and I expect to die when I take the medication to be prescribed. I further understand that although most deaths occur within three hours, my death may take longer and my qualified medical provider has counseled me about this possibility.
I make this request voluntarily and without reservation, and I accept full moral responsibility for my actions.
Signed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dated: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DECLARATION OF WITNESSES
By initialing and signing below on or after the date the person named above signs, we declare that the person making and signing the above request:
Witness 1
Initials
Witness 2
Initials
. . . .
. . . .
1. Is personally known to us or has provided proof of identity;
. . . .
. . . .
2. Signed this request in our presence on the date of the person's signature;
. . . .
. . . .
3. Appears to be of sound mind and not under duress, fraud, or undue influence;
. . . .
. . . .
4. Is not a patient for whom either of us is the attending qualified medical provider.
Printed Name of Witness 1:. . . .
Signature of Witness 1/Date:. . . .
Printed Name of Witness 2:. . . .
Signature of Witness 2/Date:. . . .
NOTE: One witness shall not be a relative by blood, marriage, or adoption of the person signing this request, shall not be entitled to any portion of the person's estate upon death, and shall not own, operate, or be employed at a health care facility where the person is a patient or resident.
[ 2023 c 38 s 17; 2009 c 1 s 22 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Form of the request.


title: RCW 70.245.230

text:
(1) Subject to the provisions in subsection (2) of this section, a qualified patient may select the attending or consulting qualified medical provider of the qualified patient's choosing.
(2)(a) If a qualified patient selects an attending qualified medical provider who is a licensed professional other than a physician, the qualified patient must select a physician to serve as the qualified patient's consulting qualified medical provider.
(b) A qualified patient may select a consulting qualified medical provider who is a licensed professional other than a physician, only if the qualified patient's attending qualified medical provider is a physician.
(c) The attending qualified medical provider and the consulting qualified medical provider selected by the qualified patient may not have a direct supervisory relationship with each other.
[ 2023 c 38 s 2.]

catchline: Selection of qualified medical provider.


title: RCW 70.245.901

text:
This act may be known and cited as the Washington death with dignity act.
[ 2009 c 1 s 26 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Short title—2009 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 1000).


title: RCW 70.245.903

text:
This act takes effect one hundred twenty days after the election at which it is approved [March 5, 2009], except for section 24 of this act which takes effect July 1, 2009.
[ 2009 c 1 s 28 (Initiative Measure No. 1000, approved November 4, 2008).]

catchline: Effective dates—2009 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 1000).


title: RCW 70.250.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Advanced diagnostic imaging services" means magnetic resonance imaging services, computed tomography services, positron emission tomography services, cardiac nuclear medicine services, and similar new imaging services.
(2) "Authority" means the Washington state health care authority.
(3) "Collaborative" means the Robert Bree collaborative established in RCW 70.250.050.
(4) "Payor" means carriers licensed under chapters 48.21, 48.41, 48.44, 48.46, and 48.62 RCW.
(5) "Self-funded health plan" means an employer-sponsored health plan or Taft-Hartley plan that is not provided through a fully insured health carrier.
(6) "State purchased health care" has the same meaning as in RCW 41.05.011.
[ 2011 c 313 s 2; 2009 c 258 s 1.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2011 c 313: See note following RCW 70.250.050.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 70.250.030

text:
(1) No later than September 1, 2009, all state purchased health care programs shall, except for state purchased health care services that are purchased from or through health carriers as defined in RCW 48.43.005, implement evidence-based best practice guidelines or protocols applicable to advanced diagnostic imaging services, and the decision support tools to implement the guidelines or protocols, identified under RCW 70.250.050.
(2) By January 1, 2012, and every January 1st thereafter, all state purchased health care programs must implement the evidence-based best practice guidelines or protocols and strategies identified under RCW 70.250.050, after the administrator, in consultation with participating agencies, has affirmatively reviewed and endorsed the recommendations. This requirement applies to health carriers, as defined in RCW 48.43.005 and to entities acting as third-party administrators that contract with state purchased health care programs to provide or administer health benefits for enrollees of those programs. If the collaborative fails to reach consensus within the time frames identified in this section and RCW 70.250.050, state purchased health care programs may pursue implementation of evidence-based strategies on their own initiative.
[ 2011 c 313 s 4; 2009 c 258 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2011 c 313: See note following RCW 70.250.050.

catchline: Implementation of evidence-based best practice guidelines or protocols.


title: RCW 70.250.040

text:
Any current or future time frames, procedures, rules, regulations, or guidance regarding accreditation requirements for advanced diagnostic imaging services established in, or promulgated pursuant to, section 135(a) of the medicare improvements for patients and providers act of 2008, shall also be applicable to any person or entity in this state not already subject to its provisions that receives payment for the furnishing of the technical component of advanced diagnostic imaging services as defined under that act.
[ 2009 c 258 s 4.]

catchline: Application of section 135(a) of the medicare improvements for patients and providers act of 2008.


title: RCW 70.250.050

text:
(1) Consistent with the authority granted in RCW 41.05.013, the authority shall convene a collaborative, to be known as the Robert Bree collaborative. The collaborative shall identify health care services for which there are substantial variation in practice patterns or high utilization trends in Washington state, without producing better care outcomes for patients, that are indicators of poor quality and potential waste in the health care system. On an annual basis, the collaborative shall identify up to three health care services it will address.
(2) For each health care service identified, the collaborative shall:
(a) Analyze and identify evidence-based best practice approaches to improve quality and reduce variation in use of the service, including identification of guidelines or protocols applicable to the health care service. In evaluating guidelines, the collaborative should identify the highest quality guidelines based upon the most rigorous and transparent methods for identification, rating, and translation of evidence into practice recommendations.
(b) Identify data collection and reporting necessary to develop baseline health service utilization rates and to measure the impact of strategies adopted under this section. Methods for data collection and reporting should strive to minimize cost and administrative effort related to data collection and reporting wherever possible, including the use of existing data resources and nonfee-based tools for reporting.
(c) Identify strategies to increase use of the evidence-based best practice approaches identified under (a) of this subsection in both state purchased and privately purchased health care plans. Strategies considered should include, but are not limited to: Identifying goals for appropriate utilization rates and reduction in practice variation among providers; peer-to-peer consultation or second opinions; provider feedback reports; use of patient decision aids; incentives for appropriate use of health care services; centers of excellence or other provider qualification standards; quality improvement systems; and service utilization and outcomes reporting, including public reporting. In developing strategies, the collaborative should strongly consider related efforts of organizations such as the Puget Sound health alliance, the Washington state hospital association, the national quality forum, the joint commission on accreditation of health care organizations, the national committee for quality assurance, the foundation for health care quality, and, where appropriate, more focused quality improvement efforts, such as the Washington state perinatal advisory committee and the Washington state surgical care and outcomes assessment program. The collaborative shall provide an opportunity for public comment on the strategies chosen before finalizing their recommendations.
(3) If the collaborative chooses a health care service for which there is substantial variation in practice patterns or a high or low utilization trend in Washington state, and a lack of evidence-based best practice approaches, it should consider strategies that will promote improved care outcomes, such as patient decision aids, provider feedback reports, centers of excellence or other provider qualification standards, and research to improve care quality and outcomes.
(4) The governor shall appoint twenty members of the collaborative, who must include:
(a) Two members, selected from health carriers or third-party administrators that have the most fully insured and self-funded covered lives in Washington state. The count of total covered lives includes enrollment in all companies included in their holding company system. Each health carrier or third-party administrator is entitled to no more than a single position on the collaborative to represent all entities under common ownership or control;
(b) One member, selected from the health maintenance organization having the most fully insured and self-insured covered lives in Washington state. The count of total lives includes enrollment in all companies included in its holding company system. Each health maintenance organization is entitled to no more than a single position on the collaborative to represent all entities under common ownership or control;
(c) One member, chosen from among three nominees submitted by the association of Washington health plans, representing national health carriers that operate in multiple states outside of the Pacific Northwest;
(d) Four physicians, selected from lists of nominees submitted by the Washington state medical association, as follows:
(i) Two physicians, one of whom must be a practicing primary care physician, representing large multispecialty clinics with fifty or more physicians, selected from a list of five nominees. The primary care physician must be either a family physician, an internal medicine physician, or a general pediatrician; and
(ii) Two physicians, one of whom must be a practicing primary care physician, representing clinics with less than fifty physicians, selected from a list of five nominees. The primary care physician must be either a family physician, an internal medicine physician, or a general pediatrician;
(e) One osteopathic physician, selected from a list of five nominees submitted by the Washington state osteopathic medical association;
(f) Two physicians representing the largest hospital-based physician systems in the state, selected from a list of five nominees submitted jointly by the Washington state medical association and the Washington state hospital association;
(g) Three members representing hospital systems, at least one of whom is responsible for quality, submitted from a list of six nominees from the Washington state hospital association;
(h) Three members, representing self-funded purchasers of health care services for employees;
(i) Two members, representing state purchased health care programs; and
(j) One member, representing the Puget Sound health alliance.
(5) The governor shall appoint the chair of the collaborative.
(6) The collaborative shall add members to its membership or establish clinical committees for each therapy under review by the collaborative for the purpose of acquiring clinical expertise needed to accomplish its responsibilities under this section and RCW 70.250.010 and 70.250.030. Membership of clinical committees should reflect clinical expertise in the area of health care services being addressed by the collaborative, including clinicians involved in related quality improvement or comparative effectiveness efforts, as well as nonphysician practitioners. Each clinical committee shall include at least two members of the specialty or subspecialty society most experienced with the health service identified for review.
(7) Permanent and ad hoc members of the collaborative or any of its committees may not have personal financial conflicts of interest that could substantially influence or bias their participation. If a collaborative or committee member has a personal financial conflict of interest with respect to a particular health care service being addressed by the collaborative, he or she shall disclose such an interest. The collaborative must determine whether the member should be recused from any deliberations or decisions related to that service.
(8) A person serving on the collaborative or any of its clinical committees shall be immune from civil liability, whether direct or derivative, for any decisions made in good faith while pursuing activities associated with the work of collaborative or any of its clinical committees.
(9) The guidelines or protocols identified under this section shall not be construed to establish the standard of care or duty of care owed by health care providers in any cause of action occurring as a result of health care.
(10) The collaborative shall actively solicit federal or private funds and in-kind contributions necessary to complete its work in a timely fashion. The collaborative shall not accept private funds if receipt of such funding could present a potential conflict of interest or bias in the collaborative's deliberations. Available state funds may be used to support the work of the collaborative when the collaborative has selected a health care service that is a high utilization or high-cost service in state purchased health care programs or the health care service is undergoing evaluation in one or more state purchased health care programs and coordination will reduce duplication of efforts. The collaborative shall not begin the work described in this section unless sufficient funds are received from private or federal resources, or available state funds.
(11) No member of the collaborative or its committees may be compensated for his or her service.
(12) The proceedings of the collaborative shall be open to the public and notice of meetings shall be provided at least twenty days prior to a meeting.
(13) All meetings of the collaborative, including those of a subcommittee, are subject to the open public meetings act.
(14) The collaborative shall report to the administrator of the authority regarding the health services areas it has chosen and strategies proposed. The administrator shall review the strategies recommended in the report, giving strong consideration to the direction provided in section 1, chapter 313, Laws of 2011 and this section. The administrator's review shall describe the outcomes of the review and any decisions related to adoption of the recommended strategies by state purchased health care programs. Following the administrator's review, the collaborative shall report to the legislature and the governor regarding chosen health services, proposed strategies, the results of the administrator's review, and available information related to the impact of strategies adopted in the previous three years on the cost and quality of care provided in Washington state. The initial report must be submitted by November 15, 2011, with annual reports thereafter.
[ 2015 c 21 s 1; 2011 c 313 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2011 c 313: "(1) The legislature finds that:
(a) Efforts are needed across the health care system to improve the quality and cost–effectiveness of health care services provided in Washington state and to improve care outcomes for patients.
(b) Some health care services currently provided in Washington state present significant safety, efficacy, or cost-effectiveness concerns. Substantial variation in practice patterns or high utilization trends can be indicators of poor quality and potential waste in the health care system, without producing better care outcomes for patients.
(c) State purchased health care programs should partner with private health carriers, third-party purchasers, and health care providers in shared efforts to improve quality, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of care.
(2) The legislature declares that collaboration among state purchased health care programs, private health carriers, third-party purchasers, and health care providers to identify appropriate strategies that will increase the effectiveness of health care delivered in Washington state is in the best interest of the public. The legislature therefore intends to exempt from state antitrust laws, and to provide immunity from federal antitrust laws through the state action doctrine, for activities undertaken pursuant to efforts designed and implemented under this act that might otherwise be constrained by such laws. The legislature does not intend and does not authorize any person or entity to engage in activities or to conspire to engage in activities that would constitute per se violations of state and federal antitrust laws including, but not limited to, agreements among competing health care providers or health carriers as to the price or specific level of reimbursement for health care services.
(3) The legislature intends that the Robert Bree collaborative established in section 3 of this act provide a mechanism through which public and private health care purchasers, health carriers, and providers can work together to identify effective means to improve quality health outcomes and cost-effectiveness of care. It is not the intent of the legislature to mandate payment or coverage decisions by private health care purchasers or carriers." [ 2011 c 313 s 1.]


title: RCW 70.250.060

text:
(1) No later than January 1, 2020, the collaborative shall begin a review to identify, define, and endorse guidelines for the provision of high quality sexual and reproductive health services in clinical settings throughout Washington. This shall include the development of specific clinical recommendations to improve sexual and reproductive health care for:
(a) People of color;
(b) Immigrants and refugees;
(c) Victims and survivors of violence; and
(d) People with disabilities.
(2) The collaborative shall conduct its review consistent with the activities, processes, and reporting standards specified in RCW 70.250.050. In conducting its review, the collaborative shall apply a whole-person framework to develop evidence-based, culturally sensitive recommendations to improve standards of care and health equity.
(3) By December 15, 2020, the collaborative, through the authority, shall provide a status report to the committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over matters related to health care and to the governor.
[ 2019 c 399 s 6.]
Notes:
Findings—Short title—2019 c 399: See notes following RCW 74.09.875.
Recommendations—Preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis financial support awareness—2019 c 399: See note following RCW 48.43.072.

catchline: Sexual and reproductive health services—Review and recommendations for improvement—Report to legislature and governor.


title: RCW 70.250.900

text:
This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 28, 2009].
[ 2009 c 258 s 5.]

catchline: Effective date—2009 c 258.


title: RCW 70.255.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Authority having jurisdiction" means the local organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of the state fire code.
(2) "Director" means the director of fire protection appointed under RCW 43.43.938.
(3) "Distribute" means to do any of the following:
(a) Sell novelty lighters or deliver novelty lighters for sale by another person to consumers;
(b) Sell or accept orders for novelty lighters that are to be transported from a point outside this state to a consumer within this state;
(c) Buy novelty lighters directly from a manufacturer or wholesale dealer for resale in this state;
(d) Give novelty lighters as a sample, prize, gift, or other promotion.
(4) "Manufacturer" means:
(a) An entity that produces, or causes the production of, novelty lighters for sale in this state;
(b) An importer or first purchaser of novelty lighters that intends to resell within this state novelty lighters that were produced for sale outside this state; or
(c) A successor to an entity, importer, or first purchaser described in (a) or (b) of this subsection.
(5)(a) "Novelty lighter" means a lighter that can operate on any fuel, including butane or liquid fuel. Novelty lighters have features that are attractive to children, including but not limited to visual effects, flashing lights, musical sounds, and toylike designs. The term considers the shape of the lighter to be the most important characteristic when determining whether a lighter can be considered a novelty lighter.
(b) "Novelty lighter" does not include disposable cigarette lighters or lighters that are printed or decorated with logos, decals, artwork, or heat shrinkable sleeves.
(6) "Retail dealer" means an entity at one location, other than a manufacturer or wholesale dealer, that engages in distributing novelty lighters.
(7) "Sell" means to transfer, or agree to transfer, title or possession for a monetary or nonmonetary consideration.
(8) "Wholesale dealer" means an entity that distributes novelty lighters to a retail dealer or other person for resale.
[ 2009 c 273 s 1.]


title: RCW 70.255.020

text:
(1) A person may not distribute or offer to sell a novelty lighter within this state if the director determines the novelty lighter is prohibited for sale or distribution under this chapter.
(2) This section does not apply if the novelty lighters are in interstate commerce and not intended for distribution in this state.
(3) The authority having jurisdiction shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2009 c 273 s 2.]

catchline: Prohibition on the distribution or offer to sell novelty lighters.


title: RCW 70.255.030

text:
(1) The authority having jurisdiction may impose a civil penalty for a violation of this chapter. The civil penalty may not exceed:
(a) For a wholesale dealer that distributes or offers to sell novelty lighters to retail dealers or consumers, a written warning for the first violation and a monetary penalty of five hundred dollars for each subsequent violation.
(b) For a retail dealer that distributes or offers to sell novelty lighters to consumers, a written warning for the first violation and a monetary penalty of two hundred fifty dollars for each subsequent violation.
(2) The authority having jurisdiction may bring an action seeking:
(a) Injunctive relief to prevent or end a violation of this chapter;
(b) To recover civil penalties imposed under subsection (1) of this section; or
(c) To recover attorneys' fees and other enforcement costs and disbursements.
(3) Penalties under this section must be deposited in an account designated by the authority having jurisdiction.
(4) A district court has jurisdiction over all proceedings brought under this section.
[ 2009 c 273 s 3.]

catchline: Civil penalty—Jurisdiction.


title: RCW 70.255.040

text:
(1) On July 26, 2009, manufacturers must immediately cease the sale or distribution of novelty lighters in this state.
(2) On July 26, 2009, wholesalers and retail dealers have a maximum of ninety days to reduce their current inventory of novelty lighters. In no instance may wholesalers and retail dealers sell or distribute a novelty lighter in this state after ninety days from July 26, 2009.
[ 2009 c 273 s 4.]

catchline: Manufacturers must cease sale or distribution.


title: RCW 70.26.010

text:
The legislature finds that:
(1) Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new virus appears in the human population, causes serious illness, and then spreads easily from person to person.
(2) Historically, pandemic influenza has occurred on average every thirty years. Most recently, the Asian flu in 1957-58 and the Hong Kong flu in 1968-69 killed seventy thousand and thirty-four thousand, respectively, in the United States.
(3) Another influenza pandemic could emerge with little warning, affecting a large number of people. Estimates are that another pandemic influenza would cause more than two hundred thousand deaths in our country, with as many as five thousand in Washington. Our state could also expect ten thousand to twenty-four thousand people needing hospital stays, and as many as a million people requiring outpatient visits. During a severe pandemic these numbers could be much higher. The economic losses could also be substantial.
(4) The current Avian or bird flu that is spreading around the world has the potential to start a pandemic. There is yet no proven vaccine, and antiviral medication supplies are limited and of unknown effectiveness against a human version of the virus, leaving traditional public health measures as the only means to slow the spread of the disease. Given the global nature of a pandemic, as much as possible, the state must be able to respond assuming only limited outside resources and assistance will be available.
(5) An effective response to pandemic influenza in Washington must focus at the local level and will depend on preestablished partnerships and collaborative planning on a range of best case and worst case scenarios. It will require flexibility and real-time decision making, guided by accurate information. It will also depend on a well-informed public that understands the dangers of pandemic influenza and the steps necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.
(6) Avian flu is but one example of an infectious disease that, were an outbreak to occur, could pose a significant statewide health hazard. As such, preparation for pandemic flu will also enhance the capacity of local public health jurisdictions to respond to other emergencies.
It is therefore the intent of the legislature that adequate pandemic flu preparedness and response plans be developed and implemented by local public health jurisdictions statewide in order to limit the number of illnesses and deaths, preserve the continuity of essential government and other community services, and minimize social disruption and economic loss in the event of an influenza pandemic.
[ 2006 c 63 s 1.]

catchline: Findings—Intent.


title: RCW 70.26.020

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Department" means the department of health.
(2) "Local health jurisdiction" means a local health department as established under chapter 70.05 RCW, a combined city-county health department as established under chapter 70.08 RCW, or a health district established under chapter 70.05 or 70.46 RCW.
(3) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health.
[ 2006 c 63 s 2.]


title: RCW 70.26.030

text:
(1) The secretary shall establish requirements and performance standards, consistent with any requirements or standards established by the United States department of health and human services, regarding the development and implementation of local pandemic flu preparedness and response plans.
(2) To the extent state or federal funds are provided for this purpose, by November 1, 2006, each local health jurisdiction shall develop a pandemic flu preparedness and response plan, consistent with requirements and performance standards established in subsection (1) of this section, for the purpose of:
(a) Defining preparedness activities that should be undertaken before a pandemic occurs that will enhance the effectiveness of response measures;
(b) Describing the response, coordination, and decision-making structure that will incorporate the local health jurisdiction, the local health care system, other local response agencies, and state and federal agencies during the pandemic;
(c) Defining the roles and responsibilities for the local health jurisdiction, local health care partners, and local response agencies during all phases of a pandemic;
(d) Describing public health interventions in a pandemic response and the timing of such interventions;
(e) Serving as a guide for local health care system partners, response agencies, and businesses in the development of pandemic influenza response plans; and
(f) Providing technical support and information on which preparedness and response actions are based.
Each plan shall be developed based on an assessment by the local health jurisdiction of its current capacity to respond to pandemic flu and otherwise meet department outcome measures related to infectious disease outbreaks of statewide significance.
[ 2006 c 63 s 3.]

catchline: Local preparedness and response plans—Requirements.


title: RCW 70.26.040

text:
(1) Each local health jurisdiction shall develop its pandemic flu preparedness and response plan based on the requirements and performance standards established under RCW 70.26.030(1) and an assessment of the jurisdiction's current capacity to respond to pandemic flu. The plan shall be developed in consultation with appropriate public and private sector partners, including departments of emergency management, law enforcement, school districts, hospitals and medical professionals, tribal governments, and business organizations. At a minimum, each plan shall address:
(a) Strategies to educate the public about the consequences of influenza pandemic and what each person can do to prepare, including the adoption of universal infectious disease prevention practices and maintaining appropriate emergency supplies;
(b) Jurisdiction-wide disease surveillance programs, coordinated with state and federal efforts, to detect pandemic influenza strains in humans and animals, including health care provider compliance with reportable conditions requirements, and investigation and analysis of reported illness or outbreaks;
(c) Communication systems, including the availability of and access to specialized communications equipment by health officials and community leaders, and the use of mass media outlets;
(d) Mass vaccination plans and protocols to rapidly administer vaccine and monitor vaccine effectiveness and safety;
(e) Guidelines for the utilization of antiviral medications for the treatment and prevention of influenza;
(f) Implementation of nonmedical measures to decrease the spread of the disease as guided by the epidemiology of the pandemic, including increasing adherence to public health advisories, voluntary social isolation during outbreaks, and health officer orders related to quarantines;
(g) Medical system mobilization, including improving the linkages and coordination of emergency responses across health care organizations, and assuring the availability of adequate facilities and trained personnel;
(h) Strategies for maintaining social order and essential community services while limiting the spread of disease throughout the duration of the pandemic; and
(i) The jurisdiction's relative priorities related to implementation of the above activities, based on available funding.
(2) To the extent state or federal funds are provided for this purpose, the department, in consultation with the state director of emergency management, shall provide technical assistance and disburse funds as needed, based on the formula developed under RCW 70.26.060, to support local health jurisdictions in developing their pandemic flu preparedness and response plans.
[ 2006 c 63 s 4.]

catchline: Local preparedness and response plans—Consultation with public, private sector—Department to provide technical assistance and disburse funds.


title: RCW 70.26.050

text:
Local health jurisdictions shall submit their pandemic flu preparedness and response plans to the secretary by November 1, 2006. Upon receipt of a plan, the secretary shall approve or reject the plan. When the plan is determined by the department to comply with the requirements and integrate the performance standards established under RCW 70.26.030(1), any additional state or federal funding appropriated in the budget shall be provided to the local health jurisdiction to support the preparedness response activities identified in the plan, based upon a formula developed by the secretary under RCW 70.26.060. Preparedness and response activities include but are not limited to:
(1) Education, information, and outreach, in multiple languages, to increase community preparedness and reduce the spread of the disease should it occur;
(2) Development of materials and systems to be used in the event of a pandemic to keep the public informed about the influenza, the course of the pandemic, and response activities;
(3) Development of the legal documents necessary to facilitate and support the necessary government response;
(4) Training and response drills for local health jurisdiction staff, law enforcement, health care providers, and others with responsibilities identified in the plan;
(5) Enhancement of the communicable disease surveillance system; and
(6) Development of coordination and communication systems among responding agencies.
Where appropriate, these activities shall be coordinated and funded on a regional or statewide basis. The secretary, in consultation with the state director of emergency management, shall provide implementation support and assistance to a local health jurisdiction when the secretary or the local health jurisdiction has concerns regarding a jurisdiction's progress toward implementing its plan.
[ 2006 c 63 s 5.]

catchline: Plans to be submitted to secretary for approval, rejection—Funding—Preparedness and response activities.


title: RCW 70.26.060

text:
The secretary shall develop a formula for distribution of any federal and state funds appropriated in the omnibus appropriations act on or before July 1, 2006, to local health jurisdictions for development and implementation of their pandemic flu preparedness and response plans. The formula developed by the secretary shall ensure that each local health jurisdiction receives a minimum amount of funds for plan development and that any additional funds for plan development be distributed equitably, including consideration of population and factors that increase susceptibility to an outbreak, upon soliciting the advice of the local health jurisdictions.
[ 2006 c 63 s 6.]

catchline: Secretary to develop a formula for fund distribution—Requirements.


title: RCW 70.26.070

text:
The secretary shall:
(1) Develop a process for assessing the compliance of each local health jurisdiction with the requirements and performance standards developed under RCW 70.26.030(1) at least biannually;
(2) By November 15, 2008, report to the legislature on the level of compliance with the performance standards established under RCW 70.26.030(1). The report shall consider the extent to which local health jurisdictions comply with each performance standard and any impediments to meeting the expected level of performance.
[ 2006 c 63 s 7.]

catchline: Secretary duties—Report.


title: RCW 70.265.010

text:
The legislature finds that it is in the interests of the people of the state of Washington to be able to establish public hospital capital facility areas as quasi-municipal corporations and independent taxing units existing within the boundaries of counties composed entirely of islands that receive medical services from an existing public hospital district but are not annexed to an existing public hospital district for the purpose of financing the construction, additions, or betterments of capital hospital facilities or other capital health care facilities.
[ 2009 c 481 s 1.]

catchline: Finding.


title: RCW 70.265.020

text:
(1) "Hospital capital facilities" include both real and personal property including land, buildings, site improvements, equipment, furnishings, collections, and all necessary costs related to acquisition, financing, design, construction, equipping, and remodeling.
(2) "Other capital health care facilities" means nursing home, extended care, long-term care, outpatient and rehabilitative facilities, ambulances, and such other facilities as are appropriate to the health needs of the population served.
(3) "Public hospital capital facility area" means a quasi-municipal corporation and independent taxing authority within the meaning of Article VII, section 1 of the state Constitution, and a taxing district within the meaning of Article VII, section 2 of the state Constitution, created by a county legislative authority of a county composed entirely of islands that receives medical services from a hospital district, but is prevented by geography and the absence of contiguous boundaries from annexing to that district. A public hospital capital facility area may include all or a portion of a city or town.
[ 2009 c 481 s 2.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).


title: RCW 70.265.030

text:
(1)(a) Upon receipt of a completed petition to both establish a public hospital capital facility area and submit a ballot proposition under RCW 70.265.070 to finance public hospital capital facilities and other capital health care facilities, the legislative authority of the county in which a proposed public hospital capital facility area is to be established shall submit separate ballot propositions to voters to authorize establishing the proposed public hospital capital facility area and authorizing the public hospital capital facility area, if established, to finance public hospital capital facilities or other capital health care facilities by issuing general indebtedness and imposing excess levies to retire the indebtedness. A petition submitted under this section must be accompanied by a written request to establish a public hospital capital facility area that is signed by a majority of the commissioners of the public hospital district serving the proposed area.
(b) The ballot propositions must be submitted to voters of the proposed public hospital capital facility area at a general or special election. If the proposed election date is not a general election, the county legislative authority is encouraged to request an election when another unit of local government with territory located in the proposed public hospital capital facility area is already holding a special election under RCW 29A.04.330. Approval of the ballot proposition to create a public hospital capital facility area requires a simple majority vote by the voters participating in the election.
(2) A completed petition submitted under this section must include:
(a) A description of the boundaries of the public hospital capital facility area; and
(b) A copy of a resolution of the legislative authority of each city, town, and hospital district with territory in the proposed public hospital capital facility area indicating both: (i) Approval of the creation of the proposed public hospital capital facility area; and (ii) agreement on how election costs will be paid for ballot propositions to voters that authorize the public hospital capital facility area to incur general indebtedness and impose excess levies to retire the general indebtedness.
[ 2009 c 481 s 3.]

catchline: Establishing a public hospital capital facility area—Process.


title: RCW 70.265.040

text:
Any petition for the formation of a public hospital capital facility area may describe an area less than the entire county in which the petition is filed, the boundaries of which must follow the then existing precinct boundaries and not divide any voting precinct; and in the event that a petition is filed containing not less than ten percent of the voters of the proposed public hospital capital facility area who voted at the last general election, certified by the auditor in like manner as for a countywide district, the board of county commissioners shall fix a date for a hearing on the petition, and shall publish the petition, without the signatures thereto appended, for two weeks prior to the date of the hearing, together with a notice stating the time of the meeting when the petition will be heard. Publications required by this chapter must be in a newspaper published in the proposed public hospital capital facility area, or, if there be no such newspaper, then in a newspaper published in the county in which the public hospital capital facility area is situated, and of general circulation in that county. The hearing on the petition may be adjourned from time to time, not exceeding four weeks in all. If upon the final hearing the board of county commissioners finds that any lands have been unjustly or improperly included within the proposed public hospital capital facility area the board shall change and fix the boundary lines in such manner as it deems reasonable and just and conducive to the welfare and convenience, and make and enter an order establishing and defining the boundary lines of the proposed public hospital capital facility area: PROVIDED, That no lands may be included within the boundaries so fixed lying outside the boundaries described in the petition, except upon the written request of the owners of those lands.
[ 2009 c 481 s 4.]

catchline: Petition for formation of a public hospital capital facility area less than the entire county—Process.


title: RCW 70.265.050

text:
The governing body of the public hospital capital facility area must consist of three members of the county legislative authority from each county in which the public hospital capital facility area is located. In counties that have more than three members of their legislative body, the three members who serve on the governing body of the public hospital capital facility area must be chosen by the full membership of the county legislative authority.
[ 2009 c 481 s 5.]

catchline: Governing body.


title: RCW 70.265.060

text:
A public hospital capital facility area may construct, acquire, purchase, maintain, add to, and remodel public hospital capital facilities, and the governing body of the public hospital capital facility area may, by interlocal agreement or otherwise, contract with a county, city, town, or public hospital district to design, administer the construction of, operate, or maintain a public hospital capital facility or other capital health care facility financed pursuant to this chapter. Legal title to public hospital capital facilities or other capital health care facilities acquired or constructed pursuant to this chapter may be transferred, acquired, or held by the public hospital capital facility area or by a county, city, town, or public hospital district in which the facility is located and receives service.
[ 2009 c 481 s 6.]

catchline: Authority to construct, acquire, purchase, maintain, add to, and remodel facilities—Interlocal agreements—Legal title.


title: RCW 70.265.070

text:
(1) A public hospital capital facility area may contract indebtedness or borrow money to finance public hospital capital facilities and other capital health care facilities and may issue general obligation bonds for such purpose not exceeding an amount, together with any existing indebtedness of the public hospital capital facility area, equal to one and one-quarter percent of the value of the taxable property in the public hospital capital facility area and impose excess property tax levies to retire the general indebtedness as provided in RCW 39.36.050 if a ballot proposition authorizing both the indebtedness and excess levies is approved by at least three-fifths of the voters of the public hospital capital facility area voting on the proposition, and the total number of voters voting on the proposition constitutes not less than forty percent of the total number of voters in the public hospital capital facility area voting at the last preceding general election. The term "value of the taxable property" has the meaning set forth in RCW 39.36.015. The proposition must be submitted to voters at a general or special election and may be submitted to voters at the same election as the election when the ballot proposition authorizing the establishing of the public hospital capital facility area is submitted. If the proposed election date is not a general election, the county legislative authority is encouraged to request an election when another unit of local government with territory located in the proposed public hospital capital facility area is already holding a special election under RCW 29A.04.330.
(2) A public hospital capital facility area may accept gifts or grants of money or property of any kind for the same purposes for which it is authorized to borrow money in subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2009 c 481 s 7.]

catchline: Financing—Bonds authorized.


title: RCW 70.265.080

text:
(1) A public hospital capital facility area may be dissolved by a majority vote of the governing body when all obligations under any general obligation bonds issued by the public hospital capital facility area have been discharged and any other contractual obligations of the public hospital capital facility area have either been discharged or assumed by another governmental entity.
(2) A public hospital capital facility area must be dissolved by the governing body if the first two ballot propositions under RCW 70.265.070 that are submitted to voters are not approved.
[ 2009 c 481 s 8.]

catchline: Dissolution of public hospital capital facility area.


title: RCW 70.265.090

text:
Unless commenced within thirty days after the date of the filing of the certificate of the canvass of an election on the proposition of creating a new public hospital capital facility area pursuant to this chapter, no lawsuit whatever may be maintained challenging in any way the legal existence of the public hospital capital facility area or the validity of the proceedings had for the organization and creation thereof. If the creation of a public hospital capital facility area is not challenged within the period specified in this section, the public hospital capital facility area conclusively must be deemed duly and regularly organized under the laws of this state.
[ 2009 c 481 s 9.]

catchline: Limitations on legal challenges.


title: RCW 70.265.100

text:
(1) The treasurer of the county in which a public hospital capital facility area is located shall be treasurer of the public hospital capital facility area, except that the commission of the public hospital district in which the facility area is located by resolution may designate some other person having experience in financial or fiscal matters as treasurer of the public hospital capital facility area. If the treasurer is not the county treasurer, the commission shall require a bond, with a surety company authorized to do business in the state of Washington, in an amount and under the terms and conditions which the commission by resolution from time to time finds will protect the public hospital capital facility area against loss. The premium on any such bond must be paid by the public hospital capital facility area.
(2) All public hospital capital facility area funds must be paid to the treasurer and must be disbursed by him or her only on warrants issued by an auditor appointed by the commission, upon orders or vouchers approved by it. The treasurer shall establish a public hospital capital facility area fund, into which all public hospital capital facility area funds must be paid, and he or she shall maintain such special funds as may be created by the commission, into which he or she shall place all money as the commission may, by resolution, direct.
(3) If the treasurer of the district is the treasurer of the county all public hospital capital facility area funds must be deposited with the county depositaries under the same restrictions, contracts, and security as provided for county depositaries. If the treasurer of the public hospital capital facility area is some other person, all funds must be deposited in a bank or banks authorized to do business in this state as the commission by resolution designates, and with surety bond to the public hospital capital facility area or securities in lieu thereof of the kind, no less in amount, for deposit of county funds. The surety bond or securities in lieu thereof must be filed or deposited with the treasurer of the public hospital capital facility area, and approved by resolution of the commission.
(4) All interest collected on public hospital capital facility area funds belong to the public hospital capital facility area and [must] be deposited to its credit in the proper public hospital capital facility area funds.
(5) A public hospital capital facility area may provide and require a reasonable bond of any other person handling moneys or securities of the public hospital capital facility area. The public hospital capital facility area may pay the premium on the bond.
[ 2009 c 481 s 10.]

catchline: Treasurer—Duties—Funds—Surety bonds.


title: RCW 70.265.110

text:
Any public hospital capital facility area may contract or join with any public hospital district, publicly owned hospital, nonprofit hospital, legal entity, or individual to acquire, own, operate, manage, or provide any hospital or other health care facilities or hospital services or other health care services to be used by individuals, districts, hospitals, or others, including providing health maintenance services. If a public hospital capital facility area chooses to contract or join with another party or parties pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, it may do so through establishing a nonprofit corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other legal entity of its choosing in which the public hospital capital facility area and the other party or parties participate. The governing body of the legal entity must include representatives of the public hospital capital facility area, which representatives may include members of the public hospital district's board of commissioners. A public hospital capital facility area contracting or joining with another party pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may appropriate funds and may sell, lease, or otherwise provide property, personnel, and services to the legal entity established to carry out the contract or joint activity.
[ 2009 c 481 s 11.]

catchline: Contracting with other entities to provide hospital facilities or hospital services.


title: RCW 70.28.005

text:
(1) Tuberculosis has been and continues to be a threat to the public's health in the state of Washington.
(2) While it is important to respect the rights of individuals, the legitimate public interest in protecting the public health and welfare from the spread of a deadly infectious disease outweighs incidental curtailment of individual rights that may occur in implementing effective testing, treatment, and infection control strategies.
(3) To protect the public's health, it is the intent of the legislature that local health officials provide culturally sensitive and medically appropriate early diagnosis, treatment, education, and follow-up to prevent tuberculosis. Further, it is imperative that public health officials and their staff have the necessary authority and discretion to take actions as are necessary to protect the health and welfare of the public, subject to the constitutional protection required under the federal and state constitutions. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as in any way limiting the broad powers of health officials to act as necessary to protect the public health.
[ 1994 c 145 s 1.]

catchline: Health officials, broad powers to protect public health.


title: RCW 70.28.008

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(1) "Department" means the department of health;
(2) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health or his or her designee;
(3) "Tuberculosis control" refers to the procedures administered in the counties for the control, prevention, and treatment of tuberculosis.
[ 1999 c 172 s 7; 1991 c 3 s 330; 1983 c 3 s 171; 1971 ex.s. c 277 s 15. Formerly RCW 70.33.010.]
Notes:
Finding—Severability—1999 c 172: See notes following RCW 70.28.010.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 70.28.010

text:
All practicing health care providers in the state are hereby required to report to the local health department cases of every person having tuberculosis who has been attended by, or who has come under the observation of, the health care provider within one day thereof.
[ 1999 c 172 s 2; 1996 c 209 s 1; 1967 c 54 s 1; 1899 c 71 s 1; RRS s 6109.]
Notes:
Finding—1999 c 172: "The legislature finds that current statutes relating to the reporting, treatment, and payment for tuberculosis are outdated, and not in concert with current clinical practice and tuberculosis care management. Updating reporting requirements for local health departments will benefit providers, local health, and individuals requiring treatment for tuberculosis." [ 1999 c 172 s 1.]
Severability—1999 c 172: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1999 c 172 s 13.]
Severability—1967 c 54: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1967 c 54 s 20.]

catchline: Health care providers required to report cases.


title: RCW 70.28.020

text:
All local health departments in this state are hereby required to receive and keep a record, for a period of ten years from the date of the report, of the reports required by RCW 70.28.010 to be made to them; such records shall not be open to public inspection, but shall be submitted to the proper inspection of other local health departments and of the department of health alone, and such records shall not be published nor made public.
[ 1999 c 172 s 3; 1967 c 54 s 2; 1899 c 71 s 2; RRS s 6110.]
Notes:
Finding—Severability—1999 c 172: See notes following RCW 70.28.010.

catchline: Record of reports.


title: RCW 70.28.025

text:
The secretary shall have responsibility for establishing standards for the control, prevention, and treatment of tuberculosis and hospitals approved to treat tuberculosis in the state operated under this chapter and chapter 70.30 RCW and for providing, either directly or through agreement, contract, or purchase, appropriate facilities and services for persons who are, or may be suffering from tuberculosis except as otherwise provided by RCW 70.30.061 or this section.
Under that responsibility, the secretary shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To develop and enter into such agreements, contracts, or purchase arrangements with counties and public and private agencies or institutions to provide for hospitalization, nursing home, or other appropriate facilities and services, including laboratory services, for persons who are or may be suffering from tuberculosis;
(2) Adopt such rules as are necessary to assure effective patient care and treatment of tuberculosis.
[ 1999 c 172 s 8; 1983 c 3 s 172; 1973 1st ex.s. c 213 s 2; 1971 ex.s. c 277 s 16. Formerly RCW 70.33.020.]
Notes:
Finding—Severability—1999 c 172: See notes following RCW 70.28.010.


title: RCW 70.28.031

text:
Each health officer is hereby directed to use every available means to ascertain the existence of, and immediately to investigate, all reported or suspected cases of tuberculosis in the infectious stages within his or her jurisdiction and to ascertain the sources of such infections. In carrying out such investigations, each health officer is hereby invested with full powers of inspection, examination, treatment, and quarantine or isolation of all persons known to be infected with tuberculosis in an infectious stage or persons who have been previously diagnosed as having tuberculosis and who are under medical orders for treatment or periodic follow-up examinations and is hereby directed:
(a) To make such examinations as are deemed necessary of persons reasonably suspected of having tuberculosis in an infectious stage and to isolate and treat or isolate, treat, and quarantine such persons, whenever deemed necessary for the protection of the public health.
(b) To make such examinations as deemed necessary of persons who have been previously diagnosed as having tuberculosis and who are under medical orders for periodic follow-up examinations.
(c) Follow local rules and regulations regarding examinations, treatment, quarantine, or isolation, and all rules, regulations, and orders of the state board and of the department in carrying out such examination, treatment, quarantine, or isolation.
(d) Whenever the health officer shall determine on reasonable grounds that an examination or treatment of any person is necessary for the preservation and protection of the public health, he or she shall make an examination order in writing, setting forth the name of the person to be examined, the time and place of the examination, the treatment, and such other terms and conditions as may be necessary to protect the public health. Nothing contained in this subdivision shall be construed to prevent any person whom the health officer determines should have an examination or treatment for infectious tuberculosis from having such an examination or treatment made by a physician of his or her own choice who is licensed to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery under chapter 18.57 RCW or medicine and surgery under chapter 18.71 RCW under such terms and conditions as the health officer shall determine on reasonable grounds to be necessary to protect the public health.
(e) Whenever the health officer shall determine that quarantine, treatment, or isolation in a particular case is necessary for the preservation and protection of the public health, he or she shall make an order to that effect in writing, setting forth the name of the person, the period of time during which the order shall remain effective, the place of treatment, isolation, or quarantine, and such other terms and conditions as may be necessary to protect the public health.
(f) Upon the making of an examination, treatment, isolation, or quarantine order as provided in this section, a copy of such order shall be served upon the person named in such order.
(g) Upon the receipt of information that any examination, treatment, quarantine, or isolation order, made and served as herein provided, has been violated, the health officer shall advise the prosecuting attorney of the county in which such violation has occurred, in writing, and shall submit to such prosecuting attorney the information in his or her possession relating to the subject matter of such examination, treatment, isolation, or quarantine order, and of such violation or violations thereof.
(h) Any and all orders authorized under this section shall be made by the health officer or his or her tuberculosis control officer.
(i) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to abridge the right of any person to rely exclusively on spiritual means alone through prayer to treat tuberculosis in accordance with the tenets and practice of any well-recognized church or religious denomination, nor shall anything in this chapter be deemed to prohibit a person who is inflicted with tuberculosis from being isolated or quarantined in a private place of his own choice, provided, it is approved by the local health officer, and all laws, rules and regulations governing control, sanitation, isolation, and quarantine are complied with.
[ 1996 c 209 s 2; 1996 c 178 s 21; 1967 c 54 s 4.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 1996 c 178 s 21 and by 1996 c 209 s 2, 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).
Effective date—1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.

catchline: Powers and duties of health officers.


title: RCW 70.28.032

text:
(1) The state board of health shall adopt rules establishing the requirements for:
(a) Reporting confirmed or suspected cases of tuberculosis by health care providers and reporting of laboratory results consistent with tuberculosis by medical test sites;
(b) Due process standards for health officers exercising their authority to involuntarily detain, test, treat, or isolate persons with suspected or confirmed tuberculosis under RCW 70.28.031 and 70.05.070 that provide for release from any involuntary detention, testing, treatment, or isolation as soon as the health officer determines the patient no longer represents a risk to the public's health;
(c) Training of persons to perform tuberculosis skin testing and to administer tuberculosis medications.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, persons trained under subsection (1)(c) of this section may perform skin testing and administer medications if doing so as part of a program established by a state or local health officer to control tuberculosis.
[ 1996 c 209 s 3; 1994 c 145 s 2.]

catchline: Due process standards for testing, treating, detaining—Reporting requirements—Training and scope for skin test administration.


title: RCW 70.28.033

text:
Inasmuch as the order provided for by RCW 70.28.031 is for the protection of the public health, any person who, after service upon him or her of an order of a health officer directing his or her treatment, isolation, or examination as provided for in RCW 70.28.031, violates or fails to comply with the same or any provision thereof, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, in addition to any and all other penalties which may be imposed by law upon such conviction, may be ordered by the court confined until such order of such health officer shall have been fully complied with or terminated by such health officer, but not exceeding six months from the date of passing judgment upon such conviction: PROVIDED, That the court, upon suitable assurances that such order of such health officer will be complied with, may place any person convicted of a violation of such order of such health officer upon probation for a period not to exceed two years, upon condition that the said order of said health officer be fully complied with: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That upon any subsequent violation of such order of such health officer, such probation shall be terminated and confinement as herein provided ordered by the court.
[ 1996 c 209 s 4; 1967 c 54 s 5.]

catchline: Treatment, isolation, or examination order of health officer—Violation—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.28.035

text:
In addition to the proceedings set forth in RCW 70.28.031, where a local health officer has reasonable cause to believe that an individual has tuberculosis as defined in the rules and regulations of the state board of health, and the individual refuses to obey the order of the local health officer to appear for an initial examination or a follow-up examination or an order for treatment, isolation, or quarantine, the health officer may apply to the superior court for an order requiring the individual to comply with the order of the local health officer.
[ 1996 c 209 s 5; 1967 c 54 s 6.]

catchline: Order of health officer—Refusal to obey—Application for superior court order.


title: RCW 70.28.037

text:
Where it has been determined after an examination as prescribed in this chapter that an individual has active tuberculosis, upon application to the superior court by the local health officer, the superior court shall order the sheriff to transport the individual to a designated facility for isolation, treatment, and care until such time as the local health officer or designee determines that the patient's condition is such that it is safe for the patient to be discharged from the facility.
[ 1999 c 172 s 4; 1967 c 54 s 7.]
Notes:
Finding—Severability—1999 c 172: See notes following RCW 70.28.010.

catchline: Superior court order for confinement of individuals having active tuberculosis.