title: RCW 71.12.460

text:
(1) No person, association, county, municipality, public hospital district, or corporation, shall establish or keep, for compensation or hire, an establishment as defined in this chapter without first having obtained a license therefor from the department of health, complied with rules adopted under this chapter, and paid the license fee provided in this chapter.
(2)(a) Beginning no later than July 1, 2025, the department shall issue a license under this chapter to an Indian health care provider, as defined in RCW 71.24.025, attesting to have met the state minimum standards as an establishment if the Indian health care provider submits to the department a tribal attestation and payment of an administrative processing fee as established in rule. The department shall establish the administrative processing fee at a level sufficient to cover the administrative processing costs for the attestation while recognizing the reduced cost of an attestation compared to a standard license.
(b) The issuance of a license under (a) of this subsection to an Indian health care provider only applies to holding a license under this chapter and does not satisfy any requirements that the Indian health care provider may have to meet other credentialing standards including, but not limited to, any licensure and certification requirements for behavioral health agencies under chapter 71.24 RCW, any certificate of need requirements under chapter 70.38 RCW, any construction review requirements, any applicable test site requirements under chapter 70.42 RCW, any applicable pharmacy [quality assurance] commission requirements, any fire protection standards established by the director of fire protection of the Washington state patrol, and any regulations established by local authorities.
(3) Any person who carries on, conducts, or attempts to carry on or conduct an establishment as defined in this chapter without first having obtained a license from the department of health, as in this chapter provided, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The managing and executive officers of any corporation violating the provisions of this chapter shall be liable under the provisions of this chapter in the same manner and to the same effect as a private individual violating the same.
[ 2024 c 204 s 1; 2001 c 254 s 2; 2000 c 93 s 22; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 226; 1979 c 141 s 133; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.460. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 54; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-53.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: License to be obtained—Penalty.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 71.12.470

text:
Every application for a license shall be accompanied by a plan of the premises proposed to be occupied, describing the capacities of the buildings for the uses intended, the extent and location of grounds appurtenant thereto, and the number of patients proposed to be received therein, with such other information, and in such form, as the department of health requires. The application shall be accompanied by the proper license fee. The amount of the license fee shall be established by the department of health under RCW 43.70.110.
[ 2000 c 93 s 23; 1987 c 75 s 19; 1982 c 201 s 14; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.470. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 56; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-55.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 75: See RCW 43.20B.900.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: License application—Fees.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 71.12.480

text:
(1) The department of health shall not grant any such license until it has made an examination of all phases of the operation of the establishment necessary to determine compliance with rules adopted under this chapter including the premises proposed to be licensed and is satisfied that the premises are substantially as described, and are otherwise fit and suitable for the purposes for which they are designed to be used, and that such license should be granted.
(2) During the first two years of licensure for a new *psychiatric hospital or any existing *psychiatric hospital that changes ownership after July 1, 2020, the department shall provide technical assistance, perform at least three unannounced inspections, and conduct additional inspections of the hospital as necessary to verify the hospital is complying with the requirements of this chapter.
[ 2020 c 115 s 7; 2000 c 93 s 24; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 227; 1979 c 141 s 134; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.480. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 57; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-56.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "psychiatric hospital" was changed to "behavioral health hospital" by 2024 c 121 s 19.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2020 c 115: See notes following RCW 71.12.700.
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Examination before granting license—Inspection and technical assistance to psychiatric hospitals after granting license.


title: RCW 71.12.485

text:
Standards for fire protection and the enforcement thereof, with respect to all establishments to be licensed hereunder, shall be the responsibility of the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, who shall adopt such recognized standards as may be applicable to such establishments for the protection of life against the cause and spread of fire and fire hazards. The department of health, upon receipt of an application for a license, or renewal of a license, shall submit to the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, in writing, a request for an inspection, giving the applicant's name and the location of the premises to be licensed. Upon receipt of such a request, the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, or his or her deputy shall make an inspection of the establishment to be licensed, and if it is found that the premises do not comply with the required safety standards and fire regulations as promulgated by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, he or she shall promptly make a written report to the establishment and the department of health as to the manner and time allowed in which the premises must qualify for a license and set forth the conditions to be remedied with respect to fire regulations. The department of health, applicant or licensee shall notify the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, upon completion of any requirements made by him or her, and the director of fire protection or his or her deputy shall make a reinspection of such premises. Whenever the establishment to be licensed meets with the approval of the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, he or she shall submit to the department of health a written report approving same with respect to fire protection before a full license can be issued. The chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, shall make or cause to be made inspections of such establishments at least annually. The department of health shall not license or continue the license of any establishment unless and until it shall be approved by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, as herein provided.
In cities which have in force a comprehensive building code, the provisions of which are determined by the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, to be equal to the minimum standards of the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, for such establishments, the chief of the fire department, provided the latter is a paid chief of a paid fire department, shall make the inspection with the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection, or his or her deputy, and they shall jointly approve the premises before a full license can be issued.
[ 1995 c 369 s 61; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 228; 1986 c 266 s 122; 1979 c 141 s 135; 1959 c 224 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—1995 c 369: See note following RCW 43.43.930.
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.
Severability—1986 c 266: See note following RCW 38.52.005.

catchline: Fire protection—Duties of chief of the Washington state patrol.


title: RCW 71.12.490

text:
All licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire on a date to be set by the department of health. No license issued pursuant to this chapter shall exceed thirty-six months in duration. Application for renewal of the license, accompanied by the necessary fee as established by the department of health under RCW 43.70.110, shall be filed with that department, not less than thirty days prior to its expiration and if application is not so filed, the license shall be automatically canceled.
[ 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 229; 1987 c 75 s 20; 1982 c 201 s 15; 1971 ex.s. c 247 s 4; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.490. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 59; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-58.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.
Savings—1987 c 75: See RCW 43.20B.900.

catchline: Expiration and renewal of license.


title: RCW 71.12.500

text:
The department may at any time examine a licensed private establishment to determine whether it has failed or refused to comply with the requirements of this chapter, the standards or rules adopted under this chapter, or other applicable state or federal statutes or rules regulating private establishments.
[ 2024 c 121 s 20; 2000 c 93 s 25. Prior: 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 230; 1989 c 175 s 137; 1979 c 141 s 136; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.500; prior: 1949 c 198 s 58; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-57.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.
Effective date—1989 c 175: See note following RCW 34.05.010.

catchline: Examination of private establishments.


title: RCW 71.12.510

text:
The department of health may at any time cause any establishment as defined in this chapter to be visited and examined.
[ 2000 c 93 s 26; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.510. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 60; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-59.]

catchline: Examination and visitation in general.


title: RCW 71.12.520

text:
Each such visit may include an inspection of every part of each establishment. The representatives of the department of health may make an examination of all records, methods of administration, the general and special dietary, the stores and methods of supply, and may cause an examination and diagnosis to be made of any person confined therein. The representatives of the department of health may examine to determine their fitness for their duties the officers, attendants, and other employees, and may talk with any of the patients apart from the officers and attendants.
[ 2000 c 93 s 27; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 231; 1979 c 141 s 137; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.520. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 61; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-60.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Scope of examination.


title: RCW 71.12.530

text:
The representatives of the department of health may, from time to time, at times and places designated by the department, meet the managers or responsible authorities of such establishments in conference, and consider in detail all questions of management and improvement of the establishments, and may send to them, from time to time, written recommendations in regard thereto.
[ 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 232; 1979 c 141 s 138; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.530. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 62; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-61.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Conference with management—Improvement.


title: RCW 71.12.540

text:
The authorities of each establishment as defined in this chapter shall place on file in the office of the establishment the recommendations made by the department of health as a result of such visits, for the purpose of consultation by such authorities, and for reference by the department representatives upon their visits. Every such establishment shall keep records of every person admitted thereto as follows and shall furnish to the department, when required, the following data: Name, age, sex, marital status, date of admission, voluntary or other commitment, name of physician, physician assistant, or psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner, diagnosis, and date of discharge.
[ 2016 c 155 s 11; 2009 c 217 s 11; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 233; 1979 c 141 s 139; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.540. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 63; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-62.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.
PDF
RCW 71.12.540
Recommendations to be kept on file—Records of inmates. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
The authorities of each establishment as defined in this chapter shall place on file in the office of the establishment the recommendations made by the department of health as a result of such visits, for the purpose of consultation by such authorities, and for reference by the department representatives upon their visits. Every such establishment shall keep records of every person admitted thereto as follows and shall furnish to the department, when required, the following data: Name, age, sex, marital status, date of admission, voluntary or other commitment, name of physician, physician assistant, or psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse, diagnosis, and date of discharge.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5154; 2016 c 155 s 11; 2009 c 217 s 11; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 233; 1979 c 141 s 139; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.540. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 63; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-62.]
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.
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Recommendations to be kept on file—Records of inmates. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)


title: RCW 71.12.545

text:
(1) The department may give written notice to cease and desist to any person whom the department has reason to believe is engaged in the unlicensed operation of a private establishment.
(2)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the requirement to cease and desist unlicensed operation is effective 20 days after the person receives the notice.
(b) The department may make the date the action is effective sooner than 20 days after receipt when necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. When the department does so, it shall state the effective date and the reasons supporting the effective date in the written notice to cease and desist.
(3) The person to whom the notice to cease and desist is issued may request an adjudicative proceeding to contest the notice. The adjudicative proceeding is governed by the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The request for an adjudicative proceeding must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the notice, include a copy of the notice, and be served on and received by the department within 20 days from the date the person receives the notice to cease and desist.
(4)(a) If the department gives a person 20 days' notice to cease and desist and the person requests an adjudicative proceeding before its effective date, the department shall not implement the notice until the final order has been entered. The presiding or reviewing officer may permit the department to implement part or all of the notice while the proceedings are pending if the respondent causes an unreasonable delay in the proceeding, if the circumstances change so that implementation is in the public interest, or for other good cause.
(b) If the department gives a licensee less than 20 days' notice to cease and desist and the respondent timely files a request for an adjudicative proceeding, the department may implement the cease and desist on the effective date stated in the notice. The presiding or reviewing officer may order the department to stay implementation of part or all of the adverse action while the proceedings are pending if staying implementation is in the public interest or for other good cause.
(5) The department may assess a civil fine not exceeding $5,000 for each day a person operates a private establishment without a valid license.
(a) The department shall give written notice to the person against whom it assesses a civil fine.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in (c) and (d) of this subsection, the civil fine is due and payable 20 days after receipt.
(c) The person against whom the department assesses a civil fine has the right to request an adjudicative proceeding. The proceeding is governed by the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The request must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the fine, include a copy of the notice, be served on and received by the department within 20 days of the person receiving the notice of civil fine, and be served in a manner which shows proof of receipt.
(d) If the person files a timely and sufficient request for adjudicative proceeding, the department shall not implement the fine until the final order has been served.
(6) Neither the issuance of a cease and desist order nor payment of a civil fine shall relieve the person so operating a private establishment without a license from criminal prosecution, but the remedy of a cease and desist order or civil fine shall be in addition to any criminal liability. A final notice to cease and desist is conclusive proof of unlicensed operation and may be enforced under RCW 7.21.060. This method of enforcement of the final notice to cease and desist or civil fine may be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, any provisions for enforcement of agency orders set out in chapter 34.05 RCW.
[ 2024 c 121 s 21.]

catchline: Cease and desist notices—Adjudicative proceedings.


title: RCW 71.12.550

text:
This chapter shall not prevent local authorities of any city, or city and county, within the reasonable exercise of the police power, from adopting rules and regulations, by ordinance or resolution, prescribing standards of sanitation, health and hygiene for establishments as defined in this chapter, which are not in conflict with the provisions of this chapter, and requiring a certificate by the local health officer, that the local health, sanitation and hygiene laws have been complied with before maintaining or conducting any such institution within such city or city and county.
[ 1959 c 25 s 71.12.550. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 64; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-63.]

catchline: Local authorities may also prescribe standards.


title: RCW 71.12.560

text:
The person in charge of any private institution, hospital, or sanatorium which is conducted for, or includes a department or ward conducted for, the care and treatment of persons who are mentally ill or deranged may receive therein as a voluntary patient any person suffering from mental illness or derangement who is a suitable person for care and treatment in the institution, hospital, or sanatorium, who voluntarily makes a written application to the person in charge for admission into the institution, hospital or sanatorium. At the expiration of fourteen continuous days of treatment of a patient voluntarily committed in a private institution, hospital, or sanatorium, if the period of voluntary commitment is to continue, the person in charge shall forward to the office of the department of social and health services a record of the voluntary patient showing the name, residence, date of birth, sex, place of birth, occupation, social security number, marital status, date of admission to the institution, hospital, or sanatorium, and such other information as may be required by rule of the department of social and health services.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 441; 1974 ex.s. c 145 s 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 142 s 1; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.560. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 65; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-64.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.


title: RCW 71.12.570

text:
No person in an establishment as defined in this chapter shall be restrained from sending written communications of the fact of his or her detention in such establishment to a friend, relative, or other person. The physician in charge of such person and the person in charge of such establishment shall send each such communication to the person to whom it is addressed. All persons in an establishment shall have no less than all rights secured to involuntarily detained persons by RCW 71.05.217 and to voluntarily admitted or committed persons pursuant to RCW 71.05.050 and 71.05.380.
[ 2020 c 302 s 114; 2012 c 117 s 440; 1973 1st ex.s. c 142 s 2; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.570. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 66; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-65.]

catchline: Communications by patients—Rights.


title: RCW 71.12.590

text:
Failure to comply with any of the provisions of RCW 71.12.550 through 71.12.570 or the requirements of RCW 71.34.375 shall constitute grounds for revocation of license: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That nothing in this chapter or the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto shall be construed as authorizing the supervision, regulation, or control of the remedial care or treatment of residents or patients in any establishment, as defined in this chapter conducted in accordance with the practice and principles of the body known as Church of Christ, Scientist.
[ 2011 c 302 s 4; 1983 c 3 s 180; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.590. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 68; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-67.]

catchline: Revocation of license for noncompliance—Exemption as to Christian Science establishments.


title: RCW 71.12.595

text:
The department of health shall immediately suspend the license or certificate of a person who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance with a support order or a *residential or visitation order. If the person has continued to meet all other requirements for reinstatement during the suspension, reissuance of the license or certificate shall be automatic upon the department of health's receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health services stating that the licensee is in compliance with the order.
[ 1997 c 58 s 860.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: 1997 c 58 s 886 requiring a court to order certification of noncompliance with residential provisions of a court-ordered parenting plan was vetoed. Provisions ordering the department of social and health services to certify a responsible parent based on a court order to certify for noncompliance with residential provisions of a parenting plan were vetoed. See RCW 74.20A.320.
Short title—Part headings, captions, table of contents not law—Exemptions and waivers from federal law—Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.
Effective dates—Intent—1997 c 58: See notes following RCW 74.20A.320.

catchline: Suspension of license—Noncompliance with support order—Reissuance.


title: RCW 71.12.640

text:
The prosecuting attorney of every county shall, upon application by the department of social and health services, the department of health, or its authorized representatives, institute and conduct the prosecution of any action brought for the violation within his or her county of any of the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2012 c 117 s 441; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 234; 1979 c 141 s 140; 1959 c 25 s 71.12.640. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 55; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-54.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Prosecuting attorney shall prosecute violations.


title: RCW 71.12.670

text:
The department of health shall adopt rules for the licensing, operation, and inspections of establishments and institutions and the enforcement thereof.
[ 2000 c 93 s 28.]

catchline: Licensing, operation, inspection—Adoption of rules.


title: RCW 71.12.680

text:
(1) An establishment providing pediatric transitional care services to drug exposed infants must demonstrate that it is capable of providing services for children who:
(a) Are no more than one year of age;
(b) Have been exposed to drugs before birth;
(c) Require twenty-four hour continuous residential care and skilled nursing services as a result of prenatal substance exposure; and
(d) Are referred to the establishment by the department of social and health services, regional hospitals, and private parties.
(2) After January 1, 2019, no person may operate or maintain an establishment that provides pediatric transitional care services without a license under this chapter.
[ 2017 c 263 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2017 c 263: See note following RCW 71.12.455.

catchline: Pediatric transitional care services—Requirements.


title: RCW 71.12.682

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the rules for pediatric transitional care services are not considered as a new department of social and health services service category.
[ 2017 c 263 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2017 c 263: See note following RCW 71.12.455.

catchline: Pediatric transitional care services—Rules not considered new service category.


title: RCW 71.12.684

text:
The secretary must, in consultation with the department of social and health services, adopt rules on pediatric transitional care services. The rules must:
(1) Establish requirements for medical examinations and consultations which must be delivered by an appropriate health care professional;
(2) Require twenty-four hour medical supervision for children receiving pediatric transitional services in accordance with the staffing ratios established under subsection (3) of this section;
(3) Include staffing ratios that consider the number of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses employed by the establishment and the number of trained caregivers on duty at the establishment. These staffing ratios may not require more than:
(a) One registered nurse to be on duty at all times;
(b) One registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to eight infants; and
(c) One trained caregiver to four infants;
(4) Require establishments that provide pediatric transitional care services to prepare weekly plans specific to each infant in their care and in accordance with the health care professional's standing orders. The health care professional may modify an infant's weekly plan without reexamining the infant if he or she determines the modification is in the best interest of the child. This modification may be communicated to the registered nurse on duty at the establishment who must then implement the modification. Weekly plans are to include short-term goals for each infant and outcomes must be included in reports required by the department;
(5) Ensure that neonatal abstinence syndrome scoring is conducted by an appropriate health care professional;
(6) Establish drug exposed infant developmental screening tests for establishments that provide pediatric transitional care services to administer according to a schedule established by the secretary;
(7) Require the establishment to collaborate with the department of social and health services to develop an individualized safety plan for each child and to meet other contractual requirements of the department of social and health services to identify strategies to meet supervision needs, medical concerns, and family support needs;
(8) Establish the maximum amount of days an infant may be placed at an establishment;
(9) Develop timelines for initial and ongoing parent-infant visits to nurture and help develop attachment and bonding between the child and parent, if such visits are possible. Timelines must be developed upon placement of the infant in the establishment providing pediatric transitional care services;
(10) Determine how transportation for the infant will be provided, if needed;
(11) Establish on-site training requirements for caregivers, volunteers, parents, foster parents, and relatives;
(12) Establish background check requirements for caregivers, volunteers, employees, and any other person with unsupervised access to the infants under the care of the establishment; and
(13) Establish other requirements necessary to support the infant and the infant's family.
[ 2017 c 263 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2017 c 263: See note following RCW 71.12.455.

catchline: Pediatric transitional care services—Rules, requirements.


title: RCW 71.12.686

text:
After referral by the department of social and health services of an infant to an establishment approved to provide pediatric transitional care services, the department of social and health services:
(1) Retains primary responsibility for case management and must provide consultation to the establishment regarding all placements and permanency planning issues, including developing a parent-child visitation plan;
(2) Must work with the department and the establishment to identify and implement evidence-based practices that address current and best medical practices and parent participation; and
(3) Work with the establishment to ensure medicaid-eligible services are so billed.
[ 2017 c 263 s 6.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2017 c 263: See note following RCW 71.12.455.

catchline: Pediatric transitional care services—Duties of the department of social and health services.


title: RCW 71.12.688

text:
Facilities that provide pediatric transitional care services that are in existence on July 23, 2017, are not subject to construction review by the department for initial licensure.
[ 2017 c 263 s 7.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2017 c 263: See note following RCW 71.12.455.

catchline: Pediatric transitional care services—Facilities not subject to construction review.


title: RCW 71.12.700

text:
(1) Any *psychiatric hospital may request from the department or the department may offer to any *psychiatric hospital technical assistance. The department may not provide technical assistance during an inspection or during the time between when an investigation of a *psychiatric hospital has been initiated and when such investigation is resolved.
(2) The department may offer group training to *psychiatric hospitals licensed under this chapter.
[ 2020 c 115 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "psychiatric hospital" was changed to "behavioral health hospital" by 2024 c 121 s 19.
Findings—Intent—2020 c 115: "The legislature finds that patients seeking behavioral health care in Washington would benefit from consistent regulatory oversight and transparency about patient outcomes. Current regulatory oversight of psychiatric hospitals licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW needs to be enhanced to protect the health, safety, and well-being of patients seeking behavioral health care in these facilities. Some hospitals have not complied with state licensing requirements. Additional enforcement tools are needed to address noncompliance and protect patients from risk of harm.
The legislature also finds that licensing and enforcement requirements for all health care facility types regulated by the department of health are inconsistent and that patients are not well-served by this inconsistency. Review of the regulatory requirements for all health care facility types, including acute care hospitals, is needed to identify gaps and opportunities to consolidate and standardize requirements. Legislation will be necessary to implement uniform requirements that assure provision of safe, quality care and create consistency and predictability for facilities." [ 2020 c 115 s 1.]
Effective date—2020 c 115: "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 [March 25, 2020]." [ 2020 c 115 s 9.]


title: RCW 71.12.710

text:
(1) In any case in which the department finds that a private establishment has failed or refused to comply with the requirements of this chapter, the standards or rules adopted under this chapter, RCW 48.43.732, or other applicable state or federal statutes or rules, the department may take one or more of the actions identified in this section, except as otherwise limited in this section.
(a) When the department determines the private establishment has previously been subject to an enforcement action for the same or similar type of violation of the same statute or rule, or has been given any previous statement of deficiency that included the same or similar type of violation of the same or similar statute or rule, or when the private establishment failed to correct noncompliance with a statute or rule by a date established or agreed to by the department, the department may impose reasonable conditions on a license. Conditions may include correction within a specified amount of time, training, or hiring a department-approved consultant if the private establishment cannot demonstrate to the department that it has access to sufficient internal expertise.
(b)(i) In accordance with the authority the department has under RCW 43.70.095, the department may assess a civil fine of up to $10,000 per violation, not to exceed a total fine of $1,000,000, on a private establishment licensed under this chapter when the department determines the private establishment has previously been subject to an enforcement action for the same or similar type of violation of the same statute or rule, or has been given any previous statement of deficiency that included the same or similar type of violation of the same or similar statute or rule, or when the private establishment failed to correct noncompliance with a statute or rule by a date established or agreed to by the department.
(ii) Proceeds from these fines may only be used by the department to provide training or technical assistance to private establishments or to offset costs associated with licensing private establishments.
(iii) The department shall adopt in rules under this chapter specific fine amounts in relation to the severity of the noncompliance.
(iv) If a licensee is aggrieved by the department's action of assessing civil fines, the licensee has the right to appeal under RCW 43.70.095.
(c) The department may suspend new admissions of a specific category or categories of patients as related to the violation by imposing a limited stop placement. This may only be done if the department finds that noncompliance results in immediate jeopardy.
(i) Prior to imposing a limited stop placement, the department shall provide a private establishment written notification upon identifying deficient practices or conditions that constitute an immediate jeopardy, and the private establishment shall have 24 hours from notification to develop and implement a department-approved plan to correct the deficient practices or conditions that constitute an immediate jeopardy. If the deficient practices or conditions that constitute immediate jeopardy are not verified by the department as having been corrected within the same 24-hour period, the department may issue the limited stop placement.
(ii) When the department imposes a limited stop placement, the private establishment may not accept any new admissions in the category or categories subject to the limited stop placement until the limited stop placement order is terminated.
(iii) The department shall conduct a follow-up inspection within five business days or within the time period requested by the private establishment if more than five business days is needed to verify the violation necessitating the limited stop placement has been corrected.
(iv) The limited stop placement shall be terminated when:
(A) The department verifies the violation necessitating the limited stop placement has been corrected or the department determines that the private establishment has taken intermediate action to address the immediate jeopardy; and
(B) The private establishment establishes the ability to maintain correction of the violation previously found deficient.
(d) The department may suspend all new admissions to the private establishment by imposing a stop placement. This may only be done if the department finds that noncompliance results in immediate jeopardy and is not confined to a specific category or categories of patients or a specific area of the private establishment.
(i) Prior to imposing a stop placement, the department shall provide a private establishment written notification upon identifying deficient practices or conditions that constitute an immediate jeopardy, and the private establishment shall have 24 hours from notification to develop and implement a department-approved plan to correct the deficient practices or conditions that constitute an immediate jeopardy. If the deficient practices or conditions that constitute immediate jeopardy are not verified by the department as having been corrected within the same 24-hour period, the department may issue the stop placement.
(ii) When the department imposes a stop placement, the private establishment may not accept any new admissions until the stop placement order is terminated.
(iii) The department shall conduct a follow-up inspection within five business days or within the time period requested by the private establishment if more than five business days is needed to verify the violation necessitating the stop placement has been corrected.
(iv) The stop placement order shall be terminated when:
(A) The department verifies the violation necessitating the stop placement has been corrected or the department determines that the private establishment has taken intermediate action to address the immediate jeopardy; and
(B) The private establishment establishes the ability to maintain correction of the violation previously found deficient.
(e) The department may suspend a specific category or categories of services within the private establishment as related to the violation by imposing a limited stop service. This may only be done if the department finds that noncompliance results in immediate jeopardy.
(i) Prior to imposing a limited stop service, the department shall provide a private establishment written notification upon identifying deficient practices or conditions that constitute an immediate jeopardy. The private establishment shall have 24 hours from notification to develop and implement a department-approved plan to correct the deficient practices or conditions that constitute an immediate jeopardy. If the deficient practices or conditions that constitute immediate jeopardy are not verified by the department as having been corrected within the same 24-hour period, the department may issue the limited stop service.
(ii) When the department imposes a limited stop service, the private establishment may not provide the services in the category or categories subject to the limited stop service to any new or existing individuals, unless otherwise allowed by the department, until the limited stop service is terminated.
(iii) The department shall conduct a follow-up inspection within five business days or within the time period requested by the private establishment if more than five business days is needed to verify the violation necessitating the limited stop service has been corrected.
(iv) The limited stop service shall be terminated when:
(A) The department verifies the violation necessitating the limited stop service has been corrected or the department determines that the private establishment has taken intermediate action to address the immediate jeopardy; and
(B) The private establishment establishes the ability to maintain correction of the violation previously found deficient.
(f) The department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license.
(2)(a) Except as otherwise provided, RCW 43.70.115 governs notice of the imposition of conditions on a license, a limited stop placement, stop placement, limited stop service, or the suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew a license and provides the right to an adjudicative proceeding. Adjudicative proceedings and hearings under this section are governed by the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The application for an adjudicative proceeding must be in writing, state the basis for contesting the adverse action, including a copy of the department's notice, be served on and received by the department within 28 days of the licensee's receipt of the adverse notice, and be served in a manner that shows proof of receipt.
(b) When the department determines a licensee's noncompliance results in immediate jeopardy, the department may make the imposition of conditions on a licensee, a limited stop placement, stop placement, limited stop service, or the suspension of a license effective immediately upon receipt of the notice by the licensee, pending any adjudicative proceeding.
(i) When the department makes the suspension of a license or imposition of conditions on a license effective immediately, a licensee is entitled to a show cause hearing before a presiding officer within 14 days of making the request. The licensee must request the show cause hearing within 28 days of receipt of the notice of immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions. At the show cause hearing the department has the burden of demonstrating that more probably than not there is an immediate jeopardy.
(ii) At the show cause hearing, the presiding officer may consider the notice and documents supporting the immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions and the licensee's response and must provide the parties with an opportunity to provide documentary evidence and written testimony, and to be represented by counsel. Prior to the show cause hearing, the department must provide the licensee with all documentation that supports the department's immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions.
(iii) If the presiding officer determines there is no immediate jeopardy, the presiding officer may overturn the immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions.
(iv) If the presiding officer determines there is immediate jeopardy, the immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions shall remain in effect pending a full hearing.
(v) If the secretary sustains the immediate suspension or immediate imposition of conditions, the licensee may request an expedited full hearing on the merits of the department's action. A full hearing must be provided within 90 days of the licensee's request.
(3) When the department determines an alleged violation, if true, would constitute an immediate jeopardy, and the licensee fails to cooperate with the department's investigation of such an alleged violation, the department may impose an immediate stop placement, immediate limited stop placement, immediate limited stop service, immediate imposition of conditions, or immediate suspension.
(a) When the department imposes an immediate stop placement, immediate limited stop placement, immediate limited stop service, immediate imposition of conditions, or immediate suspension for failure to cooperate, a licensee is entitled to a show cause hearing before a presiding officer within 14 days of making the request. The licensee must request the show cause hearing within 28 days of receipt of the notice of an immediate stop placement, immediate limited stop placement, immediate limited stop service, immediate imposition of conditions, or immediate suspension for failure to cooperate. At the show cause hearing the department has the burden of demonstrating that more probably than not the alleged violation, if true, would constitute an immediate jeopardy and the licensee failed to cooperate with the department's investigation.
(b) At the show cause hearing, the presiding officer may consider the notice and documents supporting the immediate stop placement, immediate limited stop placement, immediate limited stop service, immediate imposition of conditions, or immediate suspension for failure to cooperate, and the licensee's response and shall provide the parties with an opportunity to provide documentary evidence and written testimony, and to be represented by counsel. Prior to the show cause hearing, the department shall provide the licensee with all documentation that supports the department's immediate action for failure to cooperate.
(c) If the presiding officer determines the alleged violation, if true, does not constitute an immediate jeopardy or determines that the licensee cooperated with the department's investigation, the presiding officer may overturn the immediate action for failure to cooperate.
(d) If the presiding officer determines the allegation, if true, would constitute an immediate jeopardy and the licensee failed to cooperate with the department's investigation, the immediate action for failure to cooperate shall remain in effect pending a full hearing.
(e) If the presiding officer sustains the immediate action for failure to cooperate, the licensee may request an expedited full hearing on the merits of the department's action. A full hearing must be provided within 90 days of the licensee's request.
[ 2025 c 389 s 11; 2024 c 121 s 18; 2020 c 115 s 3.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2025 c 389: See note following RCW 48.43.732.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2020 c 115: See notes following RCW 71.12.700.


title: RCW 71.12.720

text:
(1) Every *psychiatric hospital licensed under this chapter shall report to the department every patient elopement and every death that meets the circumstances specified in subsection (2) of this section that occurs on the hospital grounds within three days of the elopement or death to the department's complaint intake system or another reporting mechanism specified by the department in rule.
(2) The patient or staff deaths that must be reported to the department under subsection (1) of this section include the following:
(a) Patient death associated with patient elopement;
(b) Patient suicide;
(c) Patient death associated with medication error;
(d) Patient death associated with a fall;
(e) Patient death associated with the use of physical restraints or bedrails; and
(f) Patient or staff member death resulting from a physical assault.
[ 2020 c 115 s 8.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "psychiatric hospital" was changed to "behavioral health hospital" by 2024 c 121 s 19.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2020 c 115: See notes following RCW 71.12.700.

catchline: Psychiatric hospitals—Reporting.


title: RCW 71.12.730

text:
With respect to a person enrolled in medical assistance under chapter 74.09 RCW, a *psychiatric hospital shall make every effort to:
(1) Inform the medicaid managed care organization in which the person is enrolled of the person's discharge or change in care plan on the following timelines:
(a) For an anticipated discharge, no later than 24 hours prior to the known discharge date; or
(b) For all other discharges, including if the person leaves against medical advice, no later than the date of discharge or departure from the facility; and
(2) Engage with medicaid managed care organizations in discharge planning, which includes informing and connecting patients to care management resources at the appropriate managed care organization.
[ 2022 c 215 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "psychiatric hospital" was changed to "behavioral health hospital" by 2024 c 121 s 19.
Finding—Intent—2022 c 215: See note following RCW 70.320.020.

catchline: Psychiatric hospitals—Managed care organizations.


title: RCW 71.12.740

text:
(1) Beginning September 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, individuals that hold a multistate nurse license issued by a state other than Washington and are employed by establishments licensed under this chapter shall complete any demographic data surveys required by the board of nursing in rule as a condition of employment.
(2) Individuals that hold a multistate nurse license issued by a state other than Washington and are employed by establishments licensed under this chapter shall complete the suicide assessment, treatment, and management training required by RCW 43.70.442(5)(a) as a condition of employment.
(3) Establishments licensed under this chapter shall report to the board of nursing, within 30 days of employment, all nurses holding a multistate license issued by a state other than Washington and an attestation that the employees holding a multistate license issued by a state other than Washington have completed the tasks required under this section as a condition of employment.
(4) This section is subject to enforcement by the department.
[ 2023 c 123 s 25.]
Notes:
Short title—2023 c 123: See RCW 18.80.900.

catchline: Multistate nurse license—Conditions of employment.


title: RCW 71.12.900

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 160.]

catchline: Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.


title: RCW 71.20.100

text:
Expenditures of county funds under this chapter shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 36.40 RCW and other statutes relating to expenditures by counties.
[ 1967 ex.s. c 110 s 10.]

catchline: Expenditures of county funds subject to county fiscal laws.


title: RCW 71.20.110

text:
(1)(a) In order to provide additional funds for the coordination and provision of community services for persons with developmental disabilities or mental health services, the county governing authority of each county in the state must levy annually a tax in a sum equal to 2.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value against the taxable property in the county to be used for such purposes.
(b) The levy required in this section must be:
(i) Imposed by the legislative authority of the county as a separate levy, independent of the regular property tax levy authorized in RCW 84.52.043(1)(b); or
(ii) Imposed by the legislative authority of the county as part of its levy authorized in RCW 84.52.043(1)(b).
(2) All or part of the funds collected from the tax levied for the purposes of this section may be transferred to the state of Washington, department of social and health services, for the purpose of obtaining federal matching funds to provide and coordinate community services for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health services. In the event a county elects to transfer such tax funds to the state for this purpose, the state must grant these moneys and the additional funds received as matching funds to service-providing community agencies or community boards in the county which has made such transfer, pursuant to the plan approved by the county, as provided by chapters 71.24 and 71.28 RCW and by chapter 71A.14 RCW, all as now or hereafter amended.
[ 2026 c 221 s 901; 2013 c 123 s 1; 1988 c 176 s 910; 1983 c 3 s 183; 1980 c 155 s 5; 1974 ex.s. c 71 s 8; 1973 1st ex.s. c 195 s 85; 1971 ex.s. c 84 s 1; 1970 ex.s. c 47 s 8; 1967 ex.s. c 110 s 16.]
Notes:
Application—2026 c 221 ss 401-404 and 901-903: See note following RCW 84.52.043.
Findings—2026 c 221: See note following RCW 82.14.542.
Effective date—2026 c 221: See note following RCW 82.46.035.
Effective date—Applicability—1980 c 155: See notes following RCW 84.40.030.
Severability—1974 ex.s. c 71: "If any provision of this amendatory 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." [ 1974 ex.s. c 71 s 13.]
Severability—Effective dates and termination dates—Construction—1973 1st ex.s. c 195: See notes following RCW 84.52.043.

catchline: Tax levy directed—Allocation of funds for federal matching funds purposes.


title: RCW 71.24.011

text:
This chapter may be known and cited as the community behavioral health services act.
[ 2019 c 325 s 1001; 2019 c 314 s 24; 1982 c 204 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 325: "Except as provided in sections 6005 and 6007 of this act, this act takes effect January 1, 2020." [ 2019 c 325 s 6008.]
Declaration—2019 c 314: See note following RCW 18.22.810.

catchline: Short title.


title: RCW 71.24.015

text:
It is the intent of the legislature to establish a community behavioral health system which shall help people experiencing mental illness or a substance use disorder to retain a respected and productive position in the community. This will be accomplished through programs that focus on resilience and recovery, and practices that are evidence-based, research-based, consensus-based, or, where these do not exist, promising or emerging best practices, which provide for:
(1) Access to behavioral health services for adults with mental illness and children with mental illness, emotional disturbances, or substance use disorders, that recognize the special needs of underserved populations, including minorities, children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income persons. Access to mental health and substance use disorder services shall not be limited by a person's history of confinement in a state, federal, or local correctional facility. It is also the purpose of this chapter to promote the early identification of children with mental illness and to ensure that they receive the mental health care and treatment which is appropriate to their developmental level. This care should improve home, school, and community functioning, maintain children in a safe and nurturing home environment, and should enable treatment decisions to be made in response to clinical needs in accordance with sound professional judgment while also recognizing parents' rights to participate in treatment decisions for their children;
(2) The involvement of persons with mental illness or substance use disorder, their family members, and advocates in designing and implementing behavioral health services that reduce unnecessary hospitalization and incarceration and promote recovery and employment. To improve the quality of services available and promote the rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration of persons with mental illness or substance use disorder, consumer and advocate participation in behavioral health services is an integral part of the community behavioral health system and shall be supported;
(3) Accountability of efficient and effective services through state-of-the-art outcome and performance measures and statewide standards for monitoring client and system outcomes, performance, and reporting of client and system outcome information. These processes shall be designed so as to maximize the use of available resources for direct care of people with a mental illness and to assure uniform data collection across the state;
(4) Minimum service delivery standards;
(5) Priorities for the use of available resources for the care of individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder consistent with the priorities defined in the statute;
(6) Coordination of services within the department of social and health services, the authority, the department, the department of children, youth, and families, and the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and among state mental hospitals, tribes, residential treatment facilities, county authorities, behavioral health administrative services organizations, managed care organizations, community behavioral health services, and other support services, which shall to the maximum extent feasible also include the families of individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder, and other service providers, including Indian health care providers; and
(7) Coordination of services aimed at reducing duplication in service delivery and promoting complementary services among all entities that provide behavioral health services to adults and children.
It is the policy of the state to encourage the provision of a full range of treatment and rehabilitation services in the state for mental disorders, or substance use disorders, including services operated by consumers and advocates. The legislature intends to encourage the development of regional behavioral health services with adequate local flexibility to assure eligible people in need of care access to the least-restrictive treatment alternative appropriate to their needs, and the availability of treatment components to assure continuity of care. The legislature hereby finds and declares that sound fiscal management requires vigilance to ensure that funds appropriated by the legislature for the provision of needed community behavioral health system services are ultimately expended solely for the purpose for which they were appropriated, and not for any other purpose.
It is further the intent of the legislature to integrate the provision of services to provide continuity of care through all phases of treatment. To this end, the legislature intends to promote active engagement with persons with mental illness and collaboration between families and service providers.
[ 2019 c 325 s 1002; 2018 c 201 s 4001; 2014 c 225 s 6; 2005 c 503 s 1. Prior: 2001 c 334 s 6; 2001 c 323 s 1; 1999 c 214 s 7; 1991 c 306 s 1; 1989 c 205 s 1; 1986 c 274 s 1; 1982 c 204 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 325: See note following RCW 71.24.011.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Correction of references—2005 c 503: "The code reviser shall replace all references to "county designated mental health professional" with "designated mental health professional" in the Revised Code of Washington." [ 2005 c 503 s 16.]
Savings—2005 c 503: "This act does not affect any existing right acquired or liability or obligation incurred under the sections amended or repealed in this act or under any rule or order adopted under those sections, nor does it affect any proceeding instituted under those sections." [ 2005 c 503 s 17.]
Severability—2005 c 503: "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." [ 2005 c 503 s 18.]
Effective date—2001 c 334: "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 [May 15, 2001]." [ 2001 c 334 s 10.]
Intent—Effective date—1999 c 214: See notes following RCW 72.09.370.
Conflict with federal requirements—1991 c 306: "If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict and with respect to the agencies directly affected, and this finding does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act in its application to the agencies concerned. The rules under this act shall meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state.
However, if any part of this act conflicts with such federal requirements, the state appropriation for mental health services provided to children whose mental disorders are discovered under screening through the federal Title XIX early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program shall be provided through the division of medical assistance and no state funds appropriated to the division of mental health shall be expended or transferred for this purpose." [ 1991 c 306 s 7.]
Effective date—1986 c 274 ss 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9: "Sections 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9 of this act shall take effect on July 1, 1987." [ 1986 c 274 s 11.]

catchline: Legislative intent—Community behavioral health system.


title: RCW 71.24.016

text:
(1) The legislature intends that eastern and western state hospitals shall operate as clinical centers for handling the most complicated long-term care needs of patients with a primary diagnosis of mental disorder. It is further the intent of the legislature that the community behavioral health service delivery system focus on maintaining individuals with mental illness in the community. The program shall be evaluated and managed through a limited number of outcome and performance measures, as provided in RCW 71.24.435, 70.320.020, and 71.36.025.
(2) The legislature intends to address the needs of people with mental disorders with a targeted, coordinated, and comprehensive set of evidence-based practices that are effective in serving individuals in their community and will reduce the need for placements in state mental hospitals. The legislature further intends to explicitly hold behavioral health administrative services organizations, within available resources, and managed care organizations accountable for serving people with mental disorders within the boundaries of their regional service area.
(3) The authority shall establish a work group to determine: (a) How to appropriately manage access to adult long-term inpatient involuntary care and the children's long-term inpatient program in the community and at eastern and western state hospitals, until such a time as the risk for long-term involuntary inpatient care may be fully integrated into managed care organization contracts, and provide advice to guide the integration process; and (b) how to expand bidirectional integration through increased support for co-occurring disorder services, including recommendations related to purchasing and rates. The work group shall include representation from the department of social and health services, the department of health, behavioral health administrative services organizations, at least two managed care organizations, the Washington state association of counties, community behavioral health providers, including providers with experience providing co-occurring disorder services, and the Washington state hospital association. Managed care representation on the work group must include at least one member with financial expertise and at least one member with clinical expertise. The managed care organizations on the work group shall represent the entire managed care sector and shall collaborate with the nonrepresented managed care organizations. The work group shall provide recommendations to the office of financial management and appropriate committees of the legislature by December 15, 2019.
[ 2019 c 325 s 1003; 2014 c 225 s 7; 2006 c 333 s 102; 2001 c 323 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 325 ss 1003 and 5030: "Sections 1003 and 5030 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [May 9, 2019]." [ 2019 c 325 s 6007.]
Effective date—2014 c 225: "Sections 7, 10, 13 through 54, 56 through 84, and 86 through 104 of this act take effect April 1, 2016." [ 2014 c 225 s 112.]
Finding—Purpose—Intent—2006 c 333: "(1) The legislature finds that ambiguities have been identified regarding the appropriation and allocation of federal and state funds, and the responsibilities of the department of social and health services and the regional support networks with regard to the provision of inpatient mental health services under the community mental health services act, chapter 71.24 RCW, and the involuntary treatment act, chapter 71.05 RCW. The purpose of this 2006 act is to make retroactive, remedial, curative, and technical amendments in order to resolve such ambiguities.
(2) In enacting the community mental health services act, the legislature intended the relationship between the state and the regional support networks to be governed solely by the terms of the regional support network contracts and did not intend these relationships to create statutory causes of action not expressly provided for in the contracts. Therefore, the legislature's intent is that, except to the extent expressly provided in contracts entered after March 29, 2006, the department of social and health services and regional support networks shall resolve existing and future disagreements regarding the subject matter identified in sections 103 and 301 of this act through nonjudicial means." [ 2006 c 333 s 101.]
Severability—2006 c 333: "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." [ 2006 c 333 s 402.]
Part headings not law—2006 c 333: "Part headings used in this act are not part of the law." [ 2006 c 333 s 403.]
Effective dates—2006 c 333: "This act takes effect July 1, 2006, except that sections 101 through 103, 107, 202, and 301 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [March 29, 2006]." [ 2006 c 333 s 404.]

catchline: Intent—Management of services—Work group on long-term involuntary inpatient care integration.


title: RCW 71.24.025

text:
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "23-hour crisis relief center" means a community-based facility or portion of a facility which is licensed or certified by the department of health and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering access to mental health and substance use care for no more than 23 hours and 59 minutes at a time per patient, and which accepts all behavioral health crisis walk-ins drop-offs from first responders, and individuals referred through the 988 system regardless of behavioral health acuity, and meets the requirements under RCW 71.24.916.
(2) "988 crisis hotline" means the universal telephone number within the United States designated for the purpose of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system operating through the national suicide prevention lifeline.
(3) "Acutely mentally ill" means a condition which is limited to a short-term severe crisis episode of:
(a) A mental disorder as defined in RCW 71.05.020 or, in the case of a child, as defined in RCW 71.34.020;
(b) Being gravely disabled as defined in RCW 71.05.020 or, in the case of a child, a gravely disabled minor as defined in RCW 71.34.020; or
(c) Presenting a likelihood of serious harm as defined in RCW 71.05.020 or, in the case of a child, as defined in RCW 71.34.020.
(4) "Alcoholism" means a disease, characterized by a dependency on alcoholic beverages, loss of control over the amount and circumstances of use, symptoms of tolerance, physiological or psychological withdrawal, or both, if use is reduced or discontinued, and impairment of health or disruption of social or economic functioning.
(5) "Approved substance use disorder treatment program" means a program for persons with a substance use disorder provided by a treatment program licensed or certified by the department as meeting standards adopted under this chapter.
(6) "Authority" means the Washington state health care authority.
(7) "Available resources" means funds appropriated for the purpose of providing community behavioral health programs, federal funds, except those provided according to Title XIX of the Social Security Act, and state funds appropriated under this chapter or chapter 71.05 RCW by the legislature during any biennium for the purpose of providing residential services, resource management services, community support services, and other behavioral health services. This does not include funds appropriated for the purpose of operating and administering the state psychiatric hospitals.
(8) "Behavioral health administrative services organization" means an entity contracted with the authority to administer behavioral health services and programs under RCW 71.24.381, including crisis services and administration of chapter 71.05 RCW, the involuntary treatment act, for all individuals in a defined regional service area.
(9) "Behavioral health aide" means a counselor, health educator, and advocate who helps address individual and community-based behavioral health needs, including those related to alcohol, drug, and tobacco abuse as well as mental health problems such as grief, depression, suicide, and related issues and is certified by a community health aide program of the Indian health service or one or more tribes or tribal organizations consistent with the provisions of 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1616l and RCW 43.71B.010 (7) and (8).
(10) "Behavioral health provider" means a person licensed under chapter 18.57, 18.71, 18.71A, 18.83, 18.205, 18.225, or 18.79 RCW, as it applies to registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses.
(11) "Behavioral health services" means mental health services, substance use disorder treatment services, and co-occurring disorder treatment services as described in this chapter and chapter 71.36 RCW that, depending on the type of service, are provided by licensed or certified behavioral health agencies, behavioral health providers, or integrated into other health care providers.
(12) "Child" means a person under the age of 18 years.
(13) "Chronically mentally ill adult" or "adult who is chronically mentally ill" means an adult who has a mental disorder and meets at least one of the following criteria:
(a) Has undergone two or more episodes of hospital care for a mental disorder within the preceding two years; or
(b) Has experienced a continuous behavioral health hospitalization or residential treatment exceeding six months' duration within the preceding year; or
(c) Has been unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any mental disorder which has lasted for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. "Substantial gainful activity" shall be defined by the authority by rule consistent with Public Law 92-603, as amended.
(14) "Clubhouse" means a community-based program that provides rehabilitation services and is licensed or certified by the department.
(15) "Co-response" means a multidisciplinary partnership between first responders and human services professionals that responds to emergency situations involving behavioral health crises and people experiencing complex medical needs. Participants in co-response respond to in-progress 911 calls, 988 calls, and requests for service from dispatch and other first responders and include first responders such as public safety telecommunicators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics, and human services professionals such as social workers, behavioral health clinicians, advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, community health workers, and peer support specialists.
(16) "Community behavioral health program" means all expenditures, services, activities, or programs, including reasonable administration and overhead, designed and conducted to prevent or treat substance use disorder, mental illness, or both in the community behavioral health system.
(17) "Community behavioral health service delivery system" means public, private, or tribal agencies that provide services specifically to persons with mental disorders, substance use disorders, or both, as defined under RCW 71.05.020 and receive funding from public sources.
(18) "Community support services" means services authorized, planned, and coordinated through resource management services including, at a minimum, assessment, diagnosis, emergency crisis intervention available 24 hours, seven days a week, prescreening determinations for persons who are mentally ill being considered for placement in nursing homes as required by federal law, screening for patients being considered for admission to residential services, diagnosis and treatment for children who are acutely mentally ill or severely emotionally or behaviorally disturbed discovered under screening through the federal Title XIX early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program, investigation, legal, and other nonresidential services under chapter 71.05 RCW, case management services, psychiatric treatment including medication supervision, counseling, psychotherapy, assuring transfer of relevant patient information between service providers, recovery services, and other services determined by behavioral health administrative services organizations.
(19) "Community-based crisis team" means a team that is part of an emergency medical services agency, a fire service agency, a public health agency, a medical facility, a nonprofit crisis response provider, or a city or county government entity, other than a law enforcement agency, that provides the on-site community-based interventions of a mobile rapid response crisis team for individuals who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
(20) "Consensus-based" means a program or practice that has general support among treatment providers and experts, based on experience or professional literature, and may have anecdotal or case study support, or that is agreed but not possible to perform studies with random assignment and controlled groups.
(21) "Coordinated regional behavioral health crisis response system" means the coordinated operation of 988 call centers, regional crisis lines, certified public safety telecommunicators, and other behavioral health crisis system partners within each regional service area.
(22) "County authority" means the board of county commissioners, county council, or county executive having authority to establish a behavioral health administrative services organization, or two or more of the county authorities specified in this subsection which have entered into an agreement to establish a behavioral health administrative services organization.
(23) "Crisis stabilization services" means services such as 23-hour crisis relief centers, crisis stabilization units, short-term respite facilities, peer-run respite services, and same-day walk-in behavioral health services, including within the overall crisis system components that operate like hospital emergency departments that accept all walk-ins, and ambulance, fire, and police drop-offs, or determine the need for involuntary hospitalization of an individual.
(24) "Crisis stabilization unit" has the same meaning as under RCW 71.05.020.
(25) "Department" means the department of health.
(26) "Designated 988 contact hub" or "988 contact hub" means a state-designated contact center that streamlines clinical interventions and access to resources for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis and participates in the national suicide prevention lifeline network to respond to statewide or regional 988 contacts that meets the requirements of RCW 71.24.890.
(27) "Designated crisis responder" has the same meaning as in RCW 71.05.020.
(28) "Director" means the director of the authority.
(29) "Drug addiction" means a disease characterized by a dependency on psychoactive chemicals, loss of control over the amount and circumstances of use, symptoms of tolerance, physiological or psychological withdrawal, or both, if use is reduced or discontinued, and impairment of health or disruption of social or economic functioning.
(30) "Early adopter" means a regional service area for which all of the county authorities have requested that the authority purchase medical and behavioral health services through a managed care health system as defined under *RCW 71.24.380(7).
(31) "Emerging best practice" or "promising practice" means a program or practice that, based on statistical analyses or a well established theory of change, shows potential for meeting the evidence-based or research-based criteria, which may include the use of a program that is evidence-based for outcomes other than those listed in subsection (32) of this section.
(32) "Evidence-based" means a program or practice that has been tested in heterogeneous or intended populations with multiple randomized, or statistically controlled evaluations, or both; or one large multiple site randomized, or statistically controlled evaluation, or both, where the weight of the evidence from a systemic review demonstrates sustained improvements in at least one outcome. "Evidence-based" also means a program or practice that can be implemented with a set of procedures to allow successful replication in Washington and, when possible, is determined to be cost-beneficial.
(33) "First responders" includes ambulance, fire, mobile rapid response crisis team, co-responder team, designated crisis responder, fire department mobile integrated health team, community assistance referral and education services program under RCW 35.21.930, and law enforcement personnel.
(34) "Immediate jeopardy" means a situation in which the licensed or certified behavioral health agency's noncompliance with one or more statutory or regulatory requirements has placed the health and safety of patients in its care at risk for serious injury, serious harm, serious impairment, or death.
(35) "Indian health care provider" means a health care program operated by the Indian health service or by a tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization as those terms are defined in the Indian health care improvement act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1603).
(36) "Intensive behavioral health treatment facility" means a community-based specialized residential treatment facility for individuals with behavioral health conditions, including individuals discharging from or being diverted from state and local hospitals, whose impairment or behaviors do not meet, or no longer meet, criteria for involuntary inpatient commitment under chapter 71.05 RCW, but whose care needs cannot be met in other community-based placement settings.
(37) "Licensed or certified behavioral health agency" means:
(a) An entity licensed or certified according to this chapter or chapter 71.05 RCW;
(b) An entity deemed to meet state minimum standards as a result of accreditation by a recognized behavioral health accrediting body recognized and having a current agreement with the department; or
(c) An entity with a tribal attestation that it meets state minimum standards for a licensed or certified behavioral health agency.
(38) "Licensed physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery in the state of Washington.
(39) "Long-term inpatient care" means inpatient services for persons committed for, or voluntarily receiving intensive treatment for, periods of 90 days or greater under chapter 71.05 RCW. "Long-term inpatient care" as used in this chapter does not include: (a) Services for individuals committed under chapter 71.05 RCW who are receiving services pursuant to a conditional release or a court-ordered less restrictive alternative to detention; or (b) services for individuals voluntarily receiving less restrictive alternative treatment on the grounds of the state hospital.
(40) "Managed care organization" means an organization, having a certificate of authority or certificate of registration from the office of the insurance commissioner, that contracts with the authority under a comprehensive risk contract to provide prepaid health care services to enrollees under the authority's managed care programs under chapter 74.09 RCW.
(41) "Mental health peer-run respite center" means a peer-run program to serve individuals in need of voluntary, short-term, noncrisis services that focus on recovery and wellness.
(42) Mental health "treatment records" include registration and all other records concerning persons who are receiving or who at any time have received services for mental illness, which are maintained by the department of social and health services or the authority, by behavioral health administrative services organizations and their staffs, by managed care organizations and their staffs, or by treatment facilities. "Treatment records" do not include notes or records maintained for personal use by a person providing treatment services for the entities listed in this subsection, or a treatment facility if the notes or records are not available to others.
(43) "Mentally ill persons," "persons who are mentally ill," and "the mentally ill" mean persons and conditions defined in subsections (3), (13), (52), and (53) of this section.
(44) "Mobile rapid response crisis team" means a team that provides professional on-site community-based intervention such as outreach, de-escalation, stabilization, resource connection, and follow-up support for individuals who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, that shall include certified peer counselors or certified peer support specialists as a best practice to the extent practicable based on workforce availability, and that meets standards for response times established by the authority.
(45) "Recovery" means a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
(46) "Regional crisis line" means the behavioral health crisis hotline in each regional service area which provides crisis response services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year including but not limited to dispatch of mobile rapid response crisis teams, community-based crisis teams, and designated crisis responders. A regional crisis line may not dispatch law enforcement.
(47) "Research-based" means a program or practice that has been tested with a single randomized, or statistically controlled evaluation, or both, demonstrating sustained desirable outcomes; or where the weight of the evidence from a systemic review supports sustained outcomes as described in subsection (32) of this section but does not meet the full criteria for evidence-based.
(48) "Residential services" means a complete range of residences and supports authorized by resource management services and which may involve a facility, a distinct part thereof, or services which support community living, for persons who are acutely mentally ill, adults who are chronically mentally ill, children who are severely emotionally disturbed, or adults who are seriously disturbed and determined by the behavioral health administrative services organization or managed care organization to be at risk of becoming acutely or chronically mentally ill. The services shall include at least evaluation and treatment services as defined in chapter 71.05 RCW, acute crisis respite care, long-term adaptive and rehabilitative care, and supervised and supported living services, and shall also include any residential services developed to service persons who are mentally ill in nursing homes, residential treatment facilities, assisted living facilities, and adult family homes, and may include outpatient services provided as an element in a package of services in a supported housing model. Residential services for children in out-of-home placements related to their mental disorder shall not include the costs of food and shelter, except for children's long-term residential facilities existing prior to January 1, 1991.
(49) "Resilience" means the personal and community qualities that enable individuals to rebound from adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or other stresses, and to live productive lives.
(50) "Resource management services" mean the planning, coordination, and authorization of residential services and community support services administered pursuant to an individual service plan for: (a) Adults and children who are acutely mentally ill; (b) adults who are chronically mentally ill; (c) children who are severely emotionally disturbed; or (d) adults who are seriously disturbed and determined by a behavioral health administrative services organization or managed care organization to be at risk of becoming acutely or chronically mentally ill. Such planning, coordination, and authorization shall include mental health screening for children eligible under the federal Title XIX early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program. Resource management services include seven day a week, 24 hour a day availability of information regarding enrollment of adults and children who are mentally ill in services and their individual service plan to designated crisis responders, evaluation and treatment facilities, and others as determined by the behavioral health administrative services organization or managed care organization, as applicable.
(51) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health.
(52) "Seriously disturbed person" means a person who:
(a) Is gravely disabled or presents a likelihood of serious harm to himself or herself or others, or to the property of others, as a result of a mental disorder as defined in chapter 71.05 RCW;
(b) Has been on conditional release status, or under a less restrictive alternative order, at some time during the preceding two years from an evaluation and treatment facility or a state mental health hospital;
(c) Has a mental disorder which causes major impairment in several areas of daily living;
(d) Exhibits suicidal preoccupation or attempts; or
(e) Is a child diagnosed by a mental health professional, as defined in chapter 71.34 RCW, as experiencing a mental disorder which is clearly interfering with the child's functioning in family or school or with peers or is clearly interfering with the child's personality development and learning.
(53) "Severely emotionally disturbed child" or "child who is severely emotionally disturbed" means a child who has been determined by the behavioral health administrative services organization or managed care organization, if applicable, to be experiencing a mental disorder as defined in chapter 71.34 RCW, including those mental disorders that result in a behavioral or conduct disorder, that is clearly interfering with the child's functioning in family or school or with peers and who meets at least one of the following criteria:
(a) Has undergone inpatient treatment or placement outside of the home related to a mental disorder within the last two years;
(b) Has undergone involuntary treatment under chapter 71.34 RCW within the last two years;
(c) Is currently served by at least one of the following child-serving systems: Juvenile justice, child-protection/welfare, special education, or developmental disabilities;
(d) Is at risk of escalating maladjustment due to:
(i) Chronic family dysfunction involving a caretaker who is mentally ill or inadequate;
(ii) Changes in custodial adult;
(iii) Going to, residing in, or returning from any placement outside of the home, for example, behavioral health hospital, short-term inpatient, residential treatment, group or foster home, or a correctional facility;
(iv) Subject to repeated physical abuse or neglect;
(v) Drug or alcohol abuse; or
(vi) Homelessness.
(54) "State minimum standards" means minimum requirements established by rules adopted and necessary to implement this chapter by:
(a) The authority for:
(i) Delivery of mental health and substance use disorder services; and
(ii) Community support services and resource management services;
(b) The department of health for:
(i) Licensed or certified behavioral health agencies for the purpose of providing mental health or substance use disorder programs and services, or both;
(ii) Licensed behavioral health providers for the provision of mental health or substance use disorder services, or both; and
(iii) Residential services.
(55) "Substance use disorder" means a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that an individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems. The diagnosis of a substance use disorder is based on a pathological pattern of behaviors related to the use of the substances.
(56) "Tribe," for the purposes of this section, means a federally recognized Indian tribe.
[ 2025 c 360 s 17; 2025 c 346 s 2. Prior: 2024 c 368 s 2; 2024 c 367 s 1; 2024 c 121 s 25; prior: 2023 c 454 s 1; 2023 c 433 s 1; prior: 2021 c 302 s 402; (2021 c 302 s 401 expired July 1, 2022); prior: 2020 c 256 s 201; 2020 c 80 s 52; prior: 2019 c 325 s 1004; 2019 c 324 s 2; 2018 c 201 s 4002; prior: 2016 sp.s. c 29 s 502; 2016 sp.s. c 29 s 501; 2016 c 155 s 12; prior: 2014 c 225 s 10; 2013 c 338 s 5; 2012 c 10 s 59; 2008 c 261 s 2; 2007 c 414 s 1; 2006 c 333 s 104; prior: 2005 c 504 s 105; 2005 c 503 s 2; 2001 c 323 s 8; 1999 c 10 s 2; 1997 c 112 s 38; 1995 c 96 s 4; prior: 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 748; 1994 c 204 s 1; 1991 c 306 s 2; 1989 c 205 s 2; 1986 c 274 s 2; 1982 c 204 s 3.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 71.24.380 was amended by 2025 c 216 s 3, removing subsection (7).
(2) This section was amended by 2025 c 346 s 2 and by 2025 c 360 s 17, 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).
Findings—2025 c 346: "The goals of co-response are to de-escalate situations, divert people from criminal justice and emergency medical systems, and bring medical and behavioral health care into the field to serve vulnerable populations.
Co-responders play a critical role in Washington's emergency response landscape, promoting a crisis care delivery system that appropriately responds to behavioral health emergencies and adapts to complex needs at the nexus of health and behavioral health. As Washington's crisis care delivery system continues to evolve, co-responders should be integrated into new and existing programs and legal frameworks in a way that consistently reflects their contributions to the health and well-being of the people of Washington and provides the necessary support for them to continue their critical work." [ 2025 c 346 s 1.]
Effective date—2021 c 302 s 402: "Section 402 of this act takes effect July 1, 2022." [ 2021 c 302 s 407.]
Expiration date—2021 c 302 s 401: "Section 401 of this act expires July 1, 2022." [ 2021 c 302 s 406.]
Findings—Intent—2021 c 302: See note following RCW 71.24.890.
Effective date—2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Intent—2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010.
Effective date—2019 c 325: See note following RCW 71.24.011.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 324: See note following RCW 71.24.648.
Mental health drop-in center services pilot program—2019 c 324: See note following RCW 71.24.649.
Report—2019 c 324: See note following RCW 70.38.111.
Recommendations—Residential intensive behavioral health and developmental disability services—2019 c 324: See note following RCW 74.39A.030.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Effective dates—2016 sp.s. c 29: See note following RCW 71.05.760.
Short title—Right of action—2016 sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 71.05.010.
Effective date—2014 c 225: See note following RCW 71.24.016.
Application—2012 c 10: See note following RCW 18.20.010.
Intent—Findings—2008 c 261: "In the event that an existing regional support network will no longer be contracting to provide services, it is the intent of the legislature to provide flexibility to the department to facilitate a stable transition which avoids disruption of services to consumers and families, maximizes efficiency and public safety, and maintains the integrity of the public mental health system. By granting this authority and flexibility, the legislature finds that the department will be able to maximize purchasing power within allocated resources and attract high quality organizations with optimal infrastructure to perform regional support network functions through competitive procurement processes. The legislature intends for the department of social and health services to partner with political subdivisions and other entities to provide quality, coordinated, and integrated services to address the needs of individuals with behavioral health needs." [ 2008 c 261 s 1.]
Finding—Purpose—Intent—Severability—Part headings not law—Effective dates—2006 c 333: See notes following RCW 71.24.016.
Findings—Intent—Severability—Application—Construction—Captions, part headings, subheadings not law—Adoption of rules—Effective dates—2005 c 504: See notes following RCW 71.05.027.
Alphabetization—Correction of references—2005 c 504: See note following RCW 71.05.020.
Correction of references—Savings—Severability—2005 c 503: See notes following RCW 71.24.015.
Purpose—Intent—1999 c 10: "The purpose of this act is to eliminate dates and provisions in chapter 71.24 RCW which are no longer needed. The legislature does not intend this act to make, and no provision of this act shall be construed as, a substantive change in the service delivery system or funding of the community mental health services law." [ 1999 c 10 s 1.]
Alphabetization of section—1999 c 10 s 2: "The code reviser shall alphabetize the definitions in RCW 71.24.025 and correct any cross-references." [ 1999 c 10 s 14.]
Effective date—1995 c 96: See note following RCW 71.24.400.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Conflict with federal requirements—1991 c 306: See note following RCW 71.24.015.
Effective date—1986 c 274 ss 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9: See note following RCW 71.24.015.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 71.24.030

text:
The director is authorized to make grants and/or purchase services from counties, tribes, combinations of counties, or other entities, to establish and operate community behavioral health programs.
[ 2024 c 209 s 29; 2019 c 325 s 1005; 2018 c 201 s 4003; 2005 c 503 s 3; 2001 c 323 s 9; 1999 c 10 s 3; 1982 c 204 s 6; 1973 1st ex.s. c 155 s 5; 1972 ex.s. c 122 s 30; 1971 ex.s. c 304 s 7; 1967 ex.s. c 111 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 325: See note following RCW 71.24.011.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Correction of references—Savings—Severability—2005 c 503: See notes following RCW 71.24.015.
Purpose—Intent—1999 c 10: See note following RCW 71.24.025.
Effective date—1972 ex.s. c 122: "Chapter 122, Laws of 1972 extraordinary session shall be effective January 1, 1975." [ 1973 c 92 s 1; 1972 ex.s. c 122 s 31.]

catchline: Grants, purchasing of services, for community behavioral health programs.