title: RCW 70.48.135

text:
(1) Jails must make reasonable accommodations for the provision of available midwifery or doula services to inmates who are pregnant or who have given birth in the last six weeks. Persons providing midwifery or doula services must be granted appropriate facility access, must be allowed to attend and provide assistance during labor and childbirth where feasible, and must have access to the inmate's relevant health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010, if the inmate authorizes disclosure.
(2) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Doula services" are services provided by a trained doula and designed to provide physical, emotional, or informational support to a pregnant woman before, during, and after delivery of a child. Doula services may include, but are not limited to: Support and assistance during labor and childbirth; prenatal and postpartum education; breastfeeding assistance; parenting education; and support in the event that a woman has been or will become separated from her child.
(b) "Midwifery services" means medical aid rendered by a midwife to a woman during prenatal, intrapartum, or postpartum stages or to a woman's newborn up to two weeks of age.
(c) "Midwife" means a midwife licensed under chapter 18.50 RCW or an *advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW.
(3) Nothing in this section requires governing units to establish or provide funding for midwifery or doula services, or prevents the adoption of policy guidelines for the delivery of midwifery or doula services to inmates. Services provided under this section may not supplant health care services routinely provided to the inmate.
[ 2018 c 41 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
PDF
RCW 70.48.135
Pregnant inmates—Midwifery or doula services—Reasonable accommodations. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
(1) Jails must make reasonable accommodations for the provision of available midwifery or doula services to inmates who are pregnant or who have given birth in the last six weeks. Persons providing midwifery or doula services must be granted appropriate facility access, must be allowed to attend and provide assistance during labor and childbirth where feasible, and must have access to the inmate's relevant health care information, as defined in RCW 70.02.010, if the inmate authorizes disclosure.
(2) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Doula services" are services provided by a trained doula and designed to provide physical, emotional, or informational support to a pregnant woman before, during, and after delivery of a child. Doula services may include, but are not limited to: Support and assistance during labor and childbirth; prenatal and postpartum education; breastfeeding assistance; parenting education; and support in the event that a woman has been or will become separated from her child.
(b) "Midwifery services" means medical aid rendered by a midwife to a woman during prenatal, intrapartum, or postpartum stages or to a woman's newborn up to two weeks of age.
(c) "Midwife" means a midwife licensed under chapter 18.50 RCW or an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW.
(3) Nothing in this section requires governing units to establish or provide funding for midwifery or doula services, or prevents the adoption of policy guidelines for the delivery of midwifery or doula services to inmates. Services provided under this section may not supplant health care services routinely provided to the inmate.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5135; 2018 c 41 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.

catchline: Pregnant inmates—Midwifery or doula services—Reasonable accommodations. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 70.48.140

text:
A person having charge of a jail shall receive and keep in such jail, when room is available, all persons confined or committed thereto by process or order issued under authority of the United States until discharged according to law, the same as if such persons had been committed under process issued under authority of the state, if provision is made by the United States for the support of such persons confined, and for any additional personnel required.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 316 s 14.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 316: See note following RCW 70.48.020.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Confinement pursuant to authority of the United States.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 70.48.160

text:
Having received approval pursuant to *RCW 70.48.060, a governing unit shall not be eligible for further funding for physical plant standards for a period of ten years from the date of the completion of the approved project. A jail shall not be closed for noncompliance to physical plant standards within this same ten year period. This section does not apply if:
(1) The state elects to fund phased components of a jail project for which a governing unit has applied. In that instance, initially funded components do not constitute full funding within the meaning of *RCW 70.48.060(1) and ** 70.48.070(2) and the state may fund subsequent phases of the jail project;
(2) There is destruction of the facility because of an act of God or the result of a negligent and/or criminal act.
[ 1987 c 462 s 9; 1986 c 118 s 10; 1981 c 276 s 3; 1977 ex.s. c 316 s 16.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 70.48.060 was repealed by 1987 c 462 s 23, effective January 1, 1988.
**(2) RCW 70.48.070 was repealed by 1987 c 462 s 23, effective January 1, 1988.
Effective dates—1987 c 462: See note following RCW 13.04.116.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 316: See note following RCW 70.48.020.

catchline: Post-approval limitation on funding.


title: RCW 70.48.170

text:
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the City and County Jails Act.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 316 s 17.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 316: See note following RCW 70.48.020.

catchline: Short title.


title: RCW 70.48.180

text:
Counties may acquire, build, operate, and maintain holding, detention, special detention, and correctional facilities as defined in RCW 70.48.020 at any place designated by the county legislative authority within the territorial limits of the county. The facilities shall comply with chapter 70.48 RCW and the rules adopted thereunder.
[ 1983 c 165 s 37; 1979 ex.s. c 232 s 16.]
Notes:
Legislative finding, intent—Effective dates—Severability—1983 c 165: See notes following RCW 46.20.308.

catchline: Authority to locate and operate jail facilities—Counties.


title: RCW 70.48.190

text:
Cities and towns may acquire, build, operate, and maintain holding, detention, special detention, and correctional facilities as defined in RCW 70.48.020 at any place within the territorial limits of the county in which the city or town is situated, as may be selected by the legislative authority of the municipality. The facilities comply with the provisions of chapter 70.48 RCW and rules adopted thereunder.
[ 1983 c 165 s 38; 1977 ex.s. c 316 s 19; 1965 c 7 s 35.21.330. Prior: 1917 c 103 s 1; RRS s 10204. Formerly RCW 35.21.330.]
Notes:
Legislative finding, intent—Effective dates—Severability—1983 c 165: See notes following RCW 46.20.308.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 316: See note following RCW 70.48.020.

catchline: Authority to locate and operate jail facilities—Cities and towns.


title: RCW 70.48.210

text:
(1) All cities and counties are authorized to establish and maintain farms, camps, and work release programs and facilities, as well as special detention facilities. The facilities shall meet the requirements of chapter 70.48 RCW and any rules adopted thereunder.
(2) Farms and camps may be established either inside or outside the territorial limits of a city or county. A sentence of confinement in a city or county jail may include placement in a farm or camp. Unless directed otherwise by court order, the chief law enforcement officer or department of corrections, may transfer the prisoner to a farm or camp. The sentencing court, chief law enforcement officer, or department of corrections may not transfer to a farm or camp a greater number of prisoners than can be furnished with constructive employment and can be reasonably accommodated.
(3) The city or county may establish a city or county work release program and housing facilities for the prisoners in the program. In such regard, factors such as employment conditions and the condition of jail facilities should be considered. When a work release program is established the following provisions apply:
(a) A person convicted of a felony and placed in a city or county jail is eligible for the work release program. A person sentenced to a city or county jail is eligible for the work release program. The program may be used as a condition of probation for a criminal offense. Good conduct is a condition of participation in the program.
(b) The court may permit a person who is currently, regularly employed to continue his or her employment. The chief law enforcement officer or department of corrections shall make all necessary arrangements if possible. The court may authorize the person to seek suitable employment and may authorize the chief law enforcement officer or department of corrections to make reasonable efforts to find suitable employment for the person. A person participating in the work release program may not work in an establishment where there is a labor dispute.
(c) The work release prisoner shall be confined in a work release facility or jail unless authorized to be absent from the facility for program-related purposes, unless the court directs otherwise.
(d) Each work release prisoner's earnings may be collected by the chief law enforcement officer or a designee. The chief law enforcement officer or a designee may deduct from the earnings moneys for the payments for the prisoner's board, personal expenses inside and outside the jail, a share of the administrative expenses of this section, court-ordered victim compensation, and court-ordered restitution. Support payments for the prisoner's dependents, if any, shall be made as directed by the court. With the prisoner's consent, the remaining funds may be used to pay the prisoner's preexisting debts. Any remaining balance shall be returned to the prisoner.
(e) The prisoner's sentence may be reduced by earned early release time in accordance with procedures that shall be developed and promulgated by the work release facility. The earned early release time shall be for good behavior and good performance as determined by the facility. The facility shall not credit the offender with earned early release credits in advance of the offender actually earning the credits. In the case of an offender convicted of a serious violent offense or a sex offense that is a class A felony committed on or after July 1, 1990, the aggregate earned early release time may not exceed fifteen percent of the sentence. In no other case may the aggregate earned early release time exceed one-third of the total sentence.
(f) If the work release prisoner violates the conditions of custody or employment, the prisoner shall be returned to the sentencing court. The sentencing court may require the prisoner to spend the remainder of the sentence in actual confinement and may cancel any earned reduction of the sentence.
(4) A special detention facility may be operated by a noncorrectional agency or by noncorrectional personnel by contract with the governing unit. The employees shall meet the standards of training and education established by the criminal justice training commission as authorized by RCW 43.101.080. The special detention facility may use combinations of features including, but not limited to, low-security or honor prisoner status, work farm, work release, community review, prisoner facility maintenance and food preparation, training programs, or alcohol or drug rehabilitation programs. Special detention facilities may establish a reasonable fee schedule to cover the cost of facility housing and programs. The schedule shall be on a sliding basis that reflects the person's ability to pay.
[ 1990 c 3 s 203; 1989 c 248 s 3; 1985 c 298 s 1; 1983 c 165 s 39; 1979 ex.s. c 232 s 17.]
Notes:
Application—1989 c 248: See note following RCW 9.92.151.
Legislative finding, intent—Effective dates—Severability—1983 c 165: See notes following RCW 46.20.308.

catchline: Farms, camps, work release programs, and special detention facilities.


title: RCW 70.48.215

text:
A jail may not refuse to book a patient of a state hospital solely based on the patient's status as a state hospital patient, but may consider other relevant factors that apply to the individual circumstances in each case.
[ 2012 c 256 s 11.]
Notes:
Purpose—Effective date—2012 c 256: See notes following RCW 10.77.605.

catchline: Booking patients of state hospitals.


title: RCW 70.48.220

text:
A person confined for an offense punishable by imprisonment in a city or county jail may be confined in the jail of any city or county contracting with the prosecuting city or county for jail services.
A jurisdiction that confines persons prior to conviction in a jail in another county is responsible for providing private telephone, videoconferencing, or in-person contact between the defendant and his or her public defense counsel.
[ 2002 c 125 s 2; 1979 ex.s. c 232 s 19.]

catchline: Confinement may be wherever jail services are contracted—Defendant contact with defense counsel.


title: RCW 70.48.230

text:
The jurisdiction having immediate authority over a prisoner is responsible for the transportation expenses. The transporting officer shall have custody of the prisoner within any Washington county while being transported. Any jail within the state may be used for the temporary confinement of the prisoner with the only charge being for the reasonable cost of board.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 232 s 18.]

catchline: Transportation and temporary confinement of prisoners.


title: RCW 70.48.240

text:
A person imprisoned in a jail and sentenced to a state institution for a felony conviction shall be transferred to a state institution before the forty-first day from the date of sentencing.
This section does not apply to persons sentenced for a felony who are held in the facility as a condition of probation or who are specifically sentenced to confinement in the facility.
Payment for persons sentenced to state institutions and remaining in a jail from the eighth through the fortieth days following sentencing shall be in accordance with the procedure prescribed under this chapter.
[ 1984 c 235 s 8; 1979 ex.s. c 232 s 20.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1984 c 235: See note following RCW 70.48.400.

catchline: Transfer of felons from jail to state institution—Time limit.


title: RCW 70.48.245

text:
When a jail has determined that a person in custody has or may have a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020 or a traumatic brain injury, upon transfer of the person to a department of corrections facility or other jail facility, every reasonable effort shall be made by the transferring jail staff to communicate to receiving staff the nature of the disability, as determined by the jail and any necessary accommodation for the person as identified by the transferring jail staff.
[ 2011 c 236 s 2.]

catchline: Transfer of persons with developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injuries from jail to department of corrections facility.


title: RCW 70.48.380

text:
The legislative authority of a county or city that establishes a special detention facility as defined in RCW 70.48.020 for persons convicted of violating RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 may establish a reasonable fee schedule to cover the cost of housing in the facility. The schedule shall be on a sliding basis that reflects the person's ability to pay.
[ 1983 c 165 s 36.]
Notes:
Legislative finding, intent—Effective dates—Severability—1983 c 165: See notes following RCW 46.20.308.

catchline: Special detention facilities—Fees for cost of housing.


title: RCW 70.48.390

text:
A governing unit may require that each person who is booked at a city, county, or regional jail pay a fee based on the jail's actual booking costs or one hundred dollars, whichever is less, to the sheriff's department of the county or police chief of the city in which the jail is located. The fee is payable immediately from any money then possessed by the person being booked, or any money deposited with the sheriff's department or city jail administration on the person's behalf. If the person has no funds at the time of booking or during the period of incarceration, the sheriff or police chief may notify the court in the county or city where the charges related to the booking are pending, and may request the assessment of the fee. Unless the person is held on other criminal matters, if the person is not charged, is acquitted, or if all charges are dismissed, the sheriff or police chief shall return the fee to the person at the last known address listed in the booking records.
[ 2003 c 99 s 1; 1999 c 325 s 3.]

catchline: Fee payable by person being booked.


title: RCW 70.48.400

text:
Persons sentenced to felony terms or a combination of terms of more than three hundred sixty-five days of incarceration shall be committed to state institutions under the authority of the department of corrections. Persons serving sentences of three hundred sixty-five consecutive days or less may be sentenced to a jail as defined in RCW 70.48.020. All persons convicted of felonies or misdemeanors and sentenced to jail shall be the financial responsibility of the city or county.
[ 1987 c 462 s 11; 1984 c 235 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1987 c 462: See note following RCW 13.04.116.
Effective dates—1984 c 235: "Section 5 of this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [March 27, 1984]. The remainder of this act shall take effect July 1, 1984." [ 1984 c 235 s 10.]

catchline: Sentences to be served in state institutions—When—Sentences that may be served in jail—Financial responsibility of city or county.


title: RCW 70.48.410

text:
Persons convicted of a felony as defined by chapter 9A.20 RCW and committed to the care and custody of the department of corrections shall be the financial responsibility of the department of corrections not later than the eighth day, excluding weekends and holidays, following sentencing for the felony and notification that the prisoner is available for movement to a state correctional institution. However, if good cause is shown, a superior court judge may order the prisoner detained in the jail beyond the eight-day period for an additional period not to exceed ten days. If a superior court orders a convicted felon to be detained beyond the eighth day following sentencing, the county or city shall retain financial responsibility for that ten-day period or portion thereof ordered by the court.
[ 1984 c 235 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1984 c 235: See note following RCW 70.48.400.

catchline: Financial responsibility for convicted felons.


title: RCW 70.48.420

text:
A person detained in jail solely by reason of a parole hold is the financial responsibility of the city or the county detaining the person until the sixteenth day, at which time the person shall become the financial responsibility of the department of corrections. Persons who are detained in a jail on a parole hold and for whom the prosecutor has filed a felony charge remain the responsibility of the city or county.
[ 1984 c 235 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1984 c 235: See note following RCW 70.48.400.

catchline: Financial responsibility for persons detained on parole hold.


title: RCW 70.48.430

text:
Inmates, as defined by *RCW 72.09.020, who reside in a work release facility and who are detained in a city or county jail are the financial responsibility of the department of corrections.
[ 1984 c 235 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 72.09.020 was repealed by 1995 1st sp.s. c 19 s 36.
Effective dates—1984 c 235: See note following RCW 70.48.400.

catchline: Financial responsibility for work release inmates detained in jail.


title: RCW 70.48.440

text:
The office of financial management shall establish a uniform equitable rate for reimbursing cities and counties for the care of sentenced felons who are the financial responsibility of the department of corrections and are detained or incarcerated in a city or county jail.
Until June 30, 1985, the rate for the care of sentenced felons who are the financial responsibility of the department of corrections shall be ten dollars per day. Cost of extraordinary emergency medical care incurred by prisoners who are the financial responsibility of the department of corrections under this chapter shall be reimbursed. The department of corrections shall be advised as far in advance as practicable by competent medical authority of the nature and course of treatment required to ensure the most efficient use of state resources to address the medical needs of the offender. In the event emergency medical care is needed, the department of corrections shall be advised as soon as practicable after the offender is treated.
Prior to June 30, 1985, the office of financial management shall meet with the *corrections standards board to establish criteria to determine equitable rates regarding variable costs for sentenced felons who are the financial responsibility of the department of corrections after June 30, 1985. The office of financial management shall reestablish these rates each even-numbered year beginning in 1986.
[ 1984 c 235 s 5.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The corrections standards board no longer exists. See 1987 c 462 s 21.
Effective dates—1984 c 235: See note following RCW 70.48.400.

catchline: Office of financial management to establish reimbursement rate for cities and counties—Rate until June 30, 1985—Reestablishment of rates.


title: RCW 70.48.450

text:
The department of corrections is responsible for developing a reporting form for the local jails. The form shall require sufficient information to identify the person, type of state responsibility, method of notification for availability for movement, and the number of days for which the state is financially responsible. The information shall be provided by the city or county requesting payment for prisoners who are the financial responsibility of the department of corrections.
[ 1984 c 235 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1984 c 235: See note following RCW 70.48.400.

catchline: Local jail reporting form—Information to be provided by city or county requesting payment for prisoners from state.


title: RCW 70.48.460

text:
Nothing in RCW 70.48.400 through 70.48.450 precludes the establishment of mutually agreeable contracts between the department of corrections and counties for incarceration services of prisoners not covered by RCW 70.48.400 through 70.48.450.
[ 1984 c 235 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective dates—1984 c 235: See note following RCW 70.48.400.

catchline: Contracts for incarceration services for prisoners not covered by RCW 70.48.400 through 70.48.450.


title: RCW 70.48.470

text:
(1) A person having charge of a jail shall notify in writing any confined person who is in the custody of the jail for a conviction of a sex offense or a kidnapping offense as defined in RCW 9A.44.128 of the registration requirements of RCW 9A.44.130 at the time of the inmate's release from confinement, and shall obtain written acknowledgment of such notification. The person shall also obtain from the inmate the county of the inmate's residence upon release from jail and, where applicable, the city.
(2) When a sex offender or kidnapping offender under local government jurisdiction will reside in a county other than the county of conviction upon discharge or release, the chief law enforcement officer of the jail or his or her designee shall give notice of the inmate's discharge or release to the sheriff of the county and, where applicable, to the police chief of the city where the offender will reside.
[ 2010 c 267 s 14; 2000 c 91 s 4. Prior: 1997 c 364 s 3; 1997 c 113 s 7; 1996 c 215 s 2; 1990 c 3 s 406.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The definitions in RCW 9A.44.128 apply to this section.
Application—2010 c 267: See note following RCW 9A.44.128.
Severability—1997 c 364: See note following RCW 4.24.550.
Findings—1997 c 113: See note following RCW 4.24.550.

catchline: Sex, kidnapping offenders—Notices to offenders, law enforcement officials.


title: RCW 70.48.475

text:
(1) A person having charge of a jail, or that person's designee, shall notify the designated crisis responder seventy-two hours prior to the release to the community of an offender or defendant who was subject to a discharge review under RCW 71.05.232. If the person having charge of the jail does not receive seventy-two hours notice of the release, the notification to the designated crisis responder shall be made as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than the actual release to the community of the defendant or offender.
(2) When a person having charge of a jail, or that person's designee, releases an offender or defendant who was the subject of a discharge review under RCW 71.05.232, the person having charge of a jail, or that person's designee, shall notify the state hospital from which the offender or defendant was released.
[ 2016 sp.s. c 29 s 418; 2004 c 166 s 14.]
Notes:
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.
Severability—Effective dates—2004 c 166: See notes following RCW 71.05.040.

catchline: Release of offender or defendant subject to a discharge review—Required notifications.


title: RCW 70.48.480

text:
(1) Local jail administrators shall develop and implement policies and procedures for the uniform distribution of communicable disease prevention guidelines to all jail staff who, in the course of their regularly assigned job responsibilities, may come within close physical proximity to offenders or detainees with communicable diseases.
(2) The guidelines shall identify special precautions necessary to reduce the risk of transmission of communicable diseases.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "communicable disease" means a sexually transmitted disease, as defined in RCW 70.24.017, diseases caused by blood-borne pathogens, or any other illness caused by an infectious agent that can be transmitted from one person, animal, or object to another person by direct or indirect means including transmission via an intermediate host or vector, food, water, or air.
[ 1997 c 345 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—1997 c 345: See note following RCW 70.24.340.

catchline: Communicable disease prevention guidelines.


title: RCW 70.48.490

text:
Jails may provide for the delivery and administration of medications and medication assistance for inmates in their custody by nonpractitioner jail personnel, subject to the following conditions:
(1) The jail administrator or his or her designee, or chief law enforcement executive or his or her designee, shall enter into an agreement between the jail and a licensed pharmacist, pharmacy, or other licensed practitioner or health care facility to ensure access to pharmaceutical services on a twenty-four hour a day basis, including consultation and dispensing services.
(2) The jail administrator or chief law enforcement executive shall adopt policies which address the designation and training of nonpractitioner jail personnel who may deliver and administer medications or provide medication assistance to inmates as provided in this chapter. The policies must address the administration of prescriptions from licensed practitioners prescribing within the scope of their prescriptive authority, the identification of medication to be delivered and administered or administered through medication assistance, the means of securing medication with attention to the safeguarding of legend drugs, and the means of maintaining a record of the delivery, administration, self-administration, or medication assistance of all medication. The jail administrator or chief law enforcement executive shall designate a physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW, or a registered nurse or *advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW, to train the designated nonpractitioner jail personnel in proper medication procedures and monitor their compliance with the procedures.
(3) The jail administrator or chief law enforcement executive shall consult with one or more pharmacists, and one or more licensed physicians or nurses, in the course of developing the policies described in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. A jail shall provide the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs with a copy of the jail's current policies regarding medication management.
(4) The practitioner or nonpractitioner jail personnel delivering, administering, or providing medication assistance is in receipt of (a) for prescription drugs, a written, current, and unexpired prescription, and instructions for administration from a licensed practitioner prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority for administration of the prescription drug; (b) for nonprescription drugs, a written, current, and unexpired instruction from a licensed practitioner regarding the administration of the nonprescription drug; and (c) for minors under the age of eighteen, a written, current consent from the minor's parent, legal guardian, or custodian consenting to the administration of the medication.
(5) Nonpractitioner jail personnel may help in the preparation of legend drugs or controlled substances for self-administration where a practitioner has determined and communicated orally or by written direction that the medication preparation assistance is necessary and appropriate. Medication assistance shall not include assistance with intravenous medications or injectable medications.
(6) Nonpractitioner jail personnel shall not include inmates.
(7) All medication is delivered and administered and all medication assistance is provided by a practitioner or nonpractitioner jail personnel pursuant to the policies adopted in this section, and in compliance with the prescription of a practitioner prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority, or the written instructions as provided in this section.
(8) The jail administrator or the chief law enforcement executive shall ensure that all nonpractitioner jail personnel authorized to deliver, administer, and provide medication assistance are trained pursuant to the policies adopted in this section prior to being permitted to deliver, administer, or provide medication assistance to an inmate.
[ 2009 c 411 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
PDF
RCW 70.48.490
Delivery and administration of medications and medication assistance by nonpractitioner jail personnel—Conditions. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
Jails may provide for the delivery and administration of medications and medication assistance for inmates in their custody by nonpractitioner jail personnel, subject to the following conditions:
(1) The jail administrator or his or her designee, or chief law enforcement executive or his or her designee, shall enter into an agreement between the jail and a licensed pharmacist, pharmacy, or other licensed practitioner or health care facility to ensure access to pharmaceutical services on a twenty-four hour a day basis, including consultation and dispensing services.
(2) The jail administrator or chief law enforcement executive shall adopt policies which address the designation and training of nonpractitioner jail personnel who may deliver and administer medications or provide medication assistance to inmates as provided in this chapter. The policies must address the administration of prescriptions from licensed practitioners prescribing within the scope of their prescriptive authority, the identification of medication to be delivered and administered or administered through medication assistance, the means of securing medication with attention to the safeguarding of legend drugs, and the means of maintaining a record of the delivery, administration, self-administration, or medication assistance of all medication. The jail administrator or chief law enforcement executive shall designate a physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW, or a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW, to train the designated nonpractitioner jail personnel in proper medication procedures and monitor their compliance with the procedures.
(3) The jail administrator or chief law enforcement executive shall consult with one or more pharmacists, and one or more licensed physicians or nurses, in the course of developing the policies described in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. A jail shall provide the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs with a copy of the jail's current policies regarding medication management.
(4) The practitioner or nonpractitioner jail personnel delivering, administering, or providing medication assistance is in receipt of (a) for prescription drugs, a written, current, and unexpired prescription, and instructions for administration from a licensed practitioner prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority for administration of the prescription drug; (b) for nonprescription drugs, a written, current, and unexpired instruction from a licensed practitioner regarding the administration of the nonprescription drug; and (c) for minors under the age of eighteen, a written, current consent from the minor's parent, legal guardian, or custodian consenting to the administration of the medication.
(5) Nonpractitioner jail personnel may help in the preparation of legend drugs or controlled substances for self-administration where a practitioner has determined and communicated orally or by written direction that the medication preparation assistance is necessary and appropriate. Medication assistance shall not include assistance with intravenous medications or injectable medications.
(6) Nonpractitioner jail personnel shall not include inmates.
(7) All medication is delivered and administered and all medication assistance is provided by a practitioner or nonpractitioner jail personnel pursuant to the policies adopted in this section, and in compliance with the prescription of a practitioner prescribing within the scope of his or her prescriptive authority, or the written instructions as provided in this section.
(8) The jail administrator or the chief law enforcement executive shall ensure that all nonpractitioner jail personnel authorized to deliver, administer, and provide medication assistance are trained pursuant to the policies adopted in this section prior to being permitted to deliver, administer, or provide medication assistance to an inmate.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5136; 2009 c 411 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170: See note following RCW 7.68.030.
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.

catchline: Delivery and administration of medications and medication assistance by nonpractitioner jail personnel—Conditions. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)


title: RCW 70.48.500

text:
(1) Except in extraordinary circumstances no restraints of any kind may be used on any pregnant woman or youth incarcerated in a correctional facility or any facility covered by this chapter during transportation to and from visits to medical providers and court proceedings during the third trimester of her pregnancy, or during postpartum recovery. For purposes of this section, "extraordinary circumstances" exist where a corrections officer or employee of the correctional facility or any facility covered by this chapter makes an individualized determination that restraints are necessary to prevent an incarcerated pregnant woman or youth from escaping, or from injuring herself, medical or correctional personnel, or others. In the event the corrections officer or employee of the correctional facility or any facility covered by this chapter determines that extraordinary circumstances exist and restraints are used, the corrections officer or employee must fully document in writing the reasons that he or she determined such extraordinary circumstances existed such that restraints were used. As part of this documentation, the corrections officer or employee must also include the kind of restraints used and the reasons those restraints were considered the least restrictive available and the most reasonable under the circumstances.
(2) While the pregnant woman or youth is in labor or in childbirth no restraints of any kind may be used. Nothing in this section affects the use of hospital restraints requested for the medical safety of a patient by treating physicians licensed under Title 18 RCW.
(3) Anytime restraints are permitted to be used on a pregnant woman or youth, the restraints must be the least restrictive available and the most reasonable under the circumstances, but in no case shall leg irons or waist chains be used on any woman or youth known to be pregnant.
(4) No correctional personnel or employee of the correctional facility or any facility covered by this chapter shall be present in the room during the pregnant woman's or youth's labor or childbirth, unless specifically requested by medical personnel. If the employee's presence is requested by medical personnel, the employee should be female, if practicable.
(5) If the doctor, nurse, or other health professional treating the pregnant woman or youth requests that restraints not be used, the corrections officer or employee accompanying the pregnant woman or youth shall immediately remove all restraints.
[ 2010 c 181 s 5.]

catchline: Use of restraints on pregnant women or youth in custody—Allowed in extraordinary circumstances.


title: RCW 70.48.501

text:
(1) The jail administrator or his or her designee or chief law enforcement executive or his or her designee shall provide notice of the requirements of chapter 181, Laws of 2010 to the appropriate staff at a correctional facility or a facility covered by this chapter. Appropriate staff shall include all medical staff and staff who are involved in the transportation of pregnant women and youth as well as such other staff deemed appropriate.
(2) The jail administrator or his or her designee or chief law enforcement executive or his or her designee shall cause the requirements of chapter 181, Laws of 2010 to be provided to all women and youth of childbearing age at intake. In addition, the jail administrator or his or her designee or chief law enforcement executive or his or her designee shall cause a notice containing the requirements of chapter 181, Laws of 2010 to be posted in locations in which medical care is provided within the facilities.
[ 2010 c 181 s 6.]

catchline: Use of restraints on pregnant women or youth in custody—Provision of information to staff, women, or youth of childbearing age in custody.


title: RCW 70.48.502

text:
No civil liability may be imposed by any court on the county or its jail officers or employees under RCW 70.48.500 and 70.48.501 except upon proof of gross negligence.
[ 2010 c 181 s 14.]

catchline: Use of restraints on pregnant women or youth in custody—Limited immunity from liability.


title: RCW 70.48.506

text:
(1) Local jail administrators shall develop and implement policies and procedures for conducting a search of a transgender or intersex individual confined at the jail that are, at a minimum, in compliance with this section and the federal prison rape elimination act, 34 U.S.C. Sec. 30301 et seq., and its regulations, as they existed on January 1, 2025.
(a) A search or physical examination may not be conducted on a transgender or intersex individual confined at the jail for the sole purpose of determining the individual's genital status. If the individual's genital status is unknown, it may be determined during conversations with the individual, by reviewing medical records, or, if necessary, by learning that information as part of a broader medical examination conducted in private by a medical practitioner.
(b) A jail shall train security staff in how to conduct cross gender searches, and searches of transgender and intersex individuals, in a professional and respectful manner, and in the least intrusive manner possible, consistent with security needs.
(c) Following the requirements of RCW 10.79.100, strip searches of transgender or intersex individuals at the jail must be one of the following:
(i) Searches conducted only by a medical professional;
(ii) Searches of adult individuals conducted by female staff only;
(iii) Asking the individual to identify the gender of staff with whom the individual would feel most comfortable conducting the search; or
(iv) Searches conducted in accordance with the individual's stated gender identity.
(d) The jail shall implement policies and procedures that enable individuals confined at the jail to shower, perform bodily functions, and change clothing without nonmedical staff of the opposite gender viewing their breasts, buttocks, or genitalia, except in exigent circumstances or when such viewing is incidental to routine cell checks. Such policies and procedures shall require staff of the opposite gender to announce their presence when entering a housing unit.
(e) The inability of a jail to make available female correctional staff who are trained to perform searches of transgender or intersex individuals is not an exigent circumstance justifying a cross gender search.
(2) Searches may not be conducted based solely on the gender designation of the facility without considering other factors including but not limited to the gender identity or expression of the individual or the individual's preference regarding the gender of the person conducting the search.
(3) Searches may be conducted by an individual of a different gender only when exigent circumstances exist requiring immediate action to respond to a threat to the security or institutional order of a facility.
(4) Local jails shall adopt and implement standards that comply with the requirements of this section by September 1, 2026.
(5) For the purposes of this section, "gender identity" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 74.09.875.
[ 2026 c 17 s 1.]

catchline: Local jails—Searches of transgender and intersex individuals.


title: RCW 70.48.510

text:
(1)(a) A city or county department of corrections or chief law enforcement officer responsible for the operation of a jail shall conduct an unexpected fatality review in any case in which the death of an individual confined in the jail is unexpected.
(b) The city or county department of corrections or chief law enforcement officer shall convene an unexpected fatality review team and determine the membership of the review team. The team shall comprise of individuals with appropriate expertise including, but not limited to, individuals whose professional expertise is pertinent to the dynamics of the case. The city or county department of corrections or chief law enforcement officer shall ensure that the unexpected fatality review team is made up of individuals who had no previous involvement in the case.
(c) The primary purpose of the unexpected fatality review shall be the development of recommendations to the governing unit with primary responsibility for the operation of the jail and legislature regarding changes in practices or policies to prevent fatalities and strengthen safety and health protections for individuals in custody.
(d) Upon conclusion of an unexpected fatality review required pursuant to this section, the city or county department of corrections or chief law enforcement officer shall, within 120 days following the fatality, issue a report on the results of the review, unless an extension has been granted by the chief executive or, if appropriate, the county legislative authority of the governing unit with primary responsibility for the operation of the jail. Reports must be distributed to the governing unit with primary responsibility for the operation of the jail and appropriate committees of the legislature, and the department of health shall create a public website where all unexpected fatality review reports required under this section must be posted and maintained. An unexpected fatality review report completed pursuant to this section is subject to public disclosure and must be posted on the department of health public website, except that confidential information may be redacted by the city or county department of corrections or chief law enforcement officer consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal laws.
(e) The city or county department of corrections or chief law enforcement officer shall develop and implement procedures to carry out the requirements of this section.
(2) In any review of an unexpected fatality, the city or county department of corrections or chief law enforcement officer and the unexpected fatality review team shall have access to all records and files regarding the person or otherwise relevant to the review that have been produced or retained by the agency.
(3)(a) An unexpected fatality review completed pursuant to this section is subject to discovery in a civil or administrative proceeding, but may not be admitted into evidence or otherwise used in a civil or administrative proceeding except pursuant to this section.
(b) An employee of a city or county department of corrections or law enforcement employee responsible for conducting an unexpected fatality review, or member of an unexpected fatality review team, may not be examined in a civil or administrative proceeding regarding: (i) The work of the unexpected fatality review team; (ii) the incident under review; (iii) his or her statements, deliberations, thoughts, analyses, or impressions relating to the work of the unexpected fatality review team or the incident under review; or (iv) the statements, deliberations, thoughts, analyses, or impressions of any other member of the unexpected fatality review team, or any person who provided information to the unexpected fatality review team relating to the work of the unexpected fatality review team or the incident under review.
(c) Documents prepared by or for an unexpected fatality review team are inadmissible and may not be used in a civil or administrative proceeding, except that any document that exists before its use or consideration in an unexpected fatality review, or that is created independently of such review, does not become inadmissible merely because it is reviewed or used by an unexpected fatality review team. A person is not unavailable as a witness merely because the person has been interviewed by, or has provided a statement for, an unexpected fatality review, but if the person is called as a witness, the person may not be examined regarding the person's interactions with the unexpected fatality review including, without limitation, whether the person was interviewed during such review, the questions that were asked during such review, and the answers that the person provided during such review. This section may not be construed as restricting the person from testifying fully in any proceeding regarding his or her knowledge of the incident under review.
(d) The restrictions set forth in this section do not apply in a licensing or disciplinary proceeding arising from an agency's effort to revoke or suspend the license of any licensed professional based in whole or in part upon allegations of wrongdoing in connection with an unexpected fatality reviewed by an unexpected fatality review team.
(4) No provision of this section may be interpreted to require a jail to disclose any information in a report that would, as determined by the jail, reveal security information about the jail.
(5) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "City or county department of corrections" means a department of corrections created by a city or county to be in charge of the jail and all persons confined in the jail pursuant to RCW 70.48.090.
(b) "Chief law enforcement officer" means the chief law enforcement officer who is in charge of the jail and all persons confined in the jail if no department of corrections was created by a city or county pursuant to RCW 70.48.090.
(c) "Unexpected fatality review" means a review of any death that was not the result of a diagnosed or documented terminal illness or other debilitating or deteriorating illness or condition where the death was anticipated, and includes the death of any person under the care and custody of the city or county department of corrections or chief local enforcement officer, regardless of where the death actually occurred. A review must include an analysis of the root cause or causes of the unexpected fatality, and an associated corrective action plan for the jail to address identified root causes and recommendations made by the unexpected fatality review team under this section.
[ 2021 c 139 s 3.]


title: RCW 70.48.520

text:
A department of corrections or chief law enforcement officer responsible for the operation of a jail shall make reasonable efforts to collaborate with managed care organizations, as defined in RCW 71.24.025, for the purposes of care coordination activities and improving health care delivery and release planning for persons confined in the jail.
[ 2021 c 166 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 166: See notes following RCW 74.09.670.

catchline: Collaboration with managed care organizations.


title: RCW 70.48.530

text:
When a jail releases any individual from custody, it must provide the individual with information regarding the availability of substance use disorder treatment programs relating to addictions to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, including assessment and services available under RCW 10.31.110 or another program or entity responsible for receiving referrals, such as the recovery navigator program established under RCW 71.24.115.
[ 2024 c 309 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Short title—2024 c 309: See note following RCW 43.70.769.

catchline: Release from custody—Information on opioid substance use disorder treatment programs.


title: RCW 70.48.540

text:
(1) By July 1, 2025, using previous experience working with Washington prisons and jails, the department of licensing, in consultation with the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, shall develop a model policy, process, and appropriate forms and informational materials for the department of licensing and governing units responsible for a city, county, or multijurisdictional jail to assist individuals in custody of the jail with obtaining a state-issued identicard pursuant to RCW 46.20.117. The process must include facilitating communication between an individual in custody and the department of licensing.
(2) Nothing in this section limits or prohibits a city, county, or multijurisdictional jail from assisting an individual in custody with obtaining an original, renewal, or replacement identicard.
[ 2024 c 315 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 315: See note following RCW 72.09.270.

catchline: Obtaining a state-issued identicard—Individuals in custody.


title: RCW 70.48.800

text:
The Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, the department of corrections, the department of social and health services, juvenile rehabilitation administration, and the criminal justice training commission shall jointly develop an informational packet on the requirements of chapter 181, Laws of 2010. The packet shall be ready for distribution no later than September 1, 2010.
[ 2010 c 181 s 13.]

catchline: Use of restraints on pregnant women or youth in custody—Informational packet.


title: RCW 70.48.801

text:
(1) A joint legislative task force on jail standards is established, with members as provided in this subsection.
(a) The president of the senate shall appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate.
(b) The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives.
(c) The president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives jointly shall appoint 13 members representing the interests of: Prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, counties, cities, jail administrators, superior courts, district and municipal courts, a state designated protection and advocacy agency, medical and mental health service providers, a statewide civil legal aid organization, persons with lived experience, and other entities involved with or interested in the operation of local jails.
(2) The legislative membership shall convene the initial meeting of the task force. The task force shall choose its chair from among its legislative membership.
(3) Staff support for the task force must be provided by the office of the attorney general.
(4)(a) Legislative members of the task force may be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 44.04.120. Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, nonlegislative members are not entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses if they are elected officials or are participating on behalf of an employer, governmental entity, or other organization. Any reimbursement for other nonlegislative members is subject to chapter 43.03 RCW.
(b) Nonlegislative members of the task force who demonstrate financial hardship must be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060, as well as other expenses as needed for each day a nonlegislative task force member attends a task force meeting to provide consultative assistance.
(5) The expenses of the task force must be paid jointly by the senate and the house of representatives. Task force expenditures are subject to approval by the senate facilities and operations committee and the house executive rules committee, or their successor committees.
(6) The task force shall review the following issues:
(a) The adequacy of standards adopted and used by jails including, but not limited to, standards for conditions and operations, inspections, enforcement, and oversight;
(b) Current data on jails in the state including, but not limited to, square footage of living space per individual, jail capacity, average daily population over the previous five years, medical and dental services, mental health services, treatment programming options, accreditation status, use of force incidents over the previous five years, and in-custody deaths and the causes of those deaths;
(c) How the jails in the state compare to jail standards and practices in other states regarding safety and physical conditions; health and welfare; access to medical, mental health, dental care, and substance use disorder treatment; food quality and quantity; use of force; use of solitary confinement; and recreational activities and programming;
(d) The revenue sources and funding mechanisms used by other states to pay for local jails and the kinds of services that are provided to inmates in jails in other states, including identifying the entity that is responsible for financing those services;
(e) Inmate's access to jail telecommunication, electronic media, and commissary services, including the rates and fees charged by the jail for these services that are often borne by families of incarcerated individuals; and
(f) Other issues the task force deems relevant to the conditions of jails.
(7) The task force shall make recommendations regarding:
(a) Statewide minimum jail standards, oversight, or other policy changes to ensure jail conditions meet state and federal constitutional and statutory standards and include adequate safety and welfare safeguards for incarcerated persons and staff; and
(b) Restoration of a statewide authority to set mandatory minimum jail standards and conduct inspections of jails for compliance and enforcement of those standards.
(8) The task force shall consult with organizations and entities with interest or experience in jail standards and operations including, but not limited to, treatment providers, victims' advocates, inmate advocates, organizations representing jail employees and officers, and other community organizations.
(9) The Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs and representatives from county, city, and regional jails must provide any data or information that is requested by the task force to perform its duties under this section.
(10) The task force shall report findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2023.
[ 2023 c 475 s 935; 2021 c 334 s 957.]
Notes:
Effective date—2023 c 475: See note following RCW 16.76.030.
Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2021 c 334: See notes following RCW 43.79.555.

catchline: Jail standards task force.


title: RCW 70.50.010

text:
The secretary of health shall appoint and employ an otologist skilled in diagnosis of diseases of the ear and defects in hearing, especially for school children with an impaired sense of hearing, and shall fix the salary of such otologist in a sum not exceeding the salary of the secretary.
[ 1991 c 3 s 340; 1979 c 141 s 108; 1945 c 23 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 6010-10.]

catchline: Appointment—Salary.


title: RCW 70.50.020

text:
The otologist shall cooperate with the state department of public instruction, and with the state, county, and city health officers, seeking for the children in the schools who are hard of hearing, or have an impaired sense of hearing, and making otological inspections and examinations of children referred to him or her by such departments and officers. Where necessary or proper, he or she shall make recommendations to parents or guardians of such children, and urge them to submit such recommendations to physicians to be selected by such parents or guardians.
[ 2012 c 117 s 381; 1945 c 23 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 6010-11.]

catchline: Duties.


title: RCW 70.54.005

text:
The powers and duties of the secretary of social and health services under this chapter shall be performed by the secretary of health, except where specified in this chapter.
[ 2025 c 145 s 6; 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 250.]
Notes:
Effective date—Severability—1989 1st ex.s. c 9: See RCW 43.70.910 and 43.70.920.

catchline: Transfer of duties to the department of health.


title: RCW 70.54.010

text:
Every person who shall deposit or suffer to be deposited in any spring, well, stream, river or lake, the water of which is or may be used for drinking purposes, or on any property owned, leased or otherwise controlled by any municipal corporation, corporation or person as a watershed or drainage basin for a public or private water system, any matter or thing whatever, dangerous or deleterious to health, or any matter or thing which may or could pollute the waters of such spring, well, stream, river, lake or water system, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 1909 c 249 s 290; RRS s 2542.]

catchline: Polluting water supply—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.54.020

text:
Every owner, agent, manager, operator or other person having charge of any waterworks furnishing water for public or private use, who shall knowingly permit any act or omit any duty or precaution by reason whereof the purity or healthfulness of the water supplied shall become impaired, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 1909 c 249 s 291; RRS s 2543.]

catchline: Furnishing impure water—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.54.030

text:
Any person who shall place or cause to be placed within any watershed from which any city or municipal corporation of any adjoining state obtains its water supply, any substance which either by itself or in connection with other matter will corrupt, pollute or impair the quality of said water supply, or the owner of any dead animal who shall knowingly leave or cause to be left the carcass or any portion thereof within any such watershed in such condition as to in any way corrupt or pollute such water supply shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by fine in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars.
[ 1909 c 16 s 2; RRS s 9281.]

catchline: Pollution of watershed of city in adjoining state—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.54.040

text:
The commissioners of any county or the mayor of any city may call upon the secretary of health for advice relative to improving sanitary conditions or disposing of garbage and sewage or obtaining a pure water supply, and when so called upon the secretary shall either personally or by an assistant make a careful examination into the conditions existing and shall make a full report containing his or her advice to the county or city making such request.
[ 1991 c 3 s 341; 1979 c 141 s 109; 1909 c 208 s 3; RRS s 6006.]

catchline: Secretary to advise local authorities on sanitation.


title: RCW 70.54.050

text:
Every person who shall willfully expose himself or herself to another, or any animal affected with any contagious or infectious disease, in any public place or thoroughfare, except upon his or her or its necessary removal in a manner not dangerous to the public health; and every person so affected who shall expose any other person thereto without his or her knowledge, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 2012 c 117 s 382; 1909 c 249 s 287; RRS s 2539.]

catchline: Exposing contagious disease—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.54.060

text:
(1) The drivers of all ambulances shall be required to take the advanced first aid course as prescribed by the American Red Cross.
(2) All ambulances must be at all times equipped with first aid equipment consisting of leg and arm splints and standard twenty-four unit first aid kit as prescribed by the American Red Cross.
[ 1945 c 65 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 6131-1. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1945 c 65 s 2 now codified as RCW 70.54.060, part.]

catchline: Ambulances and drivers.


title: RCW 70.54.065

text:
Any person violating any of the provisions herein shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1945 c 65 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 6131-2. Formerly RCW 70.54.060, part.]

catchline: Ambulances and drivers—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.54.070

text:
The doors of all theaters, opera houses, school buildings, churches, public halls, or places used for public entertainments, exhibitions or meetings, which are used exclusively or in part for admission to or egress from the same, or any part thereof, shall be so hung and arranged as to open outwardly, and during any exhibition, entertainment or meeting, shall be kept unlocked and unfastened, and in such condition that in case of danger or necessity, immediate escape from such building shall not be prevented or delayed; and every agent or lessee of any such building who shall rent the same or allow it to be used for any of the aforesaid public purposes without having the doors thereof hung and arranged as hereinbefore provided, shall, for each violation of any provision of this section, be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1909 c 249 s 273; RRS s 2525.]

catchline: Door of public buildings to swing outward—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.54.080

text:
Every person who shall apply, or cause to be applied to a steam boiler a higher pressure of steam than is allowed by law, or by any inspector, officer or person authorized to limit the same; every captain or other person having charge of the machinery or boiler in a steamboat used for the conveyance of passengers on the waters of this state, who, from ignorance or gross neglect, or for the purpose of increasing the speed of such boat, shall create or cause to be created an undue or unsafe pressure of steam; and every engineer or other person having charge of a steam boiler, steam engine or other apparatus for generating or employing steam, who shall wilfully or from ignorance or gross neglect, create or allow to be created such an undue quantity of steam as to burst the boiler, engine or apparatus, or cause any other accident, whereby human life is endangered, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 1909 c 249 s 280; RRS s 2532.]
Notes:
Boilers and unfired pressure vessels: Chapter 70.79 RCW.
Industrial safety and health: Chapter 43.22 RCW.

catchline: Liability of person handling steamboat or steam boiler.


title: RCW 70.54.090

text:
(1) It shall be unlawful to attach to utility poles any of the following: Advertising signs, posters, vending machines, or any similar object which presents a hazard to, or endangers the lives of, electrical workers. Any attachment to utility poles shall only be made with the permission of the utility involved, and shall be placed not less than twelve feet above the surface of the ground.
(2) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 53 s 351; 1953 c 185 s 1.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

catchline: Attachment of objects to utility poles—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.54.120

text:
The procurement, processing, storage, distribution, administration, or use of whole blood, plasma, blood products and blood derivatives for the purpose of injecting or transfusing the same, or any of them, or of tissues, organs, or bones for the purpose of transplanting them, or any of them, into the human body is declared to be, for all purposes whatsoever, the rendition of a service by each and every person, firm, or corporation participating therein, and is declared not to be covered by any implied warranty under the Uniform Commercial Code, Title 62A RCW, or otherwise, and no civil liability shall be incurred as a result of any of such acts, except in the case of wilful or negligent conduct: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That this section shall apply only to liability alleged in the contraction of hepatitis, malaria, and acquired immune deficiency disease [immunodeficiency syndrome] and shall not apply to any transaction in which the donor receives compensation: PROVIDED FURTHER, That this section shall only apply where the person, firm or corporation rendering the above service shall have maintained records of donor suitability and donor identification: PROVIDED FURTHER, That nothing in this section shall be considered by the courts in determining or applying the law to any blood transfusion occurring before June 10, 1971 and the court shall decide such case as though this section had not been passed.
[ 1987 c 84 s 1; 1985 c 321 s 1; 1971 c 56 s 1.]
Notes:
Severability—1971 c 56: "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." [ 1971 c 56 s 2.]

catchline: Immunity from implied warranties and civil liability relating to blood, blood products, tissues, organs, or bones—Scope—Effective date.


title: RCW 70.54.130

text:
It is the intent of the legislature that passage of RCW 70.54.130 through 70.54.150 shall not constitute any endorsement whatever of the efficacy of amygdalin (Laetrile) in the treatment of cancer, but represents only the legislature's endorsement of a patient's freedom of choice, so long as the patient has been given sufficient information in writing to make an informed decision regarding his/her treatment and the substance is not proven to be directly detrimental to health.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 122 s 1.]

catchline: Laetrile—Legislative declaration.


title: RCW 70.54.140

text:
No hospital or health facility may interfere with the physician/patient relationship by restricting or forbidding the use of amygdalin (Laetrile) when prescribed or administered by a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW and requested by a patient under his/her care who has requested the substance after having been given sufficient information in writing to make an informed decision.
For the purposes of RCW 70.54.130 through 70.54.150, the pharmacy quality assurance commission shall provide for the certification as to the identity of amygdalin (Laetrile) by random sample testing or other testing procedures, and shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement and enforce its authority under this section.
[ 2013 c 19 s 123; 1977 ex.s. c 122 s 2.]

catchline: Laetrile—Interference with physician/patient relationship by health facility—Pharmacy quality assurance commission, duties.


title: RCW 70.54.150

text:
No physician may be subject to disciplinary action by any entity of either the state of Washington or a professional association for prescribing or administering amygdalin (Laetrile) to a patient under his/her care who has requested the substance after having been given sufficient information in writing to make an informed decision.
It is not the intent of this section to shield a physician from acts or omissions which otherwise would constitute unprofessional conduct.
[ 1986 c 259 s 150; 1977 ex.s. c 122 s 3.]
Notes:
Severability—1986 c 259: See note following RCW 18.130.010.

catchline: Physicians not subject to disciplinary action for prescribing or administering laetrile—Conditions.


title: RCW 70.54.160

text:
(1) Every establishment which maintains restrooms for use by the public shall not discriminate in charges required between facilities used by men and facilities used by women.
(2) When coin lock controls are used, the controls shall be so allocated as to allow for a proportionate equality of free toilet units available to women as compared with those units available to men, and at least one-half of the units in any restroom shall be free of charge. As used in this section, toilet units are defined as constituting commodes and urinals.
(3) In situations involving coin locks placed on restroom entry doors, admission keys shall be readily provided without charge when requested, and notice as to the availability of the keys shall be posted on the restroom entry door.
(4) Any owner, agent, manager, or other person charged with the responsibility of the operation of an establishment who operates such establishment in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 53 s 352; 1977 ex.s. c 97 s 1.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.


title: RCW 70.54.180

text:
(1) For the purpose of this section "telecommunication device" means an instrument for telecommunication in which speaking or hearing is not required for communicators.
(2) The county legislative authority of each county with a population of eighteen thousand or more and the governing body of each city with a population in excess of ten thousand shall provide by July 1, 1980, for a telecommunication device in their jurisdiction or through a central dispatch office that will assure access to police, fire, or other emergency services.
(3) The county legislative authority of each county with a population of eighteen thousand or less shall by July 1, 1980, make a determination of whether sufficient need exists with their respective counties to require installation of a telecommunication device. Reconsideration of such determination will be made at any future date when a deaf individual indicates a need for such an instrument.
[ 1991 c 363 s 142; 1979 ex.s. c 63 s 2.]
Notes:
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
Purpose—1979 ex.s. c 63: "The legislature finds that many citizens of this state who are unable to utilize telephone services in a regular manner due to hearing defects are able to communicate by teletypewriters where hearing is not required for communication. Hence, it is the purpose of section 2 of this act [RCW 70.54.180] to require that telecommunication devices for the deaf be installed." [ 1979 ex.s. c 63 s 1.]

catchline: Deaf persons access to emergency services—Telecommunication devices.


title: RCW 70.54.190

text:
No hospital or health facility may interfere with the physician/patient relationship by restricting or forbidding the use of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) when prescribed or administered by a physician licensed pursuant to chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW and requested by a patient under his/her care who has requested the substance after having been given sufficient information in writing to make an informed decision.
No physician may be subject to disciplinary action by any entity of either the state of Washington or a professional association for prescribing or administering DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) to a patient under his/her care who has requested the substance after having been given sufficient information in writing to make an informed decision.
It is not the intent of this section to shield a physician from acts or omissions which otherwise would constitute unprofessional conduct.
[ 1986 c 259 s 151; 1981 c 50 s 2.]
Notes:
Severability—1986 c 259: See note following RCW 18.130.010.
DMSO authorized: RCW 69.04.565.


title: RCW 70.54.200

text:
The department shall prescribe by rule a schedule of fees predicated on the cost of providing a repository of emergency vaccines and other biologics.
[ 1981 c 284 s 2.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: Although 1981 c 284 directs this section be added to chapter 74.04 RCW, codification here is considered more appropriate. The "department" referred to is apparently the department of social and health services.

catchline: Fees for repository of vaccines, biologics.


title: RCW 70.54.220

text:
All persons licensed or certified by the state of Washington to provide prenatal care or to practice medicine shall provide information to all pregnant women in their care regarding:
(1) The use and availability of prenatal tests; and
(2) Using objective and standardized information: (a) The differences between and potential benefits and risks involved in public and private cord blood banking that is sufficient to allow a pregnant woman to make an informed decision before her third trimester of pregnancy on whether to participate in a private or public cord blood banking program; and (b) the opportunity to donate, to a public cord blood bank, blood and tissue extracted from the placenta and umbilical cord following delivery of a newborn child.
[ 2009 c 495 s 9; (2009 c 495 s 8 expired July 1, 2010); 2008 c 56 s 2; 1988 c 276 s 5.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 495 s 9: "Section 9 of this act takes effect July 1, 2010." [ 2009 c 495 s 16.]
Expiration date—2009 c 495 s 8: "Section 8 of this act expires July 1, 2010." [ 2009 c 495 s 15.]
Purpose—Effective date—2008 c 56: See note following RCW 70.54.222.
Effective date—1988 c 276 s 5: "Section 5 of this act shall take effect December 31, 1989." [ 1988 c 276 s 10.]

catchline: Practitioners to provide information on prenatal testing and cord blood banking.


title: RCW 70.54.222

text:
(1) A cord blood bank advertising, offering to provide, or providing private cord blood banking services to residents in this state must:
(a) Have all applicable licenses, accreditations, and other authorizations required under federal and Washington state law to engage in cord blood banking;
(b) Include, in any advertising or educational materials made available to the general public or provided to health services providers or potential cord blood donors: (i) A statement identifying the cord blood bank's licenses, accreditations, and other authorizations required in (a) of this subsection; and (ii) information about the cord blood bank's rate of success in collecting, processing, and storing sterile cord blood units that have adequate, viable yields of targeted cells; and
(c)(i) Provide to the cord blood donor the results of appropriate quality control tests performed on the donor's collected cord blood; and
(ii) If the test results provided under (c)(i) of this subsection demonstrate that the collected cord blood may not be recommended for long-term storage and potential future medical uses because of low cell yield, foreign contamination, or other reasons determined by the cord blood bank's medical director, provide the cord blood donor with the option not to be charged fees for processing or storage services, including a refund of any fees paid. The cord blood bank must provide the cord blood donor with sufficient information to make an informed decision regarding this option.
(2) The legislature finds that the practices covered by this section are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. A violation of this section is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.
(3) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Autologous use" means the transplantation, including implanting, transplanting, infusion, or transfer, of cord blood into the individual from whom the cord blood was collected.
(b) "Cord blood bank" means an operation engaged in collecting, processing, storing, distributing, or transplanting hematopoietic progenitor cells present in placental or umbilical cord blood.
(c) "Hematopoietic progenitor cells" means pluripotential cells that may be capable of self-renewal and differentiation into any mature blood cell.
(d) "Private cord blood banking" means a cord blood bank that provides, for a fee, cord blood banking services for the autologous use of the cord blood.
[ 2008 c 56 s 3.]
Notes:
Purpose—2008 c 56: "The purpose of this act is to promote public awareness and education of the general public and potential cord blood donors on the benefits of public or private cord blood banking, and to establish safeguards related to effective private banking of cord blood." [ 2008 c 56 s 1.]
Effective date—2008 c 56: "This act takes effect July 1, 2010." [ 2008 c 56 s 4.]

catchline: Cord blood banks—Regulation—Application of consumer protection act—Definitions.


title: RCW 70.54.230

text:
The secretary of health may contract with either a recognized regional cancer research institution or regional tumor registry, or both, which shall hereinafter be called the contractor, to establish a statewide cancer registry program and to obtain cancer reports from all or a portion of the state as required in RCW 70.54.240 and to make available data for use in cancer research and for purposes of improving the public health.
[ 1990 c 280 s 2.]
Notes:
Intent—1990 c 280: "It is the intent of the legislature to establish a system to accurately monitor the incidence of cancer in the state of Washington for the purposes of understanding, controlling, and reducing the occurrence of cancer in this state. In order to accomplish this, the legislature has determined that cancer cases shall be reported to the department of health, and that there shall be established a statewide population-based cancer registry." [ 1990 c 280 s 1.]

catchline: Cancer registry program.


title: RCW 70.54.240

text:
(1) The department of health shall adopt rules as to which types of cancer shall be reported, who shall report, and the form and timing of the reports. A patient's usual occupation or, if the patient is retired, the primary occupation of the patient before retirement must be reported.
(2) Every health care facility and independent clinical laboratory, and those physicians or others providing health care who diagnose or treat any patient with cancer who is not hospitalized within one month of diagnosis, will provide the contractor with the information required under subsection (1) of this section. The required information may be collected on a regional basis where such a system exists and forwarded to the contractor in a form suitable for the purposes of RCW 70.54.230 through 70.54.270. Such reporting arrangements shall be reduced to a written agreement between the contractor and any regional reporting agency which shall detail the manner, form, and timeliness of the reporting.
[ 2011 c 38 s 1; 1990 c 280 s 3.]
Notes:
Intent—1990 c 280: See note following RCW 70.54.230.

catchline: Cancer registry program—Reporting requirements.


title: RCW 70.54.250

text:
(1) Data obtained under RCW 70.54.240 shall be used for statistical, scientific, medical research, and public health purposes only.
(2) The department and its contractor shall ensure that access to data contained in the registry is consistent with federal law for the protection of human subjects and consistent with chapter 42.48 RCW.
[ 1990 c 280 s 4.]
Notes:
Intent—1990 c 280: See note following RCW 70.54.230.


title: RCW 70.54.260

text:
Providing information required under RCW 70.54.240 or 70.54.250 shall not create any liability on the part of the provider nor shall it constitute a breach of confidentiality. The contractor shall, at the request of the provider, but not more frequently than once a year, sign an oath of confidentiality, which reads substantially as follows:
"As a condition of conducting research concerning persons who have received services from (name of the health care provider or facility), I . . . . . . . . ., agree not to divulge, publish, or otherwise make known to unauthorized persons or the public any information obtained in the course of such research that could lead to identification of such persons receiving services, or to the identification of their health care providers. I recognize that unauthorized release of confidential information may subject me to civil liability under the provisions of state law."
[ 1990 c 280 s 5.]
Notes:
Intent—1990 c 280: See note following RCW 70.54.230.

catchline: Liability.


title: RCW 70.54.270

text:
The department shall adopt rules to implement RCW 70.54.230 through 70.54.260, including but not limited to a definition of cancer.
[ 1990 c 280 s 6.]
Notes:
Intent—1990 c 280: See note following RCW 70.54.230.

catchline: Rule making.


title: RCW 70.54.280

text:
The department of health shall establish a bone marrow donor recruitment and education program to educate residents of the state about:
(1) The need for bone marrow donors;
(2) The procedures required to become registered as a potential bone marrow donor, including procedures for determining a person's tissue type;
(3) The procedures a donor must undergo to donate bone marrow or other sources of blood stem cells; and
(4) The ability to obtain information about bone marrow donation when applying for or renewing a personal driver's license or identicard with the department of licensing.
The department of health shall make special efforts to educate and recruit citizens from minority populations to volunteer as potential bone marrow donors. Means of communication may include use of press, radio, and television, and placement of educational materials in appropriate health care facilities, blood banks, and state and local agencies. The department of health in conjunction with the department of licensing shall make educational materials available at all places where and when drivers' licenses are issued or renewed.
By December 1, 2019, the department of health, in conjunction with the department of licensing, must provide a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the results and outcomes of the efforts in increasing public awareness of bone marrow donation and the number of individuals being placed on the bone marrow donor registry from Washington state as a result of RCW 46.20.1132.
[ 2018 c 192 s 3; 1992 c 109 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 192: See notes following RCW 46.20.1132.
Findings—1992 c 109: "The legislature finds that an estimated sixteen thousand American children and adults are stricken each year with leukemia, aplastic anemia, or other fatal blood diseases. For many of these individuals, bone marrow transplantation is the only chance for survival. Nearly seventy percent cannot find a suitable bone marrow match within their own families. The chance that a patient will find a matching, unrelated donor in the general population is between one in a hundred and one in a million.
The legislature further finds that because tissue types are inherited, and different tissue types are found in different ethnic groups, the chances of finding an unrelated donor vary according to the patient's ethnic and racial background. Patients from minority groups are therefore less likely to find matching, unrelated donors.
It is the intent of the legislature to establish a statewide bone marrow donor education and recruitment program in order to increase the number of Washington residents who become bone marrow donors, and to increase the chance that patients in need of bone marrow transplants will find a suitable bone marrow match." [ 1992 c 109 s 1.]

catchline: Bone marrow donor recruitment and education program—Generally—Target minority populations—Report.


title: RCW 70.54.290

text:
The department of health shall make special efforts to educate and recruit state employees to volunteer as potential bone marrow donors. Such efforts shall include, but not be limited to, conducting a bone marrow donor drive to encourage state employees to volunteer as potential bone marrow donors. The drive shall include educational materials furnished by the national bone marrow donor program and presentations that explain the need for bone marrow donors, and the procedures for becoming registered as potential bone marrow donors. The cost of educational materials and presentations to state employees shall be borne by the national marrow donor program.
[ 1992 c 109 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—1992 c 109: See note following RCW 70.54.280.

catchline: Bone marrow donor recruitment and education program—State employees to be recruited.


title: RCW 70.54.300

text:
In addition to educating and recruiting state employees, the department of health shall make special efforts to encourage community and private sector businesses and associations to initiate independent efforts to achieve the goals of chapter 109, Laws of 1992.
[ 1992 c 109 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—1992 c 109: See note following RCW 70.54.280.

catchline: Bone marrow donor recruitment and education program—Private sector and community involvement.


title: RCW 70.54.305

text:
A person's status as a minor may not disqualify him or her from bone marrow donation.
[ 2000 c 116 s 1.]

catchline: Bone marrow donation—Status as minor not a disqualifying factor.


title: RCW 70.54.310

text:
(1) As used in this section, "defibrillator" means a semiautomatic external defibrillator as prescribed by a physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW or an osteopath licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW.
(2) A person or entity who acquires a defibrillator shall ensure that:
(a) Expected defibrillator users receive reasonable instruction in defibrillator use and cardiopulmonary resuscitation by a course approved by the department of health;
(b) The defibrillator is maintained and tested by the acquirer according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines;
(c) Upon acquiring a defibrillator, medical direction is enlisted by the acquirer from a licensed physician in the use of the defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
(d) The person or entity who acquires a defibrillator shall notify the local emergency medical services organization about the existence and the location of the defibrillator; and
(e) The defibrillator user shall call 911 or its local equivalent as soon as possible after the emergency use of the defibrillator and shall assure that appropriate follow-up data is made available as requested by emergency medical service or other health care providers.
(3) A person who uses a defibrillator at the scene of an emergency and all other persons and entities providing services under this section are immune from civil liability for any personal injury that results from any act or omission in the use of the defibrillator in an emergency setting.
(4) The immunity from civil liability does not apply if the acts or omissions amount to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
(5) The requirements of subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to any individual using a defibrillator in an emergency setting if that individual is acting as a good samaritan under RCW 4.24.300.
[ 1998 c 150 s 1.]

catchline: Semiautomatic external defibrillator—Duty of acquirer—Immunity from civil liability.


title: RCW 70.54.315

text:
(1) The owner of a fitness center shall acquire and maintain at least one semiautomatic external defibrillator on premises.
(2) The fitness center must comply with the requirements of RCW 70.54.310, including instruction of personnel on the use of the defibrillator, maintenance of the defibrillator, and notification of the local emergency medical services organization about the location of the defibrillator.
(3) An employee of a fitness center who has completed the instruction required under RCW 70.54.310 may render emergency care or treatment using a semiautomatic external defibrillator on the fitness center premises.
(4) A person who uses a semiautomatic external defibrillator at the scene of an emergency is immune from civil liability pursuant to RCW 70.54.310.
(5)(a) "Fitness center" means any premises used for recreation, instruction, training, physical exercise, body building, weight loss, figure development, martial arts, or other similar activity, that offers access on a membership basis.
(b) "Fitness center" does not include: (i) Public common schools, private schools approved under RCW 28A.195.010, and public or private institutions of higher education; (ii) facilities operated by bona fide nonprofit organizations which have been granted tax-exempt status by the internal revenue service, the functions of which as fitness centers are only incidental to their overall functions; and (iii) private facilities operated out of a home that do not offer memberships.
[ 2024 c 186 s 1.]

catchline: Semiautomatic external defibrillators—Fitness centers.


title: RCW 70.54.320

text:
The legislature finds and declares that the practices of electrology and tattooing involve an invasive procedure with the use of needles and instruments which may be dangerous when improperly sterilized presenting a risk of infecting the client with blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B. It is in the interests of the public health, safety, and welfare to establish requirements for the sterilization procedures in the commercial practices of electrology and tattooing in this state.
[ 2001 c 194 s 1.]

catchline: Electrology and tattooing—Findings.


title: RCW 70.54.330

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 70.54.320, 70.54.340, and 70.54.350 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Electrologist" means a person who practices the business of electrology for a fee.
(2) "Electrology" means the process by which hair is permanently removed through the utilization of solid needle/probe electrode epilation, including thermolysis, being of shortwave, high frequency type, and including electrolysis, being of galvanic type, or a combination of both which is accomplished by a superimposed or sequential blend.
(3) "Tattoo artist" means a person who practices the business of tattooing for a fee.
(4) "Tattooing" means the indelible mark, figure, or decorative design introduced by insertion of nontoxic dyes or pigments into or under the subcutaneous portion of the skin upon the body of a live human being for cosmetic or figurative purposes.
[ 2001 c 194 s 2.]

catchline: Electrology and tattooing—Definitions.


title: RCW 70.54.340

text:
The secretary of health shall adopt by rule requirements, in accordance with nationally recognized professional standards, for precautions against the spread of disease, including the sterilization of needles and other instruments, including sharps and jewelry, employed by electrologists, persons engaged in the practice of body art, body piercing, and tattoo artists. The secretary shall consider the standard precautions for infection control, as recommended by the United States centers for disease control, and guidelines for infection control, as recommended by national industry standards in the adoption of these sterilization requirements.
[ 2009 c 412 s 19; 2001 c 194 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2009 c 412 ss 1-21: See RCW 18.300.901.
Short title—Implementation—2009 c 412: See RCW 18.300.900 and 18.300.902.
Definition of body art, body piercing, and tattooing: RCW 18.300.010.

catchline: Electrology, body art, body piercing, and tattooing—Rules, sterilization requirements.


title: RCW 70.54.350

text:
(1) Any person who practices electrology or tattooing shall comply with the rules adopted by the department of health under *RCW 70.54.340.
(2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
[ 2001 c 194 s 4.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 70.54.340 was amended by 2009 c 412 s 19, adding body art and body piercing to its application.

catchline: Electrology and tattooing—Practitioners to comply with rules—Penalty.


title: RCW 70.54.355

text:
(1) A person may not perform or offer to perform scleral tattooing on another person.
(2) A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed ten thousand dollars for each violation, as determined by the court.
(3)(a) The attorney general may receive, investigate, and prosecute complaints against alleged violators of this section.
(b) The attorney general may institute and conduct an action in the name of the state of Washington for any of the following:
(i) An injunction in any court of this state for injunctive relief to restrain a person from continuing any activity that violates this section.
(ii) The assessment and recovery of civil penalties provided in subsection (2) of this section.
(4) The attorney general must be reimbursed through civil penalties collected under this section for the costs incurred in providing the services described in subsection (3) of this section. Any remaining funds must be deposited in the state general fund.
(5) For the purposes of this section, "scleral tattooing" means the practice of producing an indelible mark or figure on the human eye by scarring or inserting a pigment on, in, or under: (a) The fornix conjunctiva; (b) the bulbar conjunctiva; (c) the ocular conjunctiva; or (d) another ocular surface; using needles, scalpels, or other related equipment.
[ 2019 c 307 s 1.]


title: RCW 70.54.370

text:
(1) Except for community and technical colleges, each degree-granting public or private postsecondary residential campus that provides on-campus or group housing shall provide information on meningococcal disease to each enrolled matriculated first-time student. Community and technical colleges must provide the information only to those students who are offered on-campus or group housing. The information about meningococcal disease shall include:
(a) Symptoms, risks, especially as the risks relate to circumstances of group living arrangements, and treatment; and
(b) Current recommendations from the United States centers for disease control and prevention regarding the receipt of vaccines for meningococcal disease and where the vaccination can be received.
(2) This section shall not be construed to require the department of health or the postsecondary educational institution to provide the vaccination to students.
(3) The department of health shall be consulted regarding the preparation of the information materials provided to the first-time students.
(4) If institutions provide electronic enrollment or registration to first-time students, the information required by this section shall be provided electronically and acknowledged by the student before completion of electronic enrollment or registration.
(5) This section does not create a private right of action.
[ 2003 c 398 s 1.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: Substitute House Bill No. 1059, Substitute House Bill No. 1173, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1827 were enacted during the 2003 regular session of the legislature, but were vetoed in part by the governor. A stipulated judgment, No. 03-2-01988-4 filed in the Superior Court of Thurston County, between the governor and the legislature, settled litigation over the governor's use of veto powers and declared the vetoes of SHB 1059, SHB 1173, and ESHB 1827 null and void. Consequently, the text of this section has been returned to the version passed by the legislature prior to the vetoes. For vetoed text and message, see chapter 398, Laws of 2003.
Effective date—2003 c 398: "This act takes effect July 1, 2004." [ 2003 c 398 s 2.]

catchline: Meningococcal disease—Students to receive informational materials.