title: RCW 72.23.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Court" means the superior court of the state of Washington.
(2) "Department" means the department of social and health services.
(3) "Employee" means an employee as defined in RCW 49.17.020.
(4) "Licensed physician" means an individual permitted to practice as a physician under the laws of the state, or a medical officer, similarly qualified, of the government of the United States while in this state in performance of his or her official duties.
(5) "Mentally ill person" means any person who, pursuant to the definitions contained in RCW 71.05.020, as a result of a mental disorder presents a likelihood of serious harm to others or himself or herself or is gravely disabled.
(6) "Patient" means a person under observation, care, or treatment in a state hospital, or a person found mentally ill by the court, and not discharged from a state hospital, or other facility, to which such person had been ordered hospitalized.
(7) "Resident" means a resident of the state of Washington.
(8) "Secretary" means the secretary of social and health services.
(9) "State hospital" means a hospital designated under RCW 72.23.020.
(10) "Superintendent" means the superintendent of a state hospital.
(11) "Violence" or "violent act" means any physical assault or attempted physical assault against an employee or patient of a state hospital.
Wherever used in this chapter, the masculine shall include the feminine and the singular shall include the plural.
[ 2025 c 226 s 8; 2000 c 22 s 2; 1981 c 136 s 99; 1974 ex.s. c 145 s 2; 1973 1st ex.s. c 142 s 3; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.010. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 2. Formerly RCW 71.02.010.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 226: See note following RCW 71.05.020.
Findings—2000 c 22: See note following RCW 72.23.400.
Effective date—1981 c 136: See RCW 72.09.900.

catchline: Definitions.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 72.23.020

text:
There are hereby permanently located and established the following state hospitals: Western state hospital at Fort Steilacoom, Pierce county; eastern state hospital at Medical Lake, Spokane county; and the child study and treatment center at Fort Steilacoom, Pierce county.
[ 2025 c 226 s 9; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.020. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 6. Formerly RCW 71.02.440.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 226: See note following RCW 71.05.020.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: State hospitals designated.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 72.23.025

text:
(1) It is the intent of the legislature to improve the quality of service at state hospitals, eliminate overcrowding, and more specifically define the role of the state hospitals. The legislature intends that eastern and western state hospitals shall become clinical centers for handling the most complicated long-term care needs of patients with a primary diagnosis of mental disorder. To this end, the legislature intends that funds appropriated for mental health programs, including funds for behavioral health administrative services organizations, managed care organizations contracted with the health care authority, and the state hospitals, be used for persons with primary diagnosis of mental disorder. The legislature finds that establishment of institutes for the study and treatment of mental disorders at both eastern state hospital and western state hospital will be instrumental in implementing the legislative intent.
(2)(a) There is established at eastern state hospital and western state hospital, institutes for the study and treatment of mental disorders. The institutes shall be operated by joint operating agreements between state colleges and universities and the department of social and health services. The institutes are intended to conduct training, research, and clinical program development activities that will directly benefit persons with mental illness who are receiving treatment in Washington state by performing the following activities:
(i) Promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified professionals at the state hospitals and community mental health programs;
(ii) Improve clinical care by exploring new, innovative, and scientifically based treatment models for persons presenting particularly difficult and complicated clinical syndromes;
(iii) Provide expanded training opportunities for existing staff at the state hospitals and community mental health programs;
(iv) Promote bilateral understanding of treatment orientation, possibilities, and challenges between state hospital professionals and community mental health professionals.
(b) To accomplish these purposes the institutes may, within funds appropriated for this purpose:
(i) Enter joint operating agreements with state universities or other institutions of higher education to accomplish the placement and training of students and faculty in psychiatry, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, nursing, and other relevant professions at the state hospitals and community mental health programs;
(ii) Design and implement clinical research projects to improve the quality and effectiveness of state hospital services and operations;
(iii) Enter into agreements with community mental health service providers to accomplish the exchange of professional staff between the state hospitals and community mental health service providers;
(iv) Establish a student loan forgiveness and conditional scholarship program to retain qualified professionals at the state hospitals and community mental health providers when the secretary has determined a shortage of such professionals exists.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, the institutes may enter into agreements with the department or the state hospitals which may involve changes in staffing necessary to implement improved patient care programs contemplated by this section.
(d) The institutes are authorized to seek and accept public or private gifts, grants, contracts, or donations to accomplish their purposes under this section.
[ 2019 c 325 s 5028; 2014 c 225 s 98; 2011 1st sp.s. c 21 s 1; 2006 c 333 s 204; 1998 c 245 s 141; 1992 c 230 s 1; 1989 c 205 s 21.]
Notes:
Effective date—2019 c 325: See note following RCW 71.24.011.
Effective date—2014 c 225: See note following RCW 71.24.016.
Effective date—2011 1st sp.s. c 21: "Except for sections 53 and 60 of this act, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2011." [ 2011 1st sp.s. c 21 s 64.]
Finding—Purpose—Intent—Severability—Part headings not law—Effective dates—2006 c 333: See notes following RCW 71.24.016.
Intent—1992 c 230: "It is the intent of this act to:
(1) Focus, restate, and emphasize the legislature's commitment to the mental health reform embodied in chapter 111 [205], Laws of 1989 (SB 5400);
(2) Eliminate, or schedule for repeal, statutes that are no longer relevant to the regulation of the state's mental health program; and
(3) Reaffirm the state's commitment to provide incentives that reduce reliance on inappropriate state hospital or other inpatient care." [ 1992 c 230 s 3.]
Evaluation of transition to regional systems—1989 c 205:See note following RCW 71.24.015.

catchline: Eastern and western state hospitals—Primary diagnosis of mental disorder—Duties—Institutes for the study and treatment of mental disorders established.


title: RCW 72.23.027

text:
The secretary shall develop a system of more integrated service delivery, including incentives to discourage the inappropriate placement of persons with developmental disabilities, head injury, and substance abuse, at state mental hospitals and encourage their care in community settings. By December 1, 1992, the department shall submit an implementation strategy, including budget proposals, to the appropriate committees of the legislature for this system.
Under the system, state, local, or community agencies may be given financial or other incentives to develop appropriate crisis intervention and community care arrangements.
The secretary may establish specialized care programs for persons described in this section on the grounds of the state hospitals. Such programs may operate according to professional standards that do not conform to existing federal or private hospital accreditation standards.
[ 1992 c 230 s 2.]
Notes:
Intent—1992 c 230: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

catchline: Integrated service delivery—Incentives to discourage inappropriate placement—Specialized care programs.


title: RCW 72.23.030

text:
The superintendent of a state hospital subject to rules of the department, shall have control of the internal government and economy of a state hospital and shall appoint and direct all subordinate officers and employees. If the superintendent is not a psychiatrist, clinical care shall be under the direction of a qualified psychiatrist.
[ 1983 1st ex.s. c 41 s 28; 1969 c 56 s 2; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.030. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 7. Formerly RCW 71.02.510.]
Notes:
Severability—1983 1st ex.s. c 41: See note following RCW 26.09.060.
Appointment of chief executive officers: RCW 72.01.060.

catchline: Superintendent—Powers—Direction of clinical care, exception.


title: RCW 72.23.035

text:
In consultation with law enforcement personnel, the secretary shall have the power and duty to investigate the conviction record and the protection proceeding record information under chapter 43.43 RCW of each prospective employee of a state hospital.
[ 1989 c 334 s 12.]

catchline: Background checks of prospective employees.


title: RCW 72.23.040

text:
The superintendent shall provide an official seal upon which shall be inscribed the statutory name of the hospital under his or her charge and the name of the state. He or she shall affix the seal of the hospital to any notice, order of discharge, or other paper required to be given by him or her or issued.
[ 2012 c 117 s 463; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.040. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 8. Formerly RCW 71.02.540.]

catchline: Seal of hospital.


title: RCW 72.23.050

text:
The superintendent shall not be required to attend any court as a witness in a civil or juvenile court proceedings, but parties desiring his or her testimony can take and use his or her deposition; nor shall he or she be required to attend as a witness in any criminal case, unless the court before which his or her testimony shall be desired shall, upon being satisfied of the materiality of his or her testimony require his or her attendance; and, in time of peace, he, she, and all other persons employed at the hospital shall be exempt from performing military duty; and the certificate of the superintendent shall be evidence of such employment.
[ 2012 c 117 s 464; 1979 ex.s. c 135 s 5; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.050. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 9. Formerly RCW 71.02.520.]
Notes:
Severability—1979 ex.s. c 135: See note following RCW 2.36.080.

catchline: Superintendent as witness—Exemptions from military duty.


title: RCW 72.23.060

text:
The superintendent is authorized to accept and receive from any person or organization gifts of money or personal property on behalf of the state hospital under his or her charge, or on behalf of the patients therein. The superintendent is authorized to use such money or personal property for the purposes specified by the donor where such purpose is consistent with law. In the absence of a specified use the superintendent may use such money or personal property for the benefit of the state hospital under his or her charge or for the general benefit of the patients therein. The superintendent shall keep an accurate record of the amount or kind of gift, the date received, and the name and address of the donor. The superintendent may deposit any money received as he or she sees fit upon the giving of adequate security. Any increase resulting from such gift may be used for the same purpose as the original gift. Gratuities received for services rendered by a state hospital staff in their official capacity shall be used for the purposes specified in this section.
[ 2012 c 117 s 465; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.060. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 10. Formerly RCW 71.02.600.]

catchline: Gifts—Record—Use.


title: RCW 72.23.080

text:
Any person received and detained in a state hospital under chapter 71.34 RCW is deemed a voluntary patient and, except as chapter 9.41 RCW may limit the right of a person to purchase or possess a firearm or to qualify for a concealed pistol license, shall not suffer a loss of legal competency by reason of his or her application and admission. Upon the admission of a voluntary patient to a state hospital the superintendent shall immediately forward to the department the record of such patient showing the name, address, sex, date of birth, place of birth, occupation, social security number, date of admission, name of nearest relative, and such other information as the department may from time to time require.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 442; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.080. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 12; 1949 c 198 s 19, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-19, part. Formerly RCW 71.02.040.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.


title: RCW 72.23.100

text:
It shall be the policy of the department to permit liberal use of the foregoing sections for the admission of those cases that can be benefited by treatment and returned to normal life and mental condition, in the opinion of the superintendent, within a period of six months. No person shall be carried as a voluntary patient for a period of more than one year.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 142 s 5; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.100. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 14; 1949 c 198 s 19, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-19, part. Formerly RCW 71.02.060.]

catchline: Voluntary patients—Policy—Duration.


title: RCW 72.23.110

text:
If it becomes necessary because of inadequate facilities or staff, the department may limit applicants for voluntary admission in accordance with such rules and regulations as it may establish. The department may refuse all applicants for voluntary admission where lack of adequate facilities or staff make such action necessary.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.110. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 15. Formerly RCW 71.02.070.]

catchline: Voluntary patients—Limitation as to number.


title: RCW 72.23.120

text:
Payment of hospitalization charges shall not be a necessary requirement for voluntary admission: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, The department may request payment of hospitalization charges, or any portion thereof, from the patient or relatives of the patient within the following classifications: Spouse, parents, or children. Where the patient or relatives within the above classifications refuse to make the payments requested, the department shall have the right to discharge such patient or initiate proceedings for involuntary hospitalization. The maximum charge shall be the same for voluntary and involuntary hospitalization.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.120. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 16. Formerly RCW 71.02.080.]

catchline: Voluntary patients—Charges for hospitalization.


title: RCW 72.23.125

text:
The department is directed to establish at each state hospital a procedure, including the necessary resources, to provide temporary residential observation and evaluation of persons who request treatment, unless admitted under *RCW 72.23.070. Temporary residential observation and evaluation under this section shall be for a period of not less than twenty-four hours nor more than forty-eight hours and may be provided informally without complying with the admission procedure set forth in *RCW 72.23.070 or the rules and regulations established thereunder.
It is the intent of the legislature that temporary observation and evaluation as described in this section be provided in all cases except where an alternative such as: (1) Delivery to treatment outside the hospital, or (2) no need for treatment is clearly indicated.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 215 s 18.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 72.23.070 was repealed by 1985 c 354 s 34, effective January 1, 1986. Later enactment, see chapter 71.34 RCW.

catchline: Temporary residential observation and evaluation of persons requesting treatment.


title: RCW 72.23.130

text:
It shall be the duty of the superintendent to ascertain by diligent inquiry and correspondence, the history of each and every patient admitted to his or her hospital.
[ 2012 c 117 s 466; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.130. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 40. Formerly RCW 71.02.530.]

catchline: History of patient.


title: RCW 72.23.160

text:
If a patient shall escape from a state hospital the superintendent shall cause immediate search to be made for him or her and return him or her to said hospital wherever found. Notice of such escape shall be given to the committing court who may issue an order of apprehension and return directed to any peace officer within the state. Notice may be given to any sheriff or peace officer, who, when requested by the superintendent, may apprehend and detain such escapee or return him or her to the state hospital without warrant.
[ 2012 c 117 s 467; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.160. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 43. Formerly RCW 71.02.630.]

catchline: Escape—Apprehension and return.


title: RCW 72.23.170

text:
Any person who procures the escape of any patient of any state hospital for the mentally ill, or institutions for psychopaths to which such patient has been lawfully committed, or who advises, connives at, aids, or assists in such escape or conceals any such escape, is guilty of a class C felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in a state correctional institution for a term of not more than five years or by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by both imprisonment and fine.
[ 2003 c 53 s 364; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.170. Prior: 1957 c 225 s 1, part; 1949 c 198 s 20, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-20, part. Formerly RCW 71.12.620, part.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

catchline: Escape of patient—Penalty for assisting.


title: RCW 72.23.175

text:
(1) The following entities must each ensure that every consenting patient possesses a valid identicard, issued by the department of licensing under chapter 46.20 RCW, prior to the individual's release from care in the applicable facility:
(a) State hospitals licensed under chapter 72.23 RCW;
(b) The special commitment center and secure community transition facilities licensed under RCW 71.09.250 and 71.09.290; or
(c) Residential treatment facilities that provide mental health services operated by the department of social and health services.
(2) The facilities listed in subsection (1) of this section must:
(a) Pay any applicable application fee required for obtaining the identicard;
(b) Provide a photo of the patient for use on the identicard under RCW 46.20.035(1); and
(c) Obtain a signature or mark from the patient that is acceptable to the department of licensing to use for an identicard.
(3) Issuance of an identicard under this section must not cause a delay in the release of an individual.
(4) The facilities in subsection (1) of this section must each provide a patient identification verification document for any patient in the custody of the facility, which must include the individual's legal first and last name, facility medical identification number, photo, patient or authorized representative signature or mark, and signature of social work supervisor or manager.
[ 2024 c 315 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 315: See note following RCW 72.09.270.

catchline: Identicard—Release.


title: RCW 72.23.180

text:
Whenever a patient dies, escapes, or is paroled or discharged from a state hospital, the superintendent shall immediately notify the clerk of the court which ordered such patient's hospitalization. A copy of such notice shall be given to the next of kin or next friend of such patient if their names or addresses are known or can, with reasonable diligence, be ascertained. Whenever a patient is discharged the superintendent shall issue such patient a certificate of discharge. Such notice or certificate shall give the date of parole, discharge, or death of said patient, and shall state the reasons for parole or discharge, or the cause of death, and shall be signed by the superintendent.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.180. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 44. Formerly RCW 71.02.640.]
Notes:
Disposition of property of deceased inmate of state institution: RCW 11.08.101, 11.08.111, 11.08.120.

catchline: Discharge, parole, death, escape—Notice—Certificate of discharge.


title: RCW 72.23.190

text:
In the event of the sudden or mysterious death of any patient at a state hospital, not on parole or escape therefrom, such fact shall be reported by the superintendent thereof to the coroner of the county in which the death occurs.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.190. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 45. Formerly RCW 71.02.660.]

catchline: Death—Report to coroner.


title: RCW 72.23.200

text:
No mentally ill person under the age of sixteen years shall be regularly confined in any ward in any state hospital which ward is designed and operated for the care of the mentally ill eighteen years of age or over. No person of the ages of sixteen and seventeen shall be placed in any such ward, when in the opinion of the superintendent such placement would be detrimental to the mental condition of such a person or would impede his or her recovery or treatment.
[ 2012 c 117 s 468; 1971 ex.s. c 292 s 52; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.200. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 46; 1949 c 198 s 17; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-17. Formerly RCW 71.02.550.]
Notes:
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 292: See note following RCW 26.28.010.

catchline: Persons under eighteen—Confinement in adult wards.


title: RCW 72.23.210

text:
The department may designate one or more wards at one or more state hospitals as may be deemed necessary for the sole care and treatment of persons under eighteen years of age admitted thereto. Nurses and attendants for such ward or wards shall be selected for their special aptitude and sympathy with such young people, and occupational therapy and recreation shall be provided as may be deemed necessary for their particular age requirements and mental improvement.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 292 s 53; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.210. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 47; 1949 c 198 s 18; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-18. Formerly RCW 71.02.560.]
Notes:
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 292: See note following RCW 26.28.010.

catchline: Persons under eighteen—Special wards and attendants.


title: RCW 72.23.230

text:
The superintendent of a state hospital shall be the custodian without compensation of such personal property of a patient involuntarily hospitalized therein as may come into the superintendent's possession while the patient is under the jurisdiction of the hospital. As such custodian, the superintendent shall have authority to disburse moneys from the patients' funds for the following purposes only and subject to the following limitations:
(1) The superintendent may disburse any of the funds in his or her possession belonging to a patient for such personal needs of that patient as may be deemed necessary by the superintendent; and
(2) Whenever the funds belonging to any one patient exceed the sum of one thousand dollars or a greater sum as established by rules and regulations of the department, the superintendent may apply the excess to reimbursement for state hospitalization and/or outpatient charges of such patient to the extent of a notice and finding of responsibility issued under RCW 43.20B.340; and
(3) When a patient is paroled, the superintendent shall deliver unto the said patient all or such portion of the funds or other property belonging to the patient as the superintendent may deem necessary and proper in the interests of the patient's welfare, and the superintendent may during the parole period deliver to the patient such additional property or funds belonging to the patient as the superintendent may from time to time determine necessary and proper. When a patient is discharged from the jurisdiction of the hospital, the superintendent shall deliver to such patient all funds or other property belonging to the patient, subject to the conditions of subsection (2) of this section.
All funds held by the superintendent as custodian may be deposited in a single fund. Annual reports of receipts and expenditures shall be forwarded to the department, and shall be open to inspection by interested parties: PROVIDED, That all interest accruing from, or as a result of the deposit of such moneys in a single fund shall be used by the superintendent for the general welfare of all the patients of such institution: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That when the personal accounts of patients exceed three hundred dollars, the interest accruing from such excess shall be credited to the personal accounts of such patients. All such expenditures shall be accounted for by the superintendent.
The appointment of a guardian for the estate of such patient shall terminate the superintendent's authority to pay state hospitalization charges from funds subject to the control of the guardianship upon the superintendent's receipt of a certified copy of letters of guardianship. Upon the guardian's request, the superintendent shall forward to such guardian any funds subject to the control of the guardianship or other property of the patient remaining in the superintendent's possession, together with a final accounting of receipts and expenditures.
[ 2012 c 117 s 469; 1987 c 75 s 21; 1985 c 245 s 4; 1971 c 82 s 1; 1959 c 60 s 1; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.230. Prior: 1953 c 217 s 2; 1951 c 139 s 49. Formerly RCW 71.02.570.]
Notes:
Savings—1987 c 75: See RCW 43.20B.900.

catchline: Patient's property—Superintendent as custodian—Management and accounting.


title: RCW 72.23.240

text:
Upon receipt of a written request signed by the superintendent stating that a designated patient of such hospital is involuntarily hospitalized therein, and that no guardian of his or her estate has been appointed, any person, bank, firm, or corporation having possession of any money, bank accounts, or choses in action owned by such patient, may, if the balance due does not exceed one thousand dollars, deliver the same to the superintendent and mail written notice thereof to such patient at such hospital. The receipt of the superintendent shall be full and complete acquittance for such payment and the person, bank, firm, or corporation making such payment shall not be liable to the patient or his or her legal representatives. All funds so received by the superintendent shall be deposited in such patient's personal account at such hospital and be administered in accordance with this chapter.
If any proceeding is brought in any court to recover property so delivered, the attorney general shall defend the same without cost to the person, bank, firm, or corporation effecting such delivery, and the state shall indemnify such person, bank, firm, or corporation against any judgment rendered as a result of such proceeding.
[ 2012 c 117 s 470; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.240. Prior: 1953 c 217 s 1. Formerly RCW 71.02.575.]

catchline: Patient's property—Delivery to superintendent as acquittance—Defense, indemnity.


title: RCW 72.23.250

text:
The superintendent shall also have authority to receive funds for the benefit of individual patients and may disburse such funds according to the instructions of the donor of such funds.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.250. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 50. Formerly RCW 71.02.580.]

catchline: Funds donated to patients.


title: RCW 72.23.260

text:
The department shall have the power, in the name of the state, to enter into contracts with any duly authorized representative of the United States government, providing for the admission to, and the separate or joint observation, maintenance, care, treatment and custody in, state hospitals of persons entitled to or requiring the same, at the expense of the United States, and contracts providing for the separate or joint maintenance, care, treatment or custody of such persons hospitalized in the manner provided by law, and to perform such contracts, which contracts shall provide that all payments due the state of Washington from the United States for services rendered under said contracts shall be paid to the department.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.260. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 65. Formerly RCW 71.02.460.]

catchline: Federal patients—Agreements authorized.


title: RCW 72.23.280

text:
Nonresidents of this state conveyed or coming herein while mentally ill shall not be hospitalized in a state hospital, but this prohibition shall not prevent the hospitalization and temporary care in said hospitals of such persons stricken with mental illness while traveling or temporarily sojourning in this state, or sailors attacked with mental illness upon the high seas and first arriving thereafter in some port within this state.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.280. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 67. Formerly RCW 71.02.470.]

catchline: Nonresidents—Hospitalization.


title: RCW 72.23.290

text:
Whenever it appears to be to the best interests of the patients concerned, the department shall have the authority to transfer such patients among the various state hospitals pursuant to rules and regulations established by said department. The superintendent of a state hospital shall also have authority to transfer patients eligible for treatment to the veterans administration or other United States government agency where such transfer is satisfactory to such agency. Such agency shall possess the same authority over such patients as the superintendent would have possessed had the patient remained in a state hospital.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.290. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 68. Formerly RCW 71.02.480.]
Notes:
Commitment to veterans' administration or other federal agency: RCW 73.36.165.

catchline: Transfer of patients—Authority of transferee.


title: RCW 72.23.300

text:
Any person not authorized by law so to do, who brings into any state institution for the care and treatment of mental illness or within the grounds thereof, any opium, morphine, cocaine or other narcotic, or any intoxicating liquor of any kind whatever, except for medicinal or mechanical purposes, or any firearms, weapons, or explosives of any kind is guilty of a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 2003 c 53 s 365; 1959 c 28 s 72.23.300. Prior: 1949 c 198 s 52; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6932-52. Formerly RCW 71.12.630.]
Notes:
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Uniform controlled substances act: Chapter 69.50 RCW.

catchline: Bringing narcotics, intoxicating liquors, weapons, etc., into institution or its grounds prohibited—Penalty.


title: RCW 72.23.390

text:
(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(a) "Lift team" means hospital employees specially trained to conduct patient lifts, transfers, and repositioning using lifting equipment when appropriate.
(b) "Safe patient handling" means the use of engineering controls, lifting and transfer aids, or assistive devices, by lift teams or other staff, instead of manual lifting to perform the acts of lifting, transferring, and repositioning health care patients and residents.
(c) "Musculoskeletal disorders" means conditions that involve the nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures of the body.
(2) By February 1, 2007, each hospital must establish a safe patient handling committee either by creating a new committee or assigning the functions of a safe patient handling committee to an existing committee. The purpose of the committee is to design and recommend the process for implementing a safe patient handling program. At least half of the members of the safe patient handling committee shall be frontline nonmanagerial employees who provide direct care to patients unless doing so will adversely affect patient care.
(3) By December 1, 2007, each hospital must establish a safe patient handling program. As part of this program, a hospital must:
(a) Implement a safe patient handling policy for all shifts and units of the hospital. Implementation of the safe patient handling policy may be phased-in with the acquisition of equipment under subsection (4) of this section;
(b) Conduct a patient handling hazard assessment. This assessment should consider such variables as patient-handling tasks, types of nursing units, patient populations, and the physical environment of patient care areas;
(c) Develop a process to identify the appropriate use of the safe patient handling policy based on the patient's physical and medical condition and the availability of lifting equipment or lift teams;
(d) Conduct an annual performance evaluation of the program to determine its effectiveness, with the results of the evaluation reported to the safe patient handling committee. The evaluation shall determine the extent to which implementation of the program has resulted in a reduction in musculoskeletal disorder claims and days of lost work attributable to musculoskeletal disorder caused by patient handling, and include recommendations to increase the program's effectiveness; and
(e) When developing architectural plans for constructing or remodeling a hospital or a unit of a hospital in which patient handling and movement occurs, consider the feasibility of incorporating patient handling equipment or the physical space and construction design needed to incorporate that equipment at a later date.
(4) By January 30, 2010, hospitals must complete acquisition of their choice of: (a) One readily available lift per acute care unit on the same floor, unless the safe patient handling committee determines a lift is unnecessary in the unit; (b) one lift for every ten acute care available inpatient beds; or (c) equipment for use by lift teams. Hospitals must train staff on policies, equipment, and devices at least annually.
(5) Nothing in this section precludes lift team members from performing other duties as assigned during their shift.
(6) A hospital shall develop procedures for hospital employees to refuse to perform or be involved in patient handling or movement that the hospital employee believes in good faith will expose a patient or a hospital employee to an unacceptable risk of injury. A hospital employee who in good faith follows the procedure developed by the hospital in accordance with this subsection shall not be the subject of disciplinary action by the hospital for the refusal to perform or be involved in the patient handling or movement.
[ 2006 c 165 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—2006 c 165: See note following RCW 70.41.390.

catchline: Safe patient handling.


title: RCW 72.23.400

text:
(1) By November 1, 2000, each state hospital shall develop a plan, for implementation by January 1, 2001, to reasonably prevent and protect employees from violence at the state hospital. The plan shall be developed with input from the state hospital's safety committee, which includes representation from management, unions, nursing, psychiatry, and key function staff as appropriate. The plan shall address security considerations related to the following items, as appropriate to the particular state hospital, based upon the hazards identified in the assessment required under subsection (2) of this section:
(a) The physical attributes of the state hospital including access control, egress control, door locks, lighting, and alarm systems;
(b) Staffing, including security staffing;
(c) Personnel policies;
(d) First aid and emergency procedures;
(e) Reporting violent acts, taking appropriate action in response to violent acts, and follow-up procedures after violent acts;
(f) Development of criteria for determining and reporting verbal threats;
(g) Employee education and training; and
(h) Clinical and patient policies and procedures including those related to smoking; activity, leisure, and therapeutic programs; communication between shifts; and restraint and seclusion.
(2) Before the development of the plan required under subsection (1) of this section, each state hospital shall conduct a security and safety assessment to identify existing or potential hazards for violence and determine the appropriate preventive action to be taken. The assessment shall include, but is not limited to analysis of data on violence and worker's compensation claims during at least the preceding year, input from staff and patients such as surveys, and information relevant to subsection (1)(a) through (h) of this section.
(3) In developing the plan required by subsection (1) of this section, the state hospital may consider any guidelines on violence in the workplace or in the state hospital issued by the department of health, the department of social and health services, the department of labor and industries, the federal occupational safety and health administration, medicare, and state hospital accrediting organizations.
(4) The plan must be evaluated, reviewed, and amended as necessary, at least annually.
[ 2000 c 22 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—2000 c 22: "The legislature finds that:
(1) Workplace safety is of paramount importance in state hospitals for patients and the staff that treat them;
(2) Based on an analysis of workers' compensation claims, the department of labor and industries reports that state hospital employees face high rates of workplace violence in Washington state;
(3) State hospital violence is often related to the nature of the patients served, people who are both mentally ill and too dangerous for treatment in their home community, and people whose behavior is driven by elements of mental illness including desperation, confusion, delusion, or hallucination;
(4) Patients and employees should be assured a reasonably safe and secure environment in state hospitals;
(5) The state hospitals have undertaken efforts to assure that patients and employees are safe from violence, but additional personnel training and appropriate safeguards may be needed to prevent workplace violence and minimize the risk and dangers affecting people in state hospitals; and
(6) Duplication and redundancy should be avoided so as to maximize resources available for patient care." [ 2000 c 22 s 1.]

catchline: Workplace safety plan.


title: RCW 72.23.410

text:
By July 1, 2001, and at least annually thereafter, as set forth in the plan developed under RCW 72.23.400, each state hospital shall provide violence prevention training to all its affected employees as determined by the plan. Initial training shall occur prior to assignment to a patient unit, and in addition to his or her ongoing training as determined by the plan. The training may vary by the plan and may include, but is not limited to, classes, videotapes, brochures, verbal training, or other verbal or written training that is determined to be appropriate under the plan. The training shall address the following topics, as appropriate to the particular setting and to the duties and responsibilities of the particular employee being trained, based upon the hazards identified in the assessment required under RCW 72.23.400:
(1) General safety procedures;
(2) Personal safety procedures and equipment;
(3) The violence escalation cycle;
(4) Violence-predicting factors;
(5) Obtaining patient history for patients with violent behavior or a history of violent acts;
(6) Verbal and physical techniques to de-escalate and minimize violent behavior;
(7) Strategies to avoid physical harm;
(8) Restraining techniques;
(9) Documenting and reporting incidents;
(10) The process whereby employees affected by a violent act may debrief;
(11) Any resources available to employees for coping with violence;
(12) The state hospital's workplace violence prevention plan;
(13) Use of the intershift reporting process to communicate between shifts regarding patients who are agitated; and
(14) Use of the multidisciplinary treatment process or other methods for clinicians to communicate with staff regarding patient treatment plans and how they can collaborate to prevent violence.
[ 2000 c 22 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—2000 c 22: See note following RCW 72.23.400.

catchline: Violence prevention training.


title: RCW 72.23.420

text:
Beginning no later than July 1, 2000, each state hospital shall keep a record of any violent act against an employee or a patient occurring at the state hospital. Each record shall be kept for at least five years following the act reported during which time it shall be available for inspection by the department of labor and industries upon request. At a minimum, the record shall include:
(1) Necessary information for the state hospital to comply with the requirements of chapter 49.17 RCW related to employees that may include:
(a) A full description of the violent act;
(b) When the violent act occurred;
(c) Where the violent act occurred;
(d) To whom the violent act occurred;
(e) Who perpetrated the violent act;
(f) The nature of the injury;
(g) Weapons used;
(h) Number of witnesses; and
(i) Action taken by the state hospital in response to the violence; and
(2) Necessary information for the state hospital to comply with current and future expectations of the joint commission on hospital accreditation related to violence perpetrated upon patients which may include:
(a) The nature of the violent act;
(b) When the violent act occurred;
(c) To whom it occurred; and
(d) The nature and severity of any injury.
[ 2000 c 22 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—2000 c 22: See note following RCW 72.23.400.

catchline: Record of violent acts.


title: RCW 72.23.430

text:
Failure of a state hospital to comply with this chapter shall subject the hospital to citation under chapter 49.17 RCW.
[ 2000 c 22 s 6.]
Notes:
Findings—2000 c 22: See note following RCW 72.23.400.

catchline: Noncompliance—Citation under chapter 49.17 RCW.


title: RCW 72.23.440

text:
A state hospital needing assistance to comply with RCW 72.23.400 through 72.23.420 may contact the department of labor and industries for assistance. The state departments of labor and industries, social and health services, and health shall collaborate with representatives of state hospitals to develop technical assistance and training seminars on plan development and implementation, and shall coordinate their assistance to state hospitals.
[ 2000 c 22 s 7.]
Notes:
Findings—2000 c 22: See note following RCW 72.23.400.

catchline: Technical assistance and training.


title: RCW 72.23.451

text:
By September 1st of each year, the department shall report to the house committee on commerce and labor and the senate committee on commerce and trade, or successor committees, on the department's efforts to reduce violence in the state hospitals.
[ 2005 c 187 s 1.]

catchline: Annual report to the legislature.


title: RCW 72.23.460

text:
The provisions of RCW 70.41.410 and 70.41.420 apply to hospitals governed by this chapter.
[ 2008 c 47 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2008 c 47: See note following RCW 70.41.410.

catchline: Provisions applicable to hospitals governed by chapter.


title: RCW 72.23.900

text:
The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed so that persons who are in need of care and treatment for mental illness shall receive humane care and treatment and be restored to normal mental condition as rapidly as possible with an avoidance of loss of civil rights where not necessary, and with as little formality as possible, still preserving all rights and all privileges of the person as guaranteed by the Constitution.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.900. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 1.]
Notes:
Civil rights
loss of: State Constitution Art. 6 s 3, RCW 29A.08.520.
restoration of: RCW 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 9.94A.885, 9.95.260, chapter 9.96 RCW.

catchline: Construction—Purpose—1959 c 28.


title: RCW 72.23.910

text:
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as affecting the laws of this state relating to the criminally insane or insane inmates of penal institutions. Where the term "insane" is used in other statutes of this state its meaning shall be synonymous with mental illness as defined in this chapter.
[ 1959 c 28 s 72.23.910. Prior: 1951 c 139 s 4; 1949 c 198 s 15; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 6953-15. Formerly RCW 71.02.020.]

catchline: Construction—Effect on laws relating to the criminally insane—"Insane" as used in other statutes.


title: RCW 72.23.920

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 167.]

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


title: RCW 72.25.010

text:
It shall be the duty of the secretary of the department of social and health services, in cooperation with the United States bureau of immigration and/or the United States department of the interior, to arrange for the deportation of all noncitizen sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or individuals with mental illness who are now confined in, or who may hereafter be committed to, any state hospital for the sexual psychopath, psychopathic delinquent, or individuals with mental illness in this state; to transport such noncitizen sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or individuals with mental illness to such point or points as may be designated by the United States bureau of immigration or by the United States department of the interior; and to give written permission for the return of any resident of Washington now or hereafter confined in a hospital for the sexual psychopath, psychopathic delinquent, or individuals with mental illness in a territory of the United States or in a foreign country. "Individual with mental illness" for the purposes of this section shall be any person defined as a mentally ill person under RCW 72.23.010, as now or hereafter amended.
[ 2026 c 36 s 38; 1977 ex.s. c 80 s 49; 1965 c 78 s 1; 1959 c 28 s 72.25.010. Prior: 1957 c 29 s 1; 1953 c 232 s 1. Formerly RCW 71.04.270.]
Notes:
Purpose—Intent—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 80: See notes following RCW 4.16.190.
Minors—Mental health services, commitment: Chapter 71.34 RCW.
Sexual psychopaths: Chapter 71.06 RCW.

catchline: Deportation of individuals who are not a citizen or national of the United States—Return of residents.


title: RCW 72.25.020

text:
The secretary shall also return all nonresident sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or mentally ill persons who are now confined in or who may hereafter be committed to a state hospital for the sexual psychopath, psychopathic delinquent, or the mentally ill in this state to the states or state in which they may have a legal residence. For the purpose of facilitating the return of such persons the secretary may enter into a reciprocal agreement with any other state for the mutual exchange of sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or mentally ill persons now confined in or hereafter committed to any hospital for the sexual psychopath, psychopathic delinquent, or the mentally ill in one state whose legal residence is in the other, and he or she may give written permission for the return of any resident of Washington now or hereafter confined in a hospital for the sexual psychopath, psychopathic delinquent, or the mentally ill in another state. Such residents may be returned directly to the proper Washington state institution without further court proceedings: PROVIDED, That if the superintendent of such institution is of the opinion that the returned person is not a sexual psychopath, a psychopathic delinquent, or mentally ill person he or she may discharge said patient: PROVIDED FURTHER, That if such superintendent deems such person a sexual psychopath, a psychopathic delinquent, or mentally ill person, he or she shall file an application for commitment within ninety days of arrival at the Washington institution.
A person shall be deemed to be a resident of this state within the meaning of this chapter who has maintained his or her domiciliary residence in this state for a period of one year preceding commitment to a state institution without receiving assistance from any tax supported organization and who has not subsequently acquired a domicile in another state: PROVIDED, That any period of time spent by such person while an inmate of a state hospital or state institution or while on parole, escape, or leave of absence therefrom shall not be counted in determining the time of residence in this or another state.
All expenses incurred in returning sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or mentally ill persons from this to another state may be paid by this state, but the expense of returning residents of this state shall be borne by the state making the return. Mentally ill person for the purposes of this section shall be any person defined as mentally ill under RCW 72.23.010, as now or hereafter amended.
[ 2012 c 117 s 471; 1977 ex.s. c 80 s 50; 1965 c 78 s 2; 1959 c 28 s 72.25.020. Prior: 1957 c 29 s 2; 1953 c 232 s 2. Formerly RCW 71.04.280.]
Notes:
Purpose—Intent—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 80: See notes following RCW 4.16.190.

catchline: Return of nonresidents—Reciprocity—Expense—Resident of this state defined.


title: RCW 72.25.030

text:
For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter the secretary may employ all help necessary in arranging for and transporting such noncitizen and nonresident sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or individuals with mental illness, and the cost and expense of providing such assistance, and all expenses incurred in effecting the transportation of such noncitizen and nonresident sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or individuals with mental illness, shall be paid from the funds appropriated for that purpose upon vouchers approved by the department. "Individual with mental illness" for the purposes of this section shall be any person defined as a mentally ill person under RCW 72.23.010, as now or hereafter amended.
[ 2026 c 36 s 39; 1977 ex.s. c 80 s 51; 1965 c 78 s 3; 1959 c 28 s 72.25.030. Prior: 1957 c 29 s 3; 1953 c 232 s 3. Formerly RCW 71.04.290.]
Notes:
Purpose—Intent—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 80: See notes following RCW 4.16.190.

catchline: Assistance—Payment of expenses.


title: RCW 72.27.010

text:
The Interstate Compact on Mental Health is hereby enacted into law and entered into by this state with all other states legally joining therein in the form substantially as follows:
The contracting states solemnly agree that:
ARTICLE I
The party states find that the proper and expeditious treatment of the mentally ill and mentally deficient can be facilitated by cooperative action, to the benefit of the patients, their families, and society as a whole. Further, the party states find that the necessity of and desirability for furnishing such care and treatment bears no primary relation to the residence or citizenship of the patient but that, on the contrary, the controlling factors of community safety and humanitarianism require that facilities and services be made available for all who are in need of them. Consequently, it is the purpose of this compact and of the party states to provide the necessary legal basis for the institutionalization or other appropriate care and treatment of the mentally ill and mentally deficient under a system that recognizes the paramount importance of patient welfare and to establish the responsibilities of the party states in terms of such welfare.
ARTICLE II
As used in this compact:
(a) "Sending state" shall mean a party state from which a patient is transported pursuant to the provisions of the compact or from which it is contemplated that a patient may be so sent.
(b) "Receiving state" shall mean a party state to which a patient is transported pursuant to the provisions of the compact or to which it is contemplated that a patient may be so sent.
(c) "Institution" shall mean any hospital or other facility maintained by a party state or political subdivision thereof for the care and treatment of mental illness or mental deficiency.
(d) "Patient" shall mean any person subject to or eligible as determined by the laws of the sending state, for institutionalization or other care, treatment, or supervision pursuant to the provisions of this compact.
(e) "After-care" shall mean care, treatment and services provided a patient, as defined herein, on convalescent status or conditional release.
(f) "Mental illness" shall mean mental disease to such extent that a person so afflicted requires care and treatment for his own welfare, or the welfare of others, or of the community.
(g) "Mental deficiency" shall mean mental deficiency as defined by appropriate clinical authorities to such extent that a person so afflicted is incapable of managing himself and his affairs, but shall not include mental illness as defined herein.
(h) "State" shall mean any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
ARTICLE III
(a) Whenever a person physically present in any party state shall be in need of institutionalization by reason of mental illness or mental deficiency, he shall be eligible for care and treatment in an institution in that state irrespective of his residence, settlement or citizenship qualifications.
(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this article to the contrary notwithstanding, any patient may be transferred to an institution in another state whenever there are factors based upon clinical determinations indicating that the care and treatment of said patient would be facilitated or improved thereby. Any such institutionalization may be for the entire period of care and treatment or for any portion or portions thereof. The factors referred to in this paragraph shall include the patient's full record with due regard for the location of the patient's family, character of the illness and probable duration thereof, and such other factors as shall be considered appropriate.
(c) No state shall be obliged to receive any patient pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this article unless the sending state has given advance notice of its intention to send the patient; furnished all available medical and other pertinent records concerning the patient; given the qualified medical or other appropriate clinical authorities of the receiving state an opportunity to examine the patient if said authorities so wish; and unless the receiving state shall agree to accept the patient.
(d) In the event that the laws of the receiving state establish a system of priorities for the admission of patients, an interstate patient under this compact shall receive the same priority as a local patient and shall be taken in the same order and at the same time that he would be taken if he were a local patient.
(e) Pursuant to this compact, the determination as to the suitable place of institutionalization for a patient may be reviewed at any time and such further transfer of the patient may be made as seems likely to be in the best interest of the patient.
ARTICLE IV
(a) Whenever, pursuant to the laws of the state in which a patient is physically present, it shall be determined that the patient should receive after-care or supervision, such care or supervision may be provided in a receiving state. If the medical or other appropriate clinical authorities having responsibility for the care and treatment of the patient in the sending state shall have reason to believe that after-care in another state would be in the best interest of the patient and would not jeopardize the public safety, they shall request the appropriate authorities in the receiving state to investigate the desirability of affording the patient such after-care in said receiving state, and such investigation shall be made with all reasonable speed. The request for investigation shall be accompanied by complete information concerning the patient's intended place of residence and the identity of the person in whose charge it is proposed to place the patient, the complete medical history of the patient, and such other documents as may be pertinent.
(b) If the medical or other appropriate clinical authorities having responsibility for the care and treatment of the patient in the sending state and the appropriate authorities in the receiving state find that the best interest of the patient would be served thereby, and if the public safety would not be jeopardized thereby, the patient may receive after-care or supervision in the receiving state.
(c) In supervising, treating, or caring for a patient on after-care pursuant to the terms of this article, a receiving state shall employ the same standards of visitation, examination, care, and treatment that it employs for similar local patients.
ARTICLE V
Whenever a dangerous or potentially dangerous patient escapes from an institution in any party state, that state shall promptly notify all appropriate authorities within and without the jurisdiction of the escape in a manner reasonably calculated to facilitate the speedy apprehension of the escapee. Immediately upon the apprehension and identification of any such dangerous or potentially dangerous patient, he shall be detained in the state where found pending disposition in accordance with law.
ARTICLE VI
The duly accredited officers of any state party to this compact, upon the establishment of their authority and the identity of the patient, shall be permitted to transport any patient being moved pursuant to this compact through any and all states party to this compact, without interference.
ARTICLE VII
(a) No person shall be deemed a patient of more than one institution at any given time. Completion of transfer of any patient to an institution in a receiving state shall have the effect of making the person a patient of the institution in the receiving state.
(b) The sending state shall pay all costs of and incidental to the transportation of any patient pursuant to this compact, but any two or more party states may, by making a specific agreement for that purpose, arrange for a different allocation of costs as among themselves.
(c) No provision of this compact shall be construed to alter or affect any internal relationships among the departments, agencies and officers of and in the government of a party state, or between a party state and its subdivisions, as to the payment of costs, or responsibilities therefor.
(d) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prevent any party state or subdivision thereof from asserting any right against any person, agency or other entity in regard to costs for which such party state or subdivision thereof may be responsible pursuant to any provision of this compact.
(e) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to invalidate any reciprocal agreement between a party state and a nonparty state relating to institutionalization, care or treatment of the mentally ill or mentally deficient, or any statutory authority pursuant to which such agreements may be made.
ARTICLE VIII
(a) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to abridge, diminish, or in any way impair the rights, duties, and responsibilities of any patient's guardian on his own behalf or in respect of any patient for whom he may serve, except that where the transfer of any patient to another jurisdiction makes advisable the appointment of a supplemental or substitute guardian, any court of competent jurisdiction in the receiving state may make such supplemental or substitute appointment and the court which appointed the previous guardian shall upon being duly advised of the new appointment, and upon the satisfactory completion of such accounting and other acts as such court may by law require, relieve the previous guardian of power and responsibility to whatever extent shall be appropriate in the circumstances: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That in the case of any patient having settlement in the sending state, the court of competent jurisdiction in the sending state shall have the sole discretion to relieve a guardian appointed by it or continue his power and responsibility, whichever it shall deem advisable. The court in the receiving state may, in its discretion, confirm or reappoint the person or persons previously serving as guardian in the sending state in lieu of making a supplemental or substitute appointment.
(b) The term "guardian" as used in paragraph (a) of this article shall include any guardian, trustee, legal committee, conservator, or other person or agency however denominated who is charged by law with power to act for or responsibility for the person or property of a patient.
ARTICLE IX
(a) No provision of this compact except Article V shall apply to any person institutionalized while under sentence in a penal or correctional institution or while subject to trial on a criminal charge, or whose institutionalization is due to the commission of an offense for which, in the absence of mental illness or mental deficiency, said person would be subject to incarceration in a penal or correctional institution.
(b) To every extent possible, it shall be the policy of states party to this compact that no patient shall be placed or detained in any prison, jail or lockup, but such patient shall, with all expedition, be taken to a suitable institutional facility for mental illness or mental deficiency.
ARTICLE X
(a) Each party state shall appoint a "compact administrator" who, on behalf of his state, shall act as general coordinator of activities under the compact in his state and who shall receive copies of all reports, correspondence, and other documents relating to any patient processed under the compact by his state either in the capacity of sending or receiving state. The compact administrator or his duly designated representative shall be the official with whom other party states shall deal in any matter relating to the compact or any patient processed thereunder.
(b) The compact administrators of the respective party states shall have power to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact.
ARTICLE XI
The duly constituted administrative authorities of any two or more party states may enter into supplementary agreements for the provision of any service or facility or for the maintenance of any institution on a joint or cooperative basis whenever the states concerned shall find that such agreements will improve services, facilities, or institutional care and treatment in the fields of mental illness or mental deficiency. No such supplementary agreement shall be construed so as to relieve any party state of any obligation which it otherwise would have under other provisions of this compact.
ARTICLE XII
This compact shall enter into full force and effect as to any state when enacted by it into law and such state shall thereafter be a party thereto with any and all states legally joining therein.
ARTICLE XIII
(a) A state party to this compact may withdraw therefrom by enacting a statute repealing the same. Such withdrawal shall take effect one year after notice thereof has been communicated officially and in writing to the governors and compact administrators of all other party states. However, the withdrawal of any state shall not change the status of any patient who has been sent to said state or sent out of said state pursuant to the provisions of the compact.
(b) Withdrawal from any agreement permitted by Article VII(b) as to costs or from any supplementary agreement made pursuant to Article XI shall be in accordance with the terms of such agreement.
ARTICLE XIV
This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.
[ 1965 ex.s. c 26 s 1.]
Notes:
Chapter added: "The foregoing provisions of this act are added to chapter 28, Laws of 1959 and to Title 72 RCW, and shall constitute a new chapter therein." [ 1965 ex.s. c 26 s 8.]
Effective date—1965 ex.s. c 26: "This act shall take effect upon July 1, 1965." [ 1965 ex.s. c 26 s 9.]

catchline: Compact enacted.


title: RCW 72.27.020

text:
Pursuant to said compact provided in RCW 72.27.010, the secretary of social and health services shall be the compact administrator and who, acting jointly with like officers of other party states, shall have power to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms of the compact. The compact administrator is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to cooperate with all departments, agencies and officers of and in the government of this state and its subdivisions in facilitating the proper administration of the compact or any supplementary agreement or agreements entered into by this state thereunder.
[ 1979 c 141 s 233; 1965 ex.s. c 26 s 2.]

catchline: Secretary is compact administrator—Rules and regulations—Cooperation with other agencies.


title: RCW 72.27.030

text:
The compact administrator is hereby authorized and empowered to enter into supplementary agreements with appropriate officials of other states pursuant to Articles VII and XI of the compact. In the event that such supplementary agreements shall require or contemplate the use of any institution or facility of this state or require or contemplate the provision of any service by this state, no such agreement shall have force or effect until approved by the head of the department or agency under whose jurisdiction said institution or facility is operated or whose department or agency will be charged with the rendering of such service.
[ 1965 ex.s. c 26 s 3.]

catchline: Supplementary agreements.


title: RCW 72.27.040

text:
The compact administrator, subject to the moneys available therefor, may make or arrange for any payments necessary to discharge any financial obligations imposed upon this state by the compact or by any supplementary agreement entered into thereunder.
[ 1965 ex.s. c 26 s 4.]

catchline: Financial arrangements.


title: RCW 72.27.050

text:
No person shall be transferred to another party state pursuant to this chapter unless the compact administrator first shall have obtained either:
(a) [(1)] The written consent to such transfer by the proposed transferee or by others on his or her behalf, which consent shall be executed in accordance with the requirements of *RCW 72.23.070, and if such person was originally committed involuntarily, such consent also shall be approved by the committing court; or
(b) [(2)] An order of the superior court approving such transfer, which order shall be obtained from the committing court, if such person was committed involuntarily, otherwise from the superior court of the county where such person resided at the time of such commitment; and such order shall be issued only after notice and hearing in the manner provided for the involuntary commitment of mentally ill or mentally deficient persons as the case may be.
The courts of this state shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the appropriate courts of other party states to hear and determine petitions seeking the release or return of residents of this state who have been transferred from this state under this chapter to the same extent as if such persons were hospitalized in this state; and the laws of this state relating to the release of such persons shall govern the disposition of any such proceeding.
[ 2012 c 117 s 472; 1965 ex.s. c 26 s 5.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 72.23.070 was repealed by 1985 c 354 s 34, effective January 1, 1986. Later enactment, see chapter 71.34 RCW.

catchline: Prerequisites for transfer of person to another party state—Release or return of residents, jurisdiction, laws applicable.


title: RCW 72.27.060

text:
Duly authorized copies of this chapter shall, upon its approval be transmitted by the secretary of state to the governor of each state, the attorney general and the administrator of general services of the United States, and the council of state governments.
[ 1965 ex.s. c 26 s 6.]

catchline: Transmittal of copies of chapter.


title: RCW 72.27.070

text:
Nothing in this chapter shall affect the right of the secretary of social and health services to deport noncitizens and return residents of nonparty states as provided in chapter 72.25 RCW.
[ 2026 c 36 s 40; 1979 c 141 s 234; 1965 ex.s. c 26 s 7.]

catchline: Right to deport individuals who are not a citizen or national of the United States and return residents of nonparty states preserved.


title: RCW 72.29.010

text:
After the acquisition of Harrison Memorial Hospital, the department of social and health services is authorized to enter into contracts for the repair or remodeling of the hospital to the extent they are necessary and reasonable, in order to establish a multi-use facility for persons with mental or physical disabilities or mental illness. The secretary of the department of social and health services is authorized to determine the most feasible and desirable use of the facility and to operate the facility in the manner he or she deems most beneficial to persons with mental or physical disabilities or mental illness, and is authorized, but not limited to programs for outpatient, diagnostic and referral, day care, vocational and educational services to the community which he or she determines are in the best interest of the state.
[ 2010 c 94 s 32; 1977 ex.s. c 80 s 52; 1965 c 11 s 3.]
Notes:
Purpose—2010 c 94: See note following RCW 44.04.280.
Purpose—Intent—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 80: See notes following RCW 4.16.190.
Declaration of purpose—2010 c 94; 1965 c 11: "The state facilities to provide community services to persons with mental or physical disabilities or mental illness are inadequate to meet the present demand. Great savings to the taxpayers can be achieved while helping to meet these worthwhile needs. It is therefore the purpose of this act to provide for acquisition or lease of Harrison Memorial Hospital property and facilities and the operation thereof as a multi-use facility for persons with mental or physical disabilities or mental illness." [ 2010 c 94 s 33; 1965 c 11 s 1.]
Department created—Powers and duties transferred to: RCW 43.20A.030.
Use of Harrison Memorial Hospital property for services for persons with developmental disabilities: RCW 71A.20.040.

catchline: Multi-use facility for persons with mental or physical disabilities or mental illness—Harrison Memorial Hospital.


title: RCW 72.36.010

text:
(1) There is established at Orting, Pierce county, an institution which shall be known as the Washington soldiers' home.
(2) The department is authorized to work with public or private entities on projects to make the best use of the soldiers' home property and facilities. These projects may include, but are not limited to, the renovation and long-term lease of the Garfield barracks building on the soldiers' home campus.
(3) All long-term leases of the soldiers' home property shall be subject to the requirements of RCW 43.82.010, except that such leases may run for up to seventy-five years.
[ 2010 c 75 s 1; 1959 c 28 s 72.36.010. Prior: 1901 c 167 s 1; 1890 p 269 s 1; RRS s 10727.]

catchline: Establishment of soldiers' home—Long-term leases.


title: RCW 72.36.020

text:
The director of the department of veterans affairs shall appoint an administrator and director of nursing services for each state veterans' home. The administrator shall exercise management and control of the institution in accordance with either policies or procedures promulgated by the director of the department of veterans affairs, or both, and rules of the department. In accordance with chapter 18.52 RCW, the individual appointed as administrator for a state veterans' home shall be a licensed nursing home administrator and the agency shall provide preference to honorably discharged veterans in accordance with RCW 73.16.010. The director of nursing services shall be a registered nurse licensed in the state of Washington and is a position exempt from chapter 41.06 RCW.
[ 2023 c 327 s 4; 2018 c 45 s 3; 2014 c 184 s 2; 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 4; 1977 c 31 s 2; 1959 c 28 s 72.36.020. Prior: 1890 p 271 s 7; RRS s 10728.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 72.36.140.
Findings—1993 sp.s. c 3: See RCW 72.36.1601.
Chief executive officers, general provisions: RCW 72.01.060.

catchline: Appointment of administrator and director of nursing services for state veterans' homes—Licensed nursing home administrator.


title: RCW 72.36.030

text:
All of the following persons who have been actual bona fide residents of this state at the time of their application may be admitted to a state veterans' home under rules as may be adopted by the director of the department, unless sufficient facilities and resources are not available to accommodate these people:
(1)(a) All veterans of the uniformed services of the United States or merchant marines who meet the discharge requirements under RCW 41.04.007 or are eligible for medical care provided by the United States department of veterans affairs; (b) members of the state militia disabled while in the line of duty; (c) Filipino World War II veterans who swore an oath to American authority and who participated in military engagements with American soldiers; (d) the spouses or the domestic partners of these veterans, merchant marines, and members of the state militia; and (e) parents any of whose children died while serving in the armed forces. However, it is required that the spouse was married to and living with the veteran, or that the domestic partner was in a domestic partnership and living with the veteran, three years prior to the date of application for admittance, or, if married to or in a domestic partnership with him or her since that date, was also a resident of a state veterans' home in this state or entitled to admission thereto;
(2) The spouses or domestic partners of: (a) All veterans of the United States uniformed services with a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005; (b) merchant marines; and (c) members of the state militia who were disabled while in the line of duty and who were residents of a state veterans' home in this state or were entitled to admission to one of this state's state veteran homes at the time of death. However, the included spouse or included domestic partner shall not have been married since the death of his or her spouse or domestic partner to a person who is not a resident of one of this state's state veterans' homes or entitled to admission to one of this state's state veterans' homes; and
(3) All applicants for admission to a state veterans' home shall apply for all federal and state benefits for which they may be eligible, including medical assistance under chapter 74.09 RCW.
[ 2024 c 146 s 30; 2014 c 184 s 3; 2008 c 6 s 503; 1998 c 322 s 49; 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 5; 1977 ex.s. c 186 s 1; 1975 c 13 s 1; 1959 c 28 s 72.36.030. Prior: 1915 c 106 s 1; 1911 c 124 s 1; 1905 c 152 s 1; 1901 c 167 s 2; 1890 p 270 s 2; RRS s 10729.]
Notes:
Intent—2024 c 146: See note following RCW 73.04.005.
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 72.36.140.
Findings—1993 sp.s. c 3: See RCW 72.36.1601.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 186: "If any provision of this 1977 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1977 ex.s. c 186 s 12.]

catchline: Admission—Applicants must apply for federal and state benefits.


title: RCW 72.36.035

text:
For purposes of this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Actual bona fide residents of this state" means persons who have a domicile in the state of Washington immediately prior to application for admission to a state veterans' home.
(2) "Department" means the Washington state department of veterans affairs.
(3) "Domicile" means a person's true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation, and shall be the place where the person intends to remain, and to which the person expects to return when the person leaves without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere.
(4) "State veterans' homes" means the Washington soldiers' home and colony in Orting, the Washington veterans' home in Retsil, the eastern Washington veterans' home, and the Walla Walla veterans' home.
(5) "Veteran" has the same meaning established in RCW 41.04.007.
[ 2014 c 184 s 4; 2002 c 292 s 5; 2001 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 2; 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 6; 1991 c 240 s 2; 1977 ex.s. c 186 s 11.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 72.36.140.
Findings—1993 sp.s. c 3: See RCW 72.36.1601.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 186: See note following RCW 72.36.030.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 72.36.037

text:
Chapter 70.129 RCW applies to this chapter and persons regulated under this chapter.
[ 1994 c 214 s 23.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—1994 c 214: See RCW 70.129.901.

catchline: Resident rights.


title: RCW 72.36.045

text:
In the maintenance of the state veterans' homes by the state through the department of veterans affairs, such maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of members' room and board, medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, and recreational activities, with the necessary implementing transportation, equipment, and personnel therefor.
[ 2001 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 3; 1977 ex.s. c 186 s 10.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 186: See note following RCW 72.36.030.

catchline: State veterans' homes—Maintenance defined.


title: RCW 72.36.060

text:
The state treasurer is authorized to receive any and all moneys appropriated or paid by the United States under the act of congress entitled "An Act to provide aid to state or territorial homes for disabled soldiers and sailors of the United States," approved August 27, 1888, or under any other act or acts of congress for the benefit of such homes. Such moneys shall be deposited in the general fund and shall be expended for the maintenance of the state veterans' homes.
[ 2001 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 5; 1977 ex.s. c 186 s 3; 1959 c 28 s 72.36.060. Prior: 1897 c 67 s 1; RRS s 10735.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 186: See note following RCW 72.36.030.

catchline: Federal funds.


title: RCW 72.36.070

text:
There shall be established and maintained in this state a branch of the state soldiers' home, under the name of the "Washington veterans' home," which branch shall be a home for honorably discharged veterans who have served the United States government in any of its wars, members of the state militia disabled while in the line of duty, and who are bona fide citizens of the state, the spouses or domestic partners of such veterans, and the parents any of whose children died while serving in the armed forces.
[ 2014 c 184 s 6; 2008 c 6 s 506; 1977 ex.s. c 186 s 4; 1959 c 28 s 72.36.070. Prior: 1907 c 156 s 1; RRS s 10733.]
Notes:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 186: See note following RCW 72.36.030.

catchline: Washington veterans' home.


title: RCW 72.36.075

text:
There shall be established and maintained in this state a branch of the state soldiers' home, under the name of the "eastern Washington veterans' home," which branch shall be a home for veterans, their spouses, and the parents any of whose children died while serving in the armed forces who meet admission requirements contained in RCW 72.36.030.
[ 2014 c 184 s 7; 2001 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 6.]

catchline: Eastern Washington veterans' home.


title: RCW 72.36.081

text:
The "Walla Walla veterans' home" is established and maintained in this state as a branch of the state soldiers' home, and is a home for veterans, their spouses, or parents any of whose children died while serving in the armed forces, who meet admission requirements contained in RCW 72.36.030.
[ 2014 c 184 s 1.]

catchline: Walla Walla veterans' home.


title: RCW 72.36.090

text:
The administrators of the state veterans' homes are hereby authorized to:
(1) Institute programs of hobby promotion designed to improve the general welfare and mental condition of the persons under their supervision;
(2) Provide for the financing of these programs by grants from funds in the administrator's custody through operation of canteens and exchanges at such institutions;
(3) Limit the hobbies sponsored to projects which will, in their judgment, be self-liquidating or self-sustaining.
[ 2018 c 45 s 4; 2001 2nd sp.s. c 4 s 8; 1977 ex.s. c 186 s 9; 1959 c 28 s 72.36.090. Prior: 1949 c 114 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 10736-1.]
Notes:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 186: See note following RCW 72.36.030.

catchline: Hobby promotion.


title: RCW 72.36.100

text:
The administrator of each institution referred to in RCW 72.36.090 may purchase, from the appropriation to the institution, for operations, equipment or materials designed to initiate the programs authorized by RCW 72.36.090.
[ 2018 c 45 s 5; 1959 c 28 s 72.36.100. Prior: 1949 c 114 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 10736-2.]

catchline: Purchase of equipment, materials for therapy, hobbies.


title: RCW 72.36.110

text:
The administrator of the Washington veterans' home and the administrator of the Washington soldiers' home and colony are hereby authorized to provide for the burial of deceased members in the cemeteries provided at the Washington veterans' home and Washington soldiers' home: PROVIDED, That this section shall not be construed to prevent any relative from assuming jurisdiction of such deceased persons: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the administrator of the Washington soldiers' home and colony is hereby authorized to provide for the burial of spouses or domestic partners of members of the colony of the Washington soldiers' home.
[ 2018 c 45 s 6; 2008 c 6 s 507; 1959 c 120 s 1; 1959 c 28 s 72.36.110. Prior: 1955 c 247 s 7.]
Notes:
Part headings not law—Severability—2008 c 6: See RCW 26.60.900 and 26.60.901.
Disposition of property of deceased inmate of state institution: RCW 11.08.101, 11.08.111, 11.08.120.

catchline: Burial of deceased member or deceased spouse or domestic partner.


title: RCW 72.36.115

text:
(1) The department shall establish and maintain in this state an eastern Washington state veterans' cemetery.
(2) All honorably discharged veterans and their spouses or state registered domestic partners who meet eligibility requirements under 38 C.F.R. Sec. 38.620 are eligible for interment in the eastern Washington state veterans' cemetery.
(3) The department shall collect all federal veterans' burial benefits and other available state or county resources.
(4) The department shall adopt rules defining the services available, eligibility, fees, and the general operations associated with the eastern Washington state veterans' cemetery.
[ 2017 c 185 s 8; 2009 c 521 s 169; 2007 c 43 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—2007 c 43: "The legislature recognizes the unique sacrifices made by veterans and their family members. The legislature recognizes further that while all veterans are entitled to interment at the Tahoma national cemetery, veterans and families living in eastern Washington desire a veterans' cemetery location closer to their homes. The legislature requested and received the department of veterans affairs feasibility study and business plan outlining the need and feasibility and now intends to establish a state veterans' cemetery to honor veterans in their final resting place." [ 2007 c 43 s 1.]

catchline: Eastern Washington state veterans' cemetery.


title: RCW 72.36.120

text:
All income of residents of a state veterans' home, other than the personal needs allowance and income from therapeutic employment, shall be deposited in the state general fund—local and be available to apply against the cost of care provided by the state veterans' homes. The resident council created under RCW 72.36.150 may make recommendations on expenditures under this section. All expenditures and revenue control shall be subject to chapter 43.88 RCW.
[ 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 7; 1977 ex.s. c 186 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 72.36.140.
Findings—1993 sp.s. c 3: See RCW 72.36.1601.
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 186: See note following RCW 72.36.030.

catchline: Deposit of veteran income—Expenditures and revenue control.


title: RCW 72.36.140

text:
Qualifying operations at state veterans' homes operated by the department of veterans affairs, may be provided under the state's medicaid reimbursement system as administered by the department of social and health services.
The department of veterans affairs may contract with the department of social and health services under the authority of RCW 74.09.120 but shall be exempt from *RCW 74.46.660(6), and the provisions of **RCW 74.46.420 through 74.46.590 shall not apply to the medicaid rate-setting and reimbursement systems. The nursing care operations at the state veterans' homes shall be subject to inspection by the department of social and health services. This includes every part of the state veterans' home's premises, an examination of all records, including financial records, methods of administration, general and special dietary programs, the disbursement of drugs, methods of supply, and any other records the department of social and health services deems relevant.
[ 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 2.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 74.46.660 was repealed by 2010 1st sp.s. c 34 s 21.
**(2) RCW 74.46.420 through 74.46.590 were repealed by 1995 1st sp.s. c 18 s 98, effective June 30, 1998.
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 3: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1993." [ 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 12.]
Findings—1993 sp.s. c 3: See RCW 72.36.1601.

catchline: Medicaid qualifying operations.


title: RCW 72.36.145

text:
No reduction in the allowable income provided for in current department rules may take effect until the effective date of certification of qualifying operations at state veterans' homes for participation in the state's medicaid reimbursement system.
[ 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 10.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 72.36.140.
Findings—1993 sp.s. c 3: See RCW 72.36.1601.

catchline: Reduction in allowable income—Certification of qualifying operations.


title: RCW 72.36.150

text:
The department of veterans affairs shall provide by rule for the annual election of a resident council for each state veterans' home. The council shall annually elect a chair from among its members, who shall call and preside at council meetings. The resident council shall serve in an advisory capacity to the director of the department of veterans affairs and to the administrator in all matters related to policy and operational decisions affecting resident care and life in the home.
By October 31, 1993, the department shall adopt rules that provide for specific duties and procedures of the resident council which create an appropriate and effective relationship between residents and the administration. These rules shall be adopted after consultation with the resident councils and the state long-term care ombuds, and shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(1) Provision of staff technical assistance to the councils;
(2) Provision of an active role for residents in developing choices regarding activities, foods, living arrangements, personal care, and other aspects of resident life;
(3) A procedure for resolving resident grievances; and
(4) The role of the councils in assuring that resident rights are observed.
The development of these rules should include consultation with all residents through the use of both questionnaires and group discussions.
The resident council for each state veterans' home shall annually review the proposed expenditures from the benefit fund that shall contain all private donations to the home, all bequeaths, and gifts. Disbursements from each benefit fund shall be for the benefit and welfare of the residents of the state veterans' homes. Disbursements from the benefits funds shall be on the authorization of the administrator or the administrator's authorized representative after approval has been received from the home's resident council.
The administrator or the administrator's designated representative shall meet with the resident council at least monthly. The director of the department of veterans affairs shall meet with each resident council at least three times each year.
[ 2018 c 45 s 7; 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 72.36.140.
Findings—1993 sp.s. c 3: See RCW 72.36.1601.

catchline: Resident council—Generally—Rules.


title: RCW 72.36.160

text:
The legislature finds that to meet the objectives of RCW 72.36.1601, the personal needs allowance for all nursing care residents of the state veterans' homes shall be an amount approved by the federal health care financing authority, but not less than ninety dollars or more than one hundred sixty dollars per month during periods of residency. For all domiciliary residents, the personal needs allowance shall be one hundred sixty dollars per month, or a higher amount defined in rules adopted by the department.
[ 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 72.36.140.
Findings—1993 sp.s. c 3: See RCW 72.36.1601.

catchline: Personal needs allowance.


title: RCW 72.36.1601

text:
The legislature finds that continued operation of state veterans' homes is necessary to meet the needs of eligible veterans for shelter, personal and nursing care, and related services; that certain residents of veterans' homes or services provided to them may be eligible for participation in the state's medicaid reimbursement system; and that authorizing medicaid participation is appropriate to address the homes' long-term funding needs. The legislature also finds that it is important to maintain the dignity and self-respect of residents of veterans' homes, by providing for continued resident involvement in the homes' operation, and through retention of current law guaranteeing a minimum amount of allowable personal income necessary to meet the greater costs for these residents of transportation, communication, and participation in family and community activities that are vitally important to their maintenance and rehabilitation.
[ 1993 sp.s. c 3 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—1993 sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 72.36.140.

catchline: Findings.


title: RCW 72.36.900

text:
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 s 168.]

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


title: RCW 72.40.010

text:
There are established at Vancouver, Clark county, a school which shall be known as the state school for the blind, and a separate school which shall be known as the *state school for the deaf. The primary purpose of the state school for the blind and the *state school for the deaf is to educate and train hearing and visually impaired children.
The school for the blind shall be under the direction of the superintendent with the advice of the board of trustees. The *school for the deaf shall be under the direction of the director of the center or the director's designee and the board of trustees.
[ 2009 c 381 s 3; 2002 c 209 s 1; 1985 c 378 s 11; 1959 c 28 s 72.40.010. Prior: 1913 c 10 s 1; 1886 p 136 s 1; RRS s 4645.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The "state school for the deaf" was abolished pursuant to 2009 c 381 s 11 and powers, duties, and functions were transferred to the Washington state center for childhood deafness and hearing loss. The "Washington state center for childhood deafness and hearing loss" was renamed the "Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing youth" by 2019 c 266 s 1.
Findings—Intent—Transfer of powers, duties, and property—Construction of statutory references—2009 c 381: See notes following RCW 72.40.015.
Effective date—2002 c 209: See note following RCW 72.42.021.
Severability—Effective date—1985 c 378: See notes following RCW 72.01.050.

catchline: Schools established—Purpose—Direction.