RCW 70.124.030
Reports of abuse or neglect.
(1) When any practitioner, social worker, psychologist, pharmacist, employee of a state hospital, or employee of the department has reasonable cause to believe that a state hospital patient has suffered abuse or neglect, the person shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to either a law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 70.124.040.
(2) Any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a state hospital patient has suffered abuse or neglect may report such incident to either a law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 70.124.040.
(3) The department or any law enforcement agency receiving a report of an incident of abuse or neglect involving a state hospital patient who has died or has had physical injury or injuries inflicted other than by accidental means or who has been subjected to sexual abuse shall report the incident to the proper county prosecutor for appropriate action.
[ 1999 c 176 § 22; 1981 c 174 § 3; 1979 ex.s. c 228 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings—Purpose—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 70 - Public Health and Safety
Chapter 70.124 - Abuse of Patients.
70.124.010 - Legislative findings.
70.124.030 - Reports of abuse or neglect.
70.124.040 - Reports to department or law enforcement agency—Action required.
70.124.050 - Investigations required—Seeking restraining orders authorized.
70.124.060 - Liability of persons making reports.
70.124.070 - Failure to report is gross misdemeanor.
70.124.080 - Department reports of abused or neglected patients.
70.124.090 - Publicizing objectives.
70.124.100 - Retaliation against whistleblowers and residents—Remedies—Rules.