Revised Code of Washington
Chapter 71.40 - Office of Behavioral Health Consumer Advocacy.
71.40.050 - Duties of certified behavioral health consumer advocates.

RCW 71.40.050
Duties of certified behavioral health consumer advocates.

(1) A certified behavioral health consumer advocate shall:
(a) Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, patients, residents, and clients of behavioral health providers or facilities relating to administrative action, inaction, or decisions that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of these individuals;
(b) Assist and advocate on behalf of patients, residents, and clients of behavioral health providers or facilities before government agencies and seek administrative, legal, and other remedies on their behalf, if appropriate;
(c) Inform patients, residents, and clients or their representatives about applicable patient and resident rights, and provide information, as appropriate, to patients, residents, clients, family members, guardians, resident representatives, and others regarding the rights of patients and residents;
(d) Make recommendations through the office and the contracting advocacy organization for improvements to the quality of services provided to patients, residents, and clients of behavioral health providers or facilities; and
(e) With the consent of the patient, resident, or client, involve family members, friends, or other designated individuals in the process of resolving complaints.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to grant a certified behavioral health consumer advocate:
(a) Statutory or regulatory licensing or sanctioning authority; or
(b) Binding adjudicative authority.

[ 2021 c 202 § 5.]

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