2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 71.05.040: Detention or judicial commitment of persons who are developmentally disabled, impaired by chronic alcoholism or drug abuse, or suffering from dementia.

Persons who are developmentally disabled, impaired by chronic alcoholism or drug abuse, or suffering from dementia shall not be detained for evaluation and treatment or judicially committed solely by reason of that condition unless such condition causes a person to be gravely disabled or as a result of a mental disorder such condition exists that constitutes a likelihood of serious harm: Provided however, That persons who are developmentally disabled, impaired by chronic alcoholism or drug abuse, or suffering from dementia and who otherwise meet the criteria for detention or judicial commitment are not ineligible for detention or commitment based on this condition alone.

[2004 c 166 § 2; 1997 c 112 § 4; 1987 c 439 § 1; 1977 ex.s. c 80 § 41; 1975 1st ex.s. c 199 § 1; 1974 ex.s. c 145 § 5; 1973 1st ex.s. c 142 § 9.]

Severability -- 2004 c 166: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [2004 c 166 § 23.]      Effective dates -- 2004 c 166: "This act takes effect July 1, 2004, except for sections 6, 20, and 22 of this act, which are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [March 26, 2004]." [2004 c 166 § 24.]      Purpose -- Intent -- Severability -- 1977 ex.s. c 80: See notes following RCW 4.16.190.