2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 70.96A.100: Acceptance for approved treatment — Rules.

The secretary shall adopt and may amend and repeal rules for acceptance of persons into the approved treatment program, considering available treatment resources and facilities, for the purpose of early and effective treatment of alcoholics and other drug addicts, persons incapacitated by alcohol or other psychoactive chemicals, and intoxicated persons. In establishing the rules, the secretary shall be guided by the following standards:

     (1) If possible a patient shall be treated on a voluntary rather than an involuntary basis.

     (2) A patient shall be initially assigned or transferred to outpatient treatment, unless he or she is found to require residential treatment.

     (3) A person shall not be denied treatment solely because he or she has withdrawn from treatment against medical advice on a prior occasion or because he or she has relapsed after earlier treatment.

     (4) An individualized treatment plan shall be prepared and maintained on a current basis for each patient.

     (5) Provision shall be made for a continuum of coordinated treatment services, so that a person who leaves a facility or a form of treatment will have available and use other appropriate treatment.

[1989 c 270 § 23; 1972 ex.s. c 122 § 10.]