2018 Revised Code of Washington
Title 71 - MENTAL ILLNESS
71.24 Community mental health services act.
71.24.565 Acceptance for approved treatment—Rules.

RCW 71.24.565 Acceptance for approved treatment—Rules.

The director 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 persons with substance use disorders, 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(3) A person shall not be denied treatment solely because he or she has withdrawn from treatment against medical advice on a prior occasion or because he or she has relapsed after earlier treatment.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.

[ 2018 c 201 § 4043; 2014 c 225 § 27; 1989 c 270 § 23; 1972 ex.s. c 122 § 10. Formerly RCW 70.96A.100.]

NOTES:

*Reviser's note: The powers, duties, and functions of the secretary of the department of social and health services pertaining to the behavioral health system and purchasing function of the behavioral health administration, except for oversight and management of state-run mental health institutions and licensing and certification activities, were transfered to the director of the health care authority by chapter 201, Laws of 2018.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.

Effective date—2014 c 225: See note following RCW 71.24.016.