2018 Revised Code of Washington
Title 71 - MENTAL ILLNESS
71.34 Mental health services for minors.
71.34.730 Petition for fourteen-day commitment—Requirements.

RCW 71.34.730 Petition for fourteen-day commitment—Requirements.

(1) The professional person in charge of an evaluation and treatment facility, secure detoxification facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program where a minor has been admitted involuntarily for the initial seventy-two hour treatment period under this chapter may petition to have a minor committed to an evaluation and treatment facility or, in the case of a minor with a substance use disorder, to a secure detoxification facility or approved substance use disorder treatment program for fourteen-day diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.

If the professional person in charge of the facility does not petition to have the minor committed, the parent who has custody of the minor may seek review of that decision in court. The parent shall file notice with the court and provide a copy of the treatment and evaluation facility's report.

(2) A petition for commitment of a minor under this section shall be filed with the superior court in the county where the minor is residing or being detained.

(a) A petition for a fourteen-day commitment shall be signed by: (i) Two physicians; (ii) one physician and a mental health professional; (iii) one physician assistant and a mental health professional; or (iv) one psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner and a mental health professional. The person signing the petition must have examined the minor, and the petition must contain the following:

(A) The name and address of the petitioner;

(B) The name of the minor alleged to meet the criteria for fourteen-day commitment;

(C) The name, telephone number, and address if known of every person believed by the petitioner to be legally responsible for the minor;

(D) A statement that the petitioner has examined the minor and finds that the minor's condition meets required criteria for fourteen-day commitment and the supporting facts therefor;

(E) A statement that the minor has been advised of the need for voluntary treatment but has been unwilling or unable to consent to necessary treatment;

(F) If the petition is for mental health treatment, a statement that the minor has been advised of the loss of firearm rights if involuntarily committed;

(G) A statement recommending the appropriate facility or facilities to provide the necessary treatment; and

(H) A statement concerning whether a less restrictive alternative to inpatient treatment is in the best interests of the minor.

(b) A copy of the petition shall be personally delivered to the minor by the petitioner or petitioner's designee. A copy of the petition shall be sent to the minor's attorney and the minor's parent.

[ 2016 sp.s. c 29 § 273; 2016 c 155 § 20. Prior: 2009 c 293 § 6; 2009 c 217 § 17; 1995 c 312 § 54; 1985 c 354 § 7. Formerly RCW 71.34.070.]

NOTES:

Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2016 c 155 § 20 and by 2016 sp.s. c 29 § 273, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

Effective dates—2016 sp.s. c 29: See note following RCW 71.05.760.

Short title—Right of action—2016 sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 71.05.010.

Short title—1995 c 312: See note following RCW 13.32A.010.