2020 Revised Code of Washington
Title 71 - Mental Illness
Chapter 71.34 - Behavioral Health Services for Minors.
71.34.710 Adolescent who presents likelihood of serious harm or is gravely disabled—Transport to inpatient facility—Petition for initial detention—Notice—Facility to evaluate and admit or release adolescent.

*** CHANGE IN 2021 *** (SEE 5073-S.SL) ***

(1)(a) When a designated crisis responder receives information that an adolescent as a result of a behavioral health disorder presents a likelihood of serious harm or is gravely disabled, has investigated the specific facts alleged and of the credibility of the person or persons providing the information, and has determined that voluntary admission for inpatient treatment is not possible, the designated crisis responder may take the adolescent, or cause the adolescent to be taken, into custody and transported to an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program providing inpatient treatment.

A secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility or approved substance use disorder treatment program must be available and have adequate space for the adolescent.

(b) If a designated crisis responder decides not to detain an adolescent for evaluation and treatment under RCW 71.34.700(2), or forty-eight hours have elapsed since a designated crisis responder received a request for investigation and the designated crisis responder has not taken action to have the adolescent detained, an immediate family member or guardian or conservator of the adolescent may petition the superior court for the adolescent's detention using the procedures under RCW 71.05.201 and 71.05.203; however, when the court enters an order of initial detention, except as otherwise expressly stated in this chapter, all procedures must be followed as if the order has been entered under (a) of this subsection.

(2)(a) Within twelve hours of the adolescent's arrival at the evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program, the designated crisis responder shall serve on the adolescent a copy of the petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights. The designated crisis responder shall file with the court on the next judicial day following the initial detention the original petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights along with an affidavit of service. The designated crisis responder shall commence service of the petition for initial detention and notice of the initial detention on the adolescent's parent and the adolescent's attorney as soon as possible following the initial detention.

(b) If the adolescent is involuntarily detained at an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program in a different county from where the adolescent was initially detained, the facility or program may serve the adolescent, notify the adolescent's parents and the adolescent's attorney, and file with the court on the next judicial day following the initial detention the original petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights along with an affidavit of service when filing with the court at the request of the designated crisis responder.

(3)(a) At the time of initial detention, the designated crisis responder shall advise the adolescent both orally and in writing that if admitted to the evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program for inpatient treatment, a commitment hearing shall be held within seventy-two hours of the adolescent's provisional acceptance to determine whether probable cause exists to commit the adolescent for further treatment.

(b) The adolescent shall be advised that he or she has a right to communicate immediately with an attorney and that he or she has a right to have an attorney appointed to represent him or her before and at the hearing if the adolescent is indigent.

(4) Subject to subsection (5) of this section, whenever the designated crisis responder petitions for detention of an adolescent under this chapter, an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program providing seventy-two hour evaluation and treatment must immediately accept on a provisional basis the petition and the person. Within twenty-four hours of the adolescent's arrival, the facility must evaluate the adolescent's condition and either admit or release the adolescent in accordance with this chapter.

(5) A designated crisis responder may not petition for detention of an adolescent to a secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility or approved substance use disorder treatment program unless there is a secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility or approved substance use disorder treatment program available and that has adequate space for the adolescent.

(6) If an adolescent is not approved for admission by the inpatient evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program, the facility shall make such recommendations and referrals for further care and treatment of the adolescent as necessary.

(7) Dismissal of a commitment petition is not the appropriate remedy for a violation of the timeliness requirements of this section, based on the purpose of this chapter under RCW 71.34.010, except in the few cases where the facility staff or the designated crisis responder have totally disregarded the requirements of this section.

[ 2020 c 302 § 82. Prior: 2019 c 446 § 32; 2019 c 381 § 16; 2016 sp.s. c 29 § 269; 1995 c 312 § 53; 1985 c 354 § 5. Formerly RCW 71.34.050.]

NOTES:

Expiration date—2020 c 302 §§ 12, 15, 25, 31, 33, 35, 38, 54, 75, 82, 85, 88, and 91: See note following RCW 71.05.150.

Expiration date—2019 c 446 §§ 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 30, 32, 34, 37, 39, and 41: See note following RCW 71.05.150.

Expiration date—2019 c 381 §§ 14 and 16: See note following RCW 71.34.700.

Short title—2019 c 381: See note following RCW 71.34.500.

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.

RCW 71.34.710

Adolescent who presents likelihood of serious harm or is gravely disabled—Transport to inpatient facility—Petition for initial detention—Notice—Facility to evaluate and admit or release adolescent. (Effective January 1, 2021, until July 1, 2026.)

*** CHANGE IN 2021 *** (SEE 5073-S.SL) ***

(1)(a) When a designated crisis responder receives information that an adolescent as a result of a behavioral health disorder presents a likelihood of serious harm or is gravely disabled, has investigated the specific facts alleged and of the credibility of the person or persons providing the information, and has determined that voluntary admission for inpatient treatment is not possible, the designated crisis responder may take the adolescent, or cause the adolescent to be taken, into custody and transported to an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program providing inpatient treatment.

A secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility or approved substance use disorder treatment program must be available and have adequate space for the adolescent.

(b) If a designated crisis responder decides not to detain an adolescent for evaluation and treatment under RCW 71.34.700(2), or forty-eight hours have elapsed since a designated crisis responder received a request for investigation and the designated crisis responder has not taken action to have the adolescent detained, an immediate family member or guardian or conservator of the adolescent may petition the superior court for the adolescent's detention using the procedures under RCW 71.05.201 and 71.05.203; however, when the court enters an order of initial detention, except as otherwise expressly stated in this chapter, all procedures must be followed as if the order has been entered under (a) of this subsection.

(2)(a) Within twelve hours of the adolescent's arrival at the evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program, the designated crisis responder shall serve on the adolescent a copy of the petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights. The designated crisis responder shall file with the court on the next judicial day following the initial detention the original petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights along with an affidavit of service. The designated crisis responder shall commence service of the petition for initial detention and notice of the initial detention on the adolescent's parent and the adolescent's attorney as soon as possible following the initial detention.

(b) If the adolescent is involuntarily detained at an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program in a different county from where the adolescent was initially detained, the facility or program may serve the adolescent, notify the adolescent's parents and the adolescent's attorney, and file with the court on the next judicial day following the initial detention the original petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights along with an affidavit of service when filing with the court at the request of the designated crisis responder.

(3)(a) At the time of initial detention, the designated crisis responder shall advise the adolescent both orally and in writing that if admitted to the evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program for inpatient treatment, a commitment hearing shall be held within one hundred twenty hours of the adolescent's provisional acceptance to determine whether probable cause exists to commit the adolescent for further treatment.

(b) The adolescent shall be advised that he or she has a right to communicate immediately with an attorney and that he or she has a right to have an attorney appointed to represent him or her before and at the hearing if the adolescent is indigent.

(4) Subject to subsection (5) of this section, whenever the designated crisis responder petitions for detention of an adolescent under this chapter, an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program providing one hundred twenty hour evaluation and treatment must immediately accept on a provisional basis the petition and the person. Within twenty-four hours of the adolescent's arrival, the facility must evaluate the adolescent's condition and either admit or release the adolescent in accordance with this chapter.

(5) A designated crisis responder may not petition for detention of an adolescent to a secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility or approved substance use disorder treatment program unless there is a secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility or approved substance use disorder treatment program available and that has adequate space for the adolescent.

(6) If an adolescent is not approved for admission by the inpatient evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program, the facility shall make such recommendations and referrals for further care and treatment of the adolescent as necessary.

(7) Dismissal of a commitment petition is not the appropriate remedy for a violation of the timeliness requirements of this section, based on the purpose of this chapter under RCW 71.34.010, except in the few cases where the facility staff or the designated crisis responder have totally disregarded the requirements of this section.

[ 2020 c 302 § 83. Prior: 2019 c 446 § 32; 2019 c 381 § 16; 2016 sp.s. c 29 § 269; 1995 c 312 § 53; 1985 c 354 § 5. Formerly RCW 71.34.050.]

NOTES:

Effective date—2020 c 302 §§ 13, 16, 19-23, 26, 32, 34, 36, 39, 55, 59, 76, 83, 86, 89, and 92: See note following RCW 71.05.150.

Expiration date—2020 c 302 §§ 13, 16, 26, 39, 45, 55, 78, 83, 86, 92, 94, and 97: See note following RCW 71.05.150.

Expiration date—2019 c 446 §§ 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 30, 32, 34, 37, 39, and 41: See note following RCW 71.05.150.

Expiration date—2019 c 381 §§ 14 and 16: See note following RCW 71.34.700.

Short title—2019 c 381: See note following RCW 71.34.500.

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.

RCW 71.34.710

Adolescent who presents likelihood of serious harm or is gravely disabled—Transport to inpatient facility—Petition for initial detention—Notice—Facility to evaluate and admit or release adolescent. (Effective July 1, 2026.)

*** CHANGE IN 2021 *** (SEE 5073-S.SL) ***

(1)(a) When a designated crisis responder receives information that an adolescent as a result of a behavioral health disorder presents a likelihood of serious harm or is gravely disabled, has investigated the specific facts alleged and of the credibility of the person or persons providing the information, and has determined that voluntary admission for inpatient treatment is not possible, the designated crisis responder may take the adolescent, or cause the adolescent to be taken, into custody and transported to an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program providing inpatient treatment.

(b) If a designated crisis responder decides not to detain an adolescent for evaluation and treatment under RCW 71.34.700(2), or forty-eight hours have elapsed since a designated crisis responder received a request for investigation and the designated crisis responder has not taken action to have the adolescent detained, an immediate family member or guardian or conservator of the adolescent may petition the superior court for the adolescent's detention using the procedures under RCW 71.05.201 and 71.05.203; however, when the court enters an order of initial detention, except as otherwise expressly stated in this chapter, all procedures must be followed as if the order has been entered under (a) of this subsection.

(2)(a) Within twelve hours of the adolescent's arrival at the evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program, the designated crisis responder shall serve on the adolescent a copy of the petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights. The designated crisis responder shall file with the court on the next judicial day following the initial detention the original petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights along with an affidavit of service. The designated crisis responder shall commence service of the petition for initial detention and notice of the initial detention on the adolescent's parent and the adolescent's attorney as soon as possible following the initial detention.

(b) If the adolescent is involuntarily detained at an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program in a different county from where the adolescent was initially detained, the facility or program may serve the adolescent, notify the adolescent's parents and the adolescent's attorney, and file with the court on the next judicial day following the initial detention the original petition for initial detention, notice of initial detention, and statement of rights along with an affidavit of service when filing with the court at the request of the designated crisis responder.

(3)(a) At the time of initial detention, the designated crisis responder shall advise the adolescent both orally and in writing that if admitted to the evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program for inpatient treatment, a commitment hearing shall be held within one hundred twenty hours of the adolescent's provisional acceptance to determine whether probable cause exists to commit the adolescent for further treatment.

(b) The adolescent shall be advised that he or she has a right to communicate immediately with an attorney and that he or she has a right to have an attorney appointed to represent him or her before and at the hearing if the adolescent is indigent.

(4) Whenever the designated crisis responder petitions for detention of an adolescent under this chapter, an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program providing one hundred twenty hour evaluation and treatment must immediately accept on a provisional basis the petition and the person. Within twenty-four hours of the adolescent's arrival, the facility must evaluate the adolescent's condition and either admit or release the adolescent in accordance with this chapter.

(5) If an adolescent is not approved for admission by the inpatient evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program, the facility shall make such recommendations and referrals for further care and treatment of the adolescent as necessary.

(6) Dismissal of a commitment petition is not the appropriate remedy for a violation of the timeliness requirements of this section, based on the purpose of this chapter under RCW 71.34.010, except in the few cases where the facility staff or the designated crisis responder have totally disregarded the requirements of this section.

[ 2020 c 302 § 84. Prior: 2019 c 446 § 33; 2019 c 381 § 17; 2016 sp.s. c 29 § 270; 2016 sp.s. c 29 § 269; 1995 c 312 § 53; 1985 c 354 § 5. Formerly RCW 71.34.050.]

NOTES:

Effective date—2020 c 302 §§ 14, 17, 27, 40, 46, 56, 79, 84, 87, 93, 95, and 98: See note following RCW 71.05.150.

Effective date—2019 c 446 §§ 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 31, 33, 35, 38, 40, and 42: See note following RCW 71.05.150.

Effective date—2019 c 381 §§ 15 and 17: See note following RCW 71.34.700.

Short title—2019 c 381: See note following RCW 71.34.500.

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.