70.124.060 - Liability of persons making reports. - Washington Statutes

Liability of persons making reports.

(1) A person other than a person alleged to have committed the abuse or neglect participating in good faith in the making of a report pursuant to this chapter, or testifying as to alleged patient abuse or neglect in a judicial proceeding, is, in so doing, immune from any liability, civil or criminal, arising out of such reporting or testifying under any law of this state or its political subdivisions, and if such person is an employee of a state hospital it is an unfair practice under chapter 49.60 RCW for the employer to discharge, expel, or otherwise discriminate against the employee for such reporting activity.

     (2) Conduct conforming with the reporting requirements of this chapter is not a violation of the confidential communication privilege of RCW 5.60.060 (3) or (4) or 18.83.110. Nothing in this chapter supersedes or abridges remedies provided in chapter 4.92 RCW.

[1999 c 176 § 24; 1993 c 510 § 25; 1981 c 174 § 5; 1979 ex.s. c 228 § 6.]

Notes: Findings--Purpose -- Severability--Conflict with federal requirements -- 1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.

Severability -- 1993 c 510: See note following RCW 49.60.010.