71.09.070 - Annual examinations of persons committed under chapter. - Washington Statutes

Annual examinations of persons committed under chapter.

Each person committed under this chapter shall have a current examination of his or her mental condition made by the department of social and health services at least once every year. The annual report shall include consideration of whether the committed person currently meets the definition of a sexually violent predator and whether conditional release to a less restrictive alternative is in the best interest of the person and conditions can be imposed that would adequately protect the community. The department of social and health services shall file this periodic report with the court that committed the person under this chapter. The report shall be in the form of a declaration or certification in compliance with the requirements of RCW 9A.72.085 and shall be prepared by a professionally qualified person as defined by rules adopted by the secretary. A copy of the report shall be served on the prosecuting agency involved in the initial commitment and upon the committed person and his or her counsel. The committed person may retain, or if he or she is indigent and so requests, the court may appoint a qualified expert or a professional person to examine him or her, and such expert or professional person shall have access to all records concerning the person.

[2001 c 286 § 8; 1995 c 216 § 7; 1990 c 3 § 1007.]

Notes: Recommendations -- Application -- Effective date -- 2001 c 286: See notes following RCW 71.09.015.