71.12.570 - Communications by patients -- Rights. - Washington Statutes

Communications by patients — Rights.

No person in an establishment as defined in this chapter shall be restrained from sending written communications of the fact of his detention in such establishment to a friend, relative, or other person. The physician in charge of such person and the person in charge of such establishment shall send each such communication to the person to whom it is addressed. All persons in an establishment as defined by chapter 71.12 RCW shall have no less than all rights secured to involuntarily detained persons by RCW 71.05.360 and *71.05.370 and to voluntarily admitted or committed persons pursuant to RCW 71.05.050 and 71.05.380.

[1973 1st ex.s. c 142 § 2; 1959 c 25 § 71.12.570. Prior: 1949 c 198 § 66; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 6953-65.]

Notes: *Reviser's note: RCW 71.05.370 was recodified as RCW 71.05.217 pursuant to 2005 c 504 § 108, effective July 1, 2005.

Severability -- Construction -- Effective date -- 1973 1st ex.s. c 142: See RCW 71.05.900 through 71.05.930.