71.34.720 - Examination and evaluation of minor approved for inpatient admission -- Referral to chemical dependency treatment program -- Right to communication, exception -- Evaluation and treatment p - Washington Statutes

Examination and evaluation of minor approved for inpatient admission — Referral to chemical dependency treatment program — Right to communication, exception — Evaluation and treatment period.

(1) Each minor approved by the facility for inpatient admission shall be examined and evaluated by a children's mental health specialist as to the child's mental condition and by a physician or psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner as to the child's physical condition within twenty-four hours of admission. Reasonable measures shall be taken to ensure medical treatment is provided for any condition requiring immediate medical attention.

     (2) If, after examination and evaluation, the children's mental health specialist and the physician or psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner determine that the initial needs of the minor would be better served by placement in a chemical dependency treatment facility, then the minor shall be referred to an approved treatment program defined under RCW 70.96A.020.

     (3) The admitting facility shall take reasonable steps to notify immediately the minor's parent of the admission.

     (4) During the initial seventy-two hour treatment period, the minor has a right to associate or receive communications from parents or others unless the professional person in charge determines that such communication would be seriously detrimental to the minor's condition or treatment and so indicates in the minor's clinical record, and notifies the minor's parents of this determination. In no event may the minor be denied the opportunity to consult an attorney.

     (5) If the evaluation and treatment facility admits the minor, it may detain the minor for evaluation and treatment for a period not to exceed seventy-two hours from the time of provisional acceptance. The computation of such seventy-two hour period shall exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This initial treatment period shall not exceed seventy-two hours except when an application for voluntary inpatient treatment is received or a petition for fourteen-day commitment is filed.

     (6) Within twelve hours of the admission, the facility shall advise the minor of his or her rights as set forth in this chapter.

[2009 c 217 § 16; 1991 c 364 § 12; 1985 c 354 § 6. Formerly RCW 71.34.060.]

Notes: Findings -- Construction -- Conflict with federal requirements -- 1991 c 364: See notes following RCW 70.96A.020.