PDFWAC 246-15-020

Rights and responsibilities—Whistleblower and department.

(1) A person who in good faith communicates a complaint or information as defined in this chapter as provided in RCW 43.70.075 is:
(a) Immune from civil liability on claims based upon that communication to the department under RCW 4.24.510;
(b) Entitled to recover costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in establishing a defense under RCW 4.24.510 if prevailing upon the defense; and
(c) Afforded the protections and remedies of the human rights commission pursuant to chapter 49.60 RCW. The department will refer whistleblowers expressing concern about reprisal or retaliatory action to the human rights commission.
(2) The department will protect the identity of the whistleblower by revealing it only:
(a) To appropriate department staff or disciplining authority member;
(b) By court order; or
(c) If the complaint is not in good faith.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.075 and 43.70.040. WSR 97-02-013, § 246-15-020, filed 12/20/96, effective 1/20/97.]