FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5279

                          C 188 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Regulating the placement of children in mental health treatment by the department of social and health services.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl‑Welles, Hargrove, Long, Fairley, Prentice and Winsley).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Background:  In Wenatchee, a dependent child was placed in an out-of-state mental health facility, and the child=s parents were unaware of the child=s location and did not consent to placement of the child out of state.

Summary:  When a dependent child is removed from the home, parental consent to admission in a mental health facility is required or the placement must be ordered by the court after notice to the parents and a court hearing.

The treatment facility must be closest to the child=s family home unless the closest facility would jeopardize the health or safety of the child.

The Department of Social and Health Services must provide records needed for treatment to the treating physicians.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 44 0

House     91 0 (House amended)

Senate    44 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 25, 1999