2217-S2.E AMS HARG S5718.2

E2SHB 2217 - S AMD TO HSC COMM AMD (S5481.3) - 247

By Senators Hargrove, Long, Franklin and Kohl

                                                   ADOPTED 2/29/96

    On page 31, beginning on line 23 of the amendment, strike all of subsections (b) and (c) and insert the following:

    "(b) Any provider of outpatient treatment for a minor thirteen years of age or older shall provide notice of the treatment to the minor's parents.  The notice shall be made upon the completion of the child's second visit for treatment, and shall contain the name, location, and telephone number of the mental health care provider who is designated to discuss the minor's need for treatment with the parent.

(c) A treatment provider may defer notification to a parent of a minor's request for treatment if:  (i) The minor alleges physical or sexual abuse by the parent and the treatment provider notifies the department of the alleged abuse.  Upon completion of its assessment of the allegation, the department shall notify the treatment provider of its findings.  If the department determines the allegation is not valid, the treatment provider shall immediately notify the parent of the minor's treatment.  If the department determines the allegation is valid, the treatment provider need not provide notice to the parent; or (ii) the provider believes the parental notification will interfere with the necessary treatment for the minor.  If the provider believes the notification will interfere with the necessary treatment, the provider shall notify the department.  The department shall review the circumstances and pursue either a child in need of services petition, if the child meets the definition under RCW 13.32A.030(4)(c), or a dependency petition under chapter 13.34 RCW, if the child meets the definition of a dependent child under RCW 13.34.030(4).  If the department determines neither petition is appropriate it shall immediately inform the provider, who shall notify the parent of the  treatment within twenty-four hours or after the second visit for treatment, whichever is later."

EFFECT:  Limits the parental notification of mental health outpatient when the provider believes the parent will interfere with necessary treatment.   DSHS must evaluate those situations and file a CHINS or dependency petition in appropriate cases.  If DSHS determines a petition is not appropriate, the providers must notify the parent within 24 hours or after the second treatment, whichever is later.

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