1057-S AMH BACK H1784.1

SHB 1057 - H AMD 036 ADOPTED 2-21-97

By Representative Backlund

    On page 1, beginning on line 18, after "respondent." strike the remainder of subsection (1) through page 2, line 14, and insert "A licensee must be notified upon receipt of a complaint, except when the notification would impede an effective investigation.  At the earliest point of time the licensee must be allowed to submit a written statement about that complaint, which statement must be included in the file.  Complaints filed after the effective date of this act are exempt from public disclosure under chapter 42.17 RCW until the complaint has been initially assessed and determined to warrant an investigation by the disciplining authority.  Complaints determined not to warrant an investigation by the disciplining authority are no longer considered complaints, but must remain in the records and tracking system of the department.  Information about complaints that did not warrant an investigation, including the existence of the complaint, may be released only upon receipt of a written public disclosure request.  Complaints determined to warrant no cause for action after investigation are subject to public disclosure, must include an explanation of the determination to close the complaint, and must remain in the records and tracking system of the department."

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