SB 6001 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Declares that a guardian ad litem may release confidential information, records, and reports to the office of the family and children's ombudsman for the purposes of carrying out its duties under chapter 43.06A RCW.

     Provides that a contracting agency or service provider of the department of social and health services that provides counseling, psychological, psychiatric, or medical services may release confidential information, records, or reports relating to the juvenile to the office of the family and children's ombudsman for the purposes of carrying out its duties under chapter 43.06A RCW.

     Declares that the department of social and health services shall:  (1) Allow the ombudsman or the ombudsman's designee to communicate privately by mail or orally with any child or family receiving family and children's services;

     (2) upon the ombudsman's request, grant the ombudsman or the ombudsman's designee the right to access, inspect, and copy all relevant information, records, or documents in the possession or control of the department that the ombudsman considers necessary in an investigation; and

     (3) grant the office of the family and children's ombudsman unrestricted on-line access to the case and management information system (CAMIS).