Brief Description: Reorganizing provisions concerning mental health services for minors.

Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, McDonald, Hasegawa, Roach, Jarrett, Takko and Chase.

Hearing Date: 1/21/05

Staff: Sonja Hallum (786-7092).

Background:

Chapter 71.34 RCW establishes three alternative methods of obtaining mental health treatment for minors. First, a minor over the age of thirteen may voluntarily initiate and obtain mental health treatment for himself or herself. Second, a parent may initiate and obtain mental health treatment for his or her child under certain circumstances. Finally, the State may initiate mental health treatment for a minor under the Involuntary Treatment Act.

The statutes relating to the three forms of treatment are set out in Chapter 71.34 RCW. There currently is minimal organizational structure to the chapter.

Summary of Bill:

The bill is a technical reorganization of existing statutes. The statutes are organized into groupings in which related statutes are situated next to one another and placed under subheadings to identify the groupings. There are no substantive changes of law in the bill.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.