FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5047

                           C 12 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing the standards for information sharing among mental health professionals.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Long, Hargrove and Costa).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections

Background:  Under 1998 legislation, a defendant whose misdemeanor charges have been dismissed due to his or her incompetency but who remains in custody is required to have an additional mental health evaluation under the civil commitment statute.  Concern exists that present law does not permit the professionals providing the evaluation and treatment services or follow-up services to obtain relevant information or records without the consent of the patient.

Summary:  Professionals providing evaluation and treatment or follow-up services under the criminal insanity law are permitted to obtain relevant mental health information or records without the patient=s consent.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 49 0

House     92 0

Effective:  July 25, 1999