S-1963

AN ACT Relating to protection of vulnerable adults; amending RCW 74.34.020, 74.34.025, 74.34.050, 74.34.070, 74.34.080, 74.34.110, 74.34.130, 74.34.180, 74.34.200, 70.124.010, 70.124.020, 70.124.030, 70.124.060, 70.124.090, 70.124.100, 26.44.010, 26.44.015, 26.44.020, 26.44.030, 26.44.032, 26.44.040, and 74.39A.060; reenacting and amending RCW 70.124.040 and 26.44.050; adding new sections to chapter 74.34 RCW; creating new sections; and repealing RCW 74.34.010, 74.34.015, 74.34.030, 74.34.055, and 74.34.060.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the provisions for the protection of vulnerable adults found in chapters 26.44, 70.124, and 74.34 RCW contain different definitions for abandonment, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. The legislature finds that combining the sections of these chapters that pertain to the protection of vulnerable adults would better serve this state's population of vulnerable adults. The purpose of chapter 74.34 RCW is to provide the department and law enforcement agencies with the authority to investigate complaints of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of vulnerable adults and to provide protective services and legal remedies to protect these vulnerable adults.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 74.34 RCW to read as follows:

The legislature finds and declares that:

(1) Some adults are vulnerable and may be subjected to abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or abandonment by a family member, care provider, or other person who has a relationship with the vulnerable adult;

(2) A vulnerable adult may be home bound or otherwise unable to represent himself or herself in court or to retain legal counsel in order to obtain the relief available under this chapter or other protections offered through the courts;

(3) A vulnerable adult may lack the ability to perform or obtain those services necessary to maintain his or her well-being because he or she lacks the capacity for consent;

(4) A vulnerable adult may have health problems that place him or her in a dependent position;

(5) The department and appropriate agencies must be prepared to receive reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of vulnerable adults;

(6) The department must provide protective services in the least restrictive environment appropriate and available to the vulnerable adult.

Sec. 3. RCW 74.34.020 and 1997 c 392 s 523 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Abandonment" means action or inaction by a person or entity with a duty of care for a ((~~frail elder or a~~)) vulnerable adult that leaves the vulnerable person without the means or ability to obtain necessary food, clothing, shelter, or health care.

(2) "Abuse" means ((~~a nonaccidental act of physical or mental mistreatment or injury, or sexual mistreatment, which harms a person through action or inaction by another individual~~)) the willful action or inaction that inflicts injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment on a vulnerable adult. In instances of abuse of a vulnerable adult who is unable to express or demonstrate physical harm, pain, or mental anguish, the abuse is presumed to cause physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. Abuse includes sexual abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult, which have the following meanings:

(a) "Sexual abuse" means any form of nonconsensual sexual contact, including but not limited to unwanted or inappropriate touching, rape, sodomy, sexual coercion, sexually explicit photographing, and sexual harassment. Sexual abuse includes any sexual contact between a staff person, who is not also a resident or client, of a facility or a staff person of a program authorized under chapter 71A.12 RCW, and a vulnerable adult living in that facility or receiving service from a program authorized under chapter 71A.12 RCW, whether or not it is consensual.

(b) "Physical abuse" means the willful action of inflicting bodily injury or physical mistreatment. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, striking with or without an object, slapping, pinching, choking, kicking, shoving, prodding, or the use of chemical restraints or physical restraints unless the restraints are consistent with licensing requirements, and includes restraints that are otherwise being used inappropriately.

(c) "Mental abuse" means any willful action or inaction of mental or verbal abuse. Mental abuse includes, but is not limited to, coercion, harassment, inappropriately isolating a vulnerable adult from family, friends, or regular activity, and verbal assault that includes ridiculing, intimidating, yelling, or swearing.

(d) "Exploitation" means an act of forcing, compelling, or exerting undue influence over a vulnerable adult causing the vulnerable adult to act in a way that is inconsistent with relevant past behavior, or causing the vulnerable adult to perform services for the benefit of another.

(3) "Consent" means express written consent granted after the ((~~person~~)) vulnerable adult or his or her legal representative has been fully informed of the nature of the services to be offered and that the receipt of services is voluntary.

(4) "Department" means the department of social and health services.

(5) ((~~"Exploitation" means the illegal or improper use of a frail elder or vulnerable adult or that person's income or resources, including trust funds, for another person's profit or advantage.~~

(6) "Neglect" means a pattern of conduct or inaction by a person or entity with a duty of care for a frail elder or vulnerable adult that results in the deprivation of care necessary to maintain the vulnerable person's physical or mental health.

~~(7) "Secretary" means the secretary of social and health services.~~

(8) "Frail elder or vulnerable adult" means a person sixty years of age or older who has the functional, mental, or physical inability to care for himself or herself. "Frail elder or vulnerable adult" shall include persons found incapacitated under chapter 11.88 RCW, or a person who has a developmental disability under chapter 71A.10 RCW, and persons admitted to any long-term care facility that is licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 18.20, 18.51, 72.36, or 70.128 RCW, or persons receiving services from home health, hospice, or home care agencies licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW.

(9) No frail elder or vulnerable person who relies upon and is being provided spiritual treatment in lieu of medical treatment in accordance with the tenets and practices of a well-recognized religious denomination shall for that reason alone be considered abandoned, abused, or neglected.)) "Facility" means a residence licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW, boarding homes; chapter 18.51 RCW, nursing homes; chapter 70.128 RCW, adult family homes; chapter 72.36 RCW, soldiers' homes; or chapter 71A.20 RCW, residential habilitation centers; or any other facility licensed by the department.

(6) "Financial exploitation" means the illegal or improper use of the property, income, resources, or trust funds of the vulnerable adult by any person for any person's profit or advantage.

(7) "Individual provider" means a person under contract with the department to provide services in the home under chapter 74.09 or 74.39A RCW.

(8) "Mandated reporter" is an employee of the department; law enforcement officer; social worker; professional school personnel; individual provider; an employee of a facility; an operator of a facility; an employee of a social service, welfare, mental health, adult day health, adult day care, home health, home care, or hospice agency; county coroner or medical examiner; Christian Science practitioner; or health care provider subject to chapter 18.130 RCW.

(9) "Neglect" means (a) a pattern of conduct or inaction by a person or entity with a duty of care to provide the goods and services that maintain physical or mental health of a vulnerable adult, or that avoids or prevents physical or mental harm or pain to a vulnerable adult; or (b) an act or omission that demonstrates a serious disregard of consequences of such a magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the vulnerable adult's health, welfare, or safety.

(10) "Permissive reporter" means any person, employee of a financial institution, attorney, or volunteer in a facility or program providing services for vulnerable adults.

(11) "Protective services" means any services provided by the department to a vulnerable adult with the consent of the vulnerable adult, or the legal representative of the vulnerable adult, who has been abandoned, abused, financially exploited, neglected, or in a state of self-neglect. These services may include, but are not limited to case management, social casework, home care, placement, arranging for medical evaluations, psychological evaluations, day care, or referral for legal assistance.

(12) "Self-neglect" means the failure of a vulnerable adult, not living in a facility, to provide for himself or herself the goods and services necessary for the vulnerable adult's physical or mental health, and the absence of which impairs or threatens the vulnerable adult's well-being. This definition may include a vulnerable adult who is receiving services through home health, hospice, or a home care agency, or an individual provider when the neglect is not a result of inaction by that agency or individual provider.

(13) "Vulnerable adult" includes a person:

(a) Sixty years of age or older who has the functional, mental, or physical inability to care for himself or herself; or

(b) Found incapacitated under chapter 11.88 RCW; or

(d) Admitted to any facility; or

(e) Receiving services from home health, hospice, or home care agencies licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW; or

(f) Receiving services from an individual provider.

Sec. 4. RCW 74.34.025 and 1997 c 392 s 304 are each amended to read as follows:

The cost of benefits and services provided to a ((~~frail elder or~~)) vulnerable adult under this chapter with state funds only does not constitute an obligation or lien and is not recoverable from the recipient of the services or from the recipient's estate, whether by lien, adjustment, or any other means of recovery.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 74.34 RCW to read as follows:

(1) When there is reasonable cause to believe that abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult has occurred, mandated reporters shall immediately report to the department. If there is reason to suspect that sexual or physical assault has occurred, mandated reporters shall immediately report to the appropriate law enforcement agency and to the department.

(2) Permissive reporters may report to the department or a law enforcement agency when there is reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult is being or has been abandoned, abused, financially exploited, or neglected.

(3) No facility, as defined by this chapter, agency licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW, or facility or agency under contract with the department to provide care for vulnerable adults may develop policies or procedures that interfere with the reporting requirements of this chapter.

(4) Each report, oral or written, must contain as much as possible of the following information:

(a) The name and address of the person making the report;

(b) The name and address of the vulnerable adult and the name of the facility or agency providing care for the vulnerable adult;

(d) The nature and extent of the abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect;

(e) Any history of previous abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect;

(f) The identity of the alleged perpetrator, if known; and

(g) Other information that may be helpful in establishing the extent of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or the cause of death of the deceased vulnerable adult.

(5) Unless there is a judicial proceeding or the person consents, the identity of the person making the report under this section is confidential.

Sec. 6. RCW 74.34.050 and 1997 c 386 s 34 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A person participating in good faith in making a report under this chapter or testifying about alleged abuse, neglect, abandonment, ((or)) financial exploitation, or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult in a judicial or administrative proceeding under this chapter is immune from liability resulting from the report or testimony. The making of permissive reports as allowed in ((~~RCW 74.34.030~~)) this chapter does not create any duty to report and no civil liability shall attach for any failure to make a permissive report ((~~under RCW 74.34.030~~)) as allowed under this chapter.

(2) Conduct conforming with the reporting and testifying provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed a violation of any confidential communication privilege. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as superseding or abridging remedies provided in chapter 4.92 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 74.34 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A person who is required to make a report under this chapter and who knowingly fails to make the report is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(2) A person who intentionally, maliciously, or in bad faith makes a false report of alleged abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult is guilty of a misdemeanor.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. A new section is added to chapter 74.34 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department shall initiate a response to a report, no later than twenty-four hours after knowledge of the report, of suspected abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect of a vulnerable adult.

(2) When the initial report or investigation by the department indicates that the alleged abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect may be criminal, the department shall make an immediate report to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The department and law enforcement will coordinate in investigating reports made under this chapter. The department may provide protective services and other remedies as specified in this chapter.

(3) The law enforcement agency or the department shall report the incident in writing to the proper county prosecutor or city attorney for appropriate action whenever the investigation reveals that a crime may have been committed.

(4) The department and law enforcement may share information contained in reports and findings of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect of vulnerable adults, consistent with RCW 74.04.060, 42.17.310, and other applicable confidentiality laws.

(5) The department shall notify the proper licensing authority concerning any report received under this chapter that alleges that a person who is professionally licensed, certified, or registered under Title 18 RCW has abandoned, abused, financially exploited, or neglected a vulnerable adult.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. A new section is added to chapter 74.34 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Where appropriate, an investigation by the department may include a private interview with the vulnerable adult regarding the alleged abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect.

(2) In conducting the investigation, the department shall interview the complainant, unless anonymous, and shall use its best efforts to interview the vulnerable adult or adults harmed, and, consistent with the protection of the vulnerable adult shall interview facility staff, any available independent sources of relevant information, including if appropriate the family members of the vulnerable adult.

(3) The department may conduct ongoing case planning and consultation with: (a) Those persons or agencies required to report under this chapter or submit a report under this chapter; (b) consultants designated by the department; and (c) designated representatives of Washington Indian tribes if client information exchanged is pertinent to cases under investigation or the provision of protective services. Information considered privileged by statute and not directly related to reports required by this chapter must not be divulged without a valid written waiver of the privilege.

(4) The department shall prepare and keep on file a report of each investigation conducted by the department for a period of time in accordance with policies established by the department.

(5) If the department determines that the vulnerable adult has suffered from abuse, neglect, self-neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation, and lacks the ability or capacity to consent, and needs the protection of a guardian, the department may bring a guardianship action under chapter 11.88 RCW as an interested person.

(6) When the investigation is completed and the department determines that an incident of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect has occurred, the department shall inform the vulnerable adult of their right to refuse protective services, and ensure that, if necessary, appropriate protective services are provided to the vulnerable adult, with the consent of the vulnerable adult. The vulnerable adult has the right to withdraw or refuse protective services.

(7) The department may photograph a vulnerable adult or their environment for the purpose of providing documentary evidence of the physical condition of the vulnerable adult or his or her environment. When photographing the vulnerable adult, the department shall obtain permission from the vulnerable adult or his or her legal representative unless immediate photographing is necessary to preserve evidence. However, if the legal representative is alleged to have abused, neglected, abandoned, or exploited the vulnerable adult, consent from the legal representative is not necessary. No such consent is necessary when photographing the physical environment.

(8) When the investigation is complete and the department determines that the incident of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect has occurred, the department shall inform the facility in which the incident occurred, consistent with confidentiality requirements concerning the vulnerable adult, witnesses, and complainants.

Sec. 10. RCW 74.34.070 and 1997 c 386 s 35 are each amended to read as follows:

((In responding to reports of alleged abuse, exploitation, neglect, or abandonment under this chapter, the department shall provide information to the frail elder or vulnerable adult on protective services available to the person and inform the person of the right to refuse such services.)) The department ((~~shall~~)) may develop cooperative agreements with community-based agencies ((~~servicing the abused elderly and~~)) providing services for vulnerable adults. The agreements shall cover ((~~such subjects as~~)): (1) The appropriate roles and responsibilities of the department and community-based agencies in identifying and responding to reports of alleged abuse((,)); (2) the provision of case-management services((,)); (3) standardized data collection procedures((,)); and (4) related coordination activities.

Sec. 11. RCW 74.34.080 and 1984 c 97 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

If access is denied to an employee of the department seeking to investigate an allegation of abandonment, abuse, ((~~neglect,~~)) financial exploitation, or ((~~abandonment~~)) neglect of a vulnerable adult by an individual, the department may seek an injunction to prevent interference with the investigation. The court shall issue the injunction if the department shows that:

(1) There is reasonable cause to believe that the person is a vulnerable adult and is or has been abandoned, abused, ((~~neglected,~~)) financially exploited, or ((~~abandoned~~)) neglected; and

(2) The employee of the department seeking to investigate the report has been denied access.

Sec. 12. RCW 74.34.110 and 1986 c 187 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

An action known as a petition for an order for protection of a vulnerable adult in cases of abandonment, abuse ((or)), financial exploitation, or neglect is created.

(1) A vulnerable adult may seek relief from abandonment, abuse ((or)), financial exploitation, or neglect, or the threat thereof, by filing a petition for an order for protection in superior court.

(2) A petition shall allege that the petitioner is a vulnerable adult and that the petitioner has been abandoned, abused ((or)), financially exploited, or neglected, or is threatened with abandonment, abuse ((or)), financial exploitation, or neglect by respondent.

(3) A petition shall be accompanied by affidavit made under oath stating the specific facts and circumstances which demonstrate the need for the relief sought.

(4) A petition for an order may be made whether or not there is a pending lawsuit, complaint, petition, or other action between the parties.

(5) A petitioner is not required to post bond to obtain relief in any proceeding under this section.

(6) An action under this section shall be filed in the county where the petitioner resides; except that if the petitioner has left the residence as a result of abandonment, abuse ((or)), financial exploitation, or neglect, or in order to avoid abandonment, abuse ((or)), financial exploitation, or neglect, the petitioner may bring an action in the county of either the previous or new residence.

(7) The filing fee for the petition may be waived at the discretion of the court.

Sec. 13. RCW 74.34.130 and 1986 c 187 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

The court may order relief as it deems necessary for the protection of the petitioner, including, but not limited to the following:

(1) Restraining respondent from committing acts of abandonment, abuse ((or)), neglect, or financial exploitation;

(2) Excluding the respondent from petitioner's residence for a specified period or until further order of the court;

(3) Prohibiting contact by respondent for a specified period or until further order of the court;

(4) Requiring an accounting by respondent of the disposition of petitioner's income or other resources;

(5) Restraining the transfer of property for a specified period not exceeding ninety days;

(6) Requiring the respondent to pay the filing fee and court costs, including service fees, and to reimburse the petitioner for costs incurred in bringing the action, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

Any relief granted by an order for protection, other than a judgment for costs, shall be for a fixed period not to exceed one year.

Sec. 14. RCW 74.34.180 and 1997 c 392 s 202 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) An employee or contractor who is a whistleblower and who as a result of being a whistleblower has been subjected to workplace reprisal or retaliatory action, has the remedies provided under chapter 49.60 RCW. RCW 4.24.500 through 4.24.520, providing certain protection to persons who communicate to government agencies, apply to complaints made under this section. The identity of a whistleblower who complains, in good faith, to the department or the department of health about suspected abandonment, abuse, ((~~neglect,~~)) financial exploitation, or ((~~abandonment~~)) neglect by any person in a ((~~boarding home~~)) facility, licensed or required to be licensed ((~~pursuant to chapter 18.20 RCW or a veterans' home pursuant to chapter 72.36 RCW~~)), or care provided in a ((~~boarding home or a veterans' home~~)) facility or in a home setting, by any person associated with a hospice, home care, or home health agency licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW or other in-home provider, may remain confidential if requested. The identity of the whistleblower shall subsequently remain confidential unless the department determines that the complaint was not made in good faith.

(2)(a) An attempt to expel a resident from a ((~~boarding home or veterans' home~~)) facility, or any type of discriminatory treatment of a resident who is a consumer of hospice, home health, home care services, or other in-home services by whom, or upon whose behalf, a complaint substantiated by the department or the department of health has been submitted to the department or the department of health or any proceeding instituted under or related to this chapter within one year of the filing of the complaint or the institution of the action, raises a rebuttable presumption that the action was in retaliation for the filing of the complaint.

(b) The presumption is rebutted by credible evidence establishing the alleged retaliatory action was initiated prior to the complaint.

(c) The presumption is rebutted by a ((~~functional assessment~~)) review conducted by the department that shows that the resident or consumer's needs cannot be met by the reasonable accommodations of the facility due to the increased needs of the resident.

(3) For the purposes of this section:

(a) "Whistleblower" means a resident or a person with a mandatory duty to report under this chapter, or any person licensed under Title 18 RCW, who in good faith reports alleged abandonment, abuse, ((~~neglect,~~)) financial exploitation, or ((~~abandonment~~)) neglect to the department, or the department of health, or to a law enforcement agency;

(b) "Workplace reprisal or retaliatory action" means, but is not limited to: Denial of adequate staff to perform duties; frequent staff changes; frequent and undesirable office changes; refusal to assign meaningful work; unwarranted and unsubstantiated report of misconduct under Title 18 RCW; letters of reprimand or unsatisfactory performance evaluations; demotion; denial of employment; or a supervisor or superior encouraging coworkers to behave in a hostile manner toward the whistleblower. The protections provided to whistleblowers under this chapter shall not prevent a ((~~nursing home, state hospital, boarding home, or adult family home~~)) facility or an agency licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW from: (i) Terminating, suspending, or disciplining a whistleblower for other lawful purposes; or (ii) for facilities licensed under chapter 70.128 RCW, reducing the hours of employment or terminating employment as a result of the demonstrated inability to meet payroll requirements. The department shall determine if the facility cannot meet payroll in cases in which a whistleblower has been terminated or had hours of employment reduced because of the inability of a facility to meet payroll; and

(c) "Reasonable accommodation" by a facility to the needs of a prospective or current resident has the meaning given to this term under the federal Americans with disabilities act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq. and other applicable federal or state antidiscrimination laws and regulations.

(4) This section does not prohibit a ((~~boarding home or veterans' home~~)) facility or an agency licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW from exercising its authority to terminate, suspend, or discipline any employee who engages in workplace reprisal or retaliatory action against a whistleblower.

(5) The department shall adopt rules to implement procedures for filing, investigation, and resolution of whistleblower complaints that are integrated with complaint procedures under this chapter.

(6)((~~No frail elder or~~)) (a) Any vulnerable ((~~person~~)) adult who relies upon and is being provided spiritual treatment in lieu of medical treatment in accordance with the tenets and practices of a well-recognized religious denomination ((~~shall~~)) may not for that reason alone be considered abandoned, abused, or neglected((~~, nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to authorize, permit, or require medical treatment contrary to the stated or clearly implied objection of such a person~~)).

(b) Any vulnerable adult may not be considered abandoned, abused, or neglected under this chapter by any health care provider, facility, facility employee, agency, agency employee, or individual provider who participates in good faith in the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment from a vulnerable adult under chapter 70.122 RCW, or who acts in accordance with chapter 7.70 RCW or other state laws to withhold or withdraw treatment, goods, or services.

(7) The department, and the department of health for facilities, agencies, or individuals it regulates, shall adopt rules designed to discourage whistleblower complaints made in bad faith or for retaliatory purposes.

Sec. 15. RCW 74.34.200 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 18 s 85 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In addition to other remedies available under the law, a ((~~frail elder or~~)) vulnerable adult ((~~or a person age eighteen or older~~)) who has been subjected to abandonment, abuse, ((~~neglect,~~)) financial exploitation, or ((~~abandonment~~)) neglect either while residing in a ((~~long-term care~~)) facility or in the case of a person ((~~in the~~)) residing at home who receives care ((of)) from a home health, hospice, or home care agency, ((~~residing at home~~)) or an individual provider, shall have a cause of action for damages on account of his or her injuries, pain and suffering, and loss of property sustained thereby. This action shall be available where the defendant is or was a corporation, trust, unincorporated association, partnership, administrator, employee, agent, officer, partner, or director of a ((~~long-term care~~)) facility, ((~~such as a nursing home or boarding home, that is licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 18.20, 18.51, 72.36, or 70.128 RCW,~~)) or of a home health, hospice, or home care agency licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW, as now or subsequently designated, or an individual provider.

(2) It is the intent of the legislature, however, that where there is a dispute about the care or treatment of a ((~~frail elder or~~)) vulnerable adult, the parties should use the least formal means available to try to resolve the dispute. Where feasible, parties are encouraged but not mandated to employ direct discussion with the health care provider, use of the long-term care ombudsman or other intermediaries, and, when necessary, recourse through licensing or other regulatory authorities.

(3) In an action brought under this section, a prevailing plaintiff shall be awarded his or her actual damages, together with the costs of the suit, including a reasonable attorney's fee. The term "costs" includes, but is not limited to, the reasonable fees for a guardian, guardian ad litem, and experts, if any, that may be necessary to the litigation of a claim brought under this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 16. A new section is added to chapter 74.34 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Any vulnerable adult who relies upon and is being provided spiritual treatment in lieu of medical treatment in accordance with the tenets and practices of a well-recognized religious denomination may not for that reason alone be considered abandoned, abused, or neglected.

(2) Any vulnerable adult may not be considered abandoned, abused, or neglected under this chapter by any health care provider, facility, facility employee, agency, agency employee, or individual provider who participates in good faith in the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment from a vulnerable adult under chapter 70.122 RCW, or who acts in accordance with chapter 7.70 RCW or other state laws to withhold or withdraw treatment, goods, or services.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 17. A new section is added to chapter 74.34 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The following information is confidential and not subject to disclosure, except as provided in this section:

(a) A report of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect made under this chapter;

(b) The identity of the person making the report; and

(c) All files, reports, records, communications, and working papers used or developed in the investigation or provision of protective services.

(2) Information considered confidential may be disclosed only for a purpose consistent with this chapter or as authorized by chapter 18.20, 18.51, or 74.39A RCW, or as authorized by the long-term care ombudsman programs under federal law or state law, chapter 43.190 RCW.

(3) A court or presiding officer in an administrative proceeding may order disclosure of confidential information only if the court determines that disclosure is essential to the administration of justice and will not endanger the life or safety of the vulnerable adult or individual who made the report. The court or presiding officer in an administrative hearing may place restrictions on such disclosure as the court or presiding officer deems proper.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 18. A new section is added to chapter 74.34 RCW to read as follows:

The department may adopt rules relating to the reporting, investigation, and provision of protective services in in-home settings, consistent with the objectives of this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 19. The department of social and health services shall conduct a feasibility study to determine the need, use, role of due process, and cost of developing and maintaining a registry relating to incidents of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The results of the study are due by November 30, 1999.

Sec. 20. RCW 70.124.010 and 1981 c 174 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The Washington state legislature finds and declares that a reporting system is needed to protect ((~~nursing home and~~)) state hospital patients from abuse. Instances of nonaccidental injury, neglect, death, sexual abuse, and cruelty to such patients have occurred, and in the instance where such a patient is deprived of his or her right to conditions of minimal health and safety, the state is justified in emergency intervention based upon verified information. Therefore the Washington state legislature hereby provides for the reporting of such cases to the appropriate public authorities.

(2) It is the intent of the legislature that: (a) As a result of such reports, protective services shall be made available in an effort to prevent further abuses, and to safeguard the general welfare of the patients; and (b) such reports shall be maintained and disseminated with strictest regard for the privacy of the subjects of such reports and so as to safeguard against arbitrary, malicious, or erroneous information or actions.

Sec. 21. RCW 70.124.020 and 1997 c 392 s 519 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless the context requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Court" means the superior court of the state of Washington.

(2) "Law enforcement agency" means the police department, the director of public safety, or the office of the sheriff.

(3) "Practitioner of the healing arts" or "practitioner" means a person licensed by this state to practice podiatric medicine and surgery, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, chiropractic, nursing, dentistry, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or medicine and surgery. The term "practitioner" ((~~shall~~)) includes a nurse's aide((~~, a nursing home administrator licensed under chapter 18.52 RCW,~~)) and a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner((: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That a nursing home patient who is being furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner shall not be considered, for that reason alone, a neglected patient for the purposes of this chapter)).

(4) "Department" means the state department of social and health services.

(5) ((~~"Nursing home" has the meaning prescribed by RCW 18.51.010.~~

~~(6)~~)) "Social worker" means anyone engaged in a professional capacity during the regular course of employment in encouraging or promoting the health, welfare, support, or education of ((~~nursing home~~)) patients, or providing social services to ((~~nursing home~~)) patients, whether in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

((~~(7)~~)) (6) "Psychologist" means any person licensed to practice psychology under chapter 18.83 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

((~~(8)~~)) (7) "Pharmacist" means any registered pharmacist under chapter 18.64 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

((~~(9)~~)) (8) "Abuse or neglect" or "patient abuse or neglect" means the nonaccidental physical injury or condition, sexual abuse, or negligent treatment of a ((~~nursing home or~~)) state hospital patient under circumstances which indicate that the patient's health, welfare, or safety is harmed thereby.

((~~(10)~~)) (9) "Negligent treatment" means an act or omission which evinces a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the patient's health, welfare, or safety.

((~~(11)~~)) (10) "State hospital" means any hospital operated and maintained by the state for the care of the mentally ill under chapter 72.23 RCW.

Sec. 22. RCW 70.124.030 and 1981 c 174 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) When any practitioner, social worker, psychologist, pharmacist, ((~~employee of a nursing home,~~)) employee of a state hospital, or employee of the department has reasonable cause to believe that a ((~~nursing home or~~)) state hospital patient has suffered abuse or neglect, the person shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to either a law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 70.124.040.

(2) Any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a ((~~nursing home or~~)) state hospital patient has suffered abuse or neglect may report such incident to either a law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 70.124.040.

(3) The department or any law enforcement agency receiving a report of an incident of abuse or neglect involving a ((~~nursing home or~~)) state hospital patient who has died or has had physical injury or injuries inflicted other than by accidental means or who has been subjected to sexual abuse shall report the incident to the proper county prosecutor for appropriate action.

Sec. 23. RCW 70.124.040 and 1997 c 392 s 520 and 1997 c 386 s 30 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

(1) Where a report is required under RCW 70.124.030, an immediate oral report ((~~shall~~)) must be made by telephone or otherwise to either a law enforcement agency or to the department and, upon request, ((~~shall~~)) must be followed by a report in writing. The reports ((~~shall~~)) must contain the following information, if known:

(a) The name and address of the person making the report;

(b) The name and address of the ((~~nursing home or~~)) state hospital patient;

(d) The nature and extent of the alleged injury or injuries;

(e) The nature and extent of the alleged neglect;

(f) The nature and extent of the alleged sexual abuse;

(g) Any evidence of previous injuries, including their nature and extent; and

(h) Any other information ((~~which~~)) that may be helpful in establishing the cause of the patient's death, injury, or injuries, and the identity of the perpetrator or perpetrators.

(2) Each law enforcement agency receiving such a report shall, in addition to taking the action required by RCW 70.124.050, immediately relay the report to the department, and to other law enforcement agencies, including the medicaid fraud control unit of the office of the attorney general, as appropriate. For any report it receives, the department shall likewise take the required action and in addition relay the report to the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies. The appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies ((~~shall~~)) must receive immediate notification when the department, upon receipt of such report, has reasonable cause to believe that a criminal act has been committed.

Sec. 24. RCW 70.124.060 and 1993 c 510 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A person other than a person alleged to have committed the abuse or neglect participating in good faith in the making of a report pursuant to this chapter, or testifying as to alleged patient abuse or neglect in a judicial proceeding, ((~~shall~~)) is, in so doing, ((be)) immune from any liability, civil or criminal, arising out of such reporting or testifying under any law of this state or its political subdivisions, and if such person is an employee of a ((~~nursing home or~~)) state hospital it ((~~shall be~~)) is an unfair practice under chapter 49.60 RCW for the employer to discharge, expel, or otherwise discriminate against the employee for such reporting activity.

(2) Conduct conforming with the reporting requirements of this chapter ((~~shall~~)) is not ((~~be deemed~~)) a violation of the confidential communication privilege of RCW 5.60.060 (3) or (4) or 18.83.110. Nothing in this chapter ((~~shall be construed as to~~)) supersedes or abridges remedies provided in chapter 4.92 RCW.

Sec. 25. RCW 70.124.090 and 1981 c 174 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

In the adoption of rules under the authority of this chapter, the department shall provide for the publication and dissemination to ((~~nursing homes,~~)) state hospitals((~~, and nursing home~~)) and state hospital employees and the posting where appropriate by ((~~nursing homes and~~)) state hospitals of informational, educational, or training materials calculated to aid and assist in achieving the objectives of this chapter.

Sec. 26. RCW 70.124.100 and 1997 c 392 s 201 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) An employee who is a whistleblower and who as a result of being a whistleblower has been subjected to workplace reprisal or retaliatory action, has the remedies provided under chapter 49.60 RCW. RCW 4.24.500 through 4.24.520, providing certain protection to persons who communicate to government agencies, apply to complaints made under this section. The identity of a whistleblower who complains, in good faith, to the department about suspected abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or abandonment by any person in a ((~~nursing home,~~)) state hospital((~~, or adult family home~~)) may remain confidential if requested. The identity of the whistleblower shall subsequently remain confidential unless the department determines that the complaint was not made in good faith.

(2)(a) An attempt to discharge a resident from a ((~~nursing home,~~)) state hospital((~~, adult family home,~~)) or any type of discriminatory treatment of a resident by whom, or upon whose behalf, a complaint substantiated by the department has been submitted to the department or any proceeding instituted under or related to this chapter within one year of the filing of the complaint or the institution of the action, raises a rebuttable presumption that the action was in retaliation for the filing of the complaint.

(b) The presumption is rebutted by credible evidence establishing the alleged retaliatory action was initiated prior to the complaint.

(c) The presumption is rebutted by a functional assessment conducted by the department that shows that the resident's needs cannot be met by the reasonable accommodations of the facility due to the increased needs of the resident.

(3) For the purposes of this section:

(a) "Whistleblower" means a resident or employee of a ((~~nursing home,~~)) state hospital((~~, or adult family home,~~)) or any person licensed under Title 18 RCW, who in good faith reports alleged abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or abandonment to the department or to a law enforcement agency;

(4) This section does not prohibit a ((~~nursing home,~~)) state hospital((~~, or adult family home~~)) from exercising its authority to terminate, suspend, or discipline an employee who engages in workplace reprisal or retaliatory action against a whistleblower. The protections provided to whistleblowers under this chapter shall not prevent a ((~~nursing home,~~)) state hospital((~~, or adult family home~~)) from: (a) Terminating, suspending, or disciplining a whistleblower for other lawful purposes; or (b) for facilities with six or fewer residents, reducing the hours of employment or terminating employment as a result of the demonstrated inability to meet payroll requirements. The department shall determine if the facility cannot meet payroll in cases where a whistleblower has been terminated or had hours of employment reduced due to the inability of a facility to meet payroll.

(5) The department shall adopt rules to implement procedures for filing, investigation, and resolution of whistleblower complaints that are integrated with complaint procedures under this chapter.

(6) No ((~~frail elder or vulnerable person~~)) resident who relies upon and is being provided spiritual treatment in lieu of medical treatment in accordance with the tenets and practices of a well-recognized religious denomination shall for that reason alone be considered abandoned, abused, or neglected, nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to authorize, permit, or require medical treatment contrary to the stated or clearly implied objection of such a person.

(7) The department shall adopt rules designed to discourage whistleblower complaints made in bad faith or for retaliatory purposes.

Sec. 27. RCW 26.44.010 and 1987 c 206 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The Washington state legislature finds and declares: The bond between a child and his or her parent, custodian, or guardian is of paramount importance, and any intervention into the life of a child is also an intervention into the life of the parent, custodian, or guardian; however, instances of nonaccidental injury, neglect, death, sexual abuse and cruelty to children by their parents, custodians or guardians have occurred, and in the instance where a child is deprived of his or her right to conditions of minimal nurture, health, and safety, the state is justified in emergency intervention based upon verified information; and therefore the Washington state legislature hereby provides for the reporting of such cases to the appropriate public authorities. It is the intent of the legislature that, as a result of such reports, protective services shall be made available in an effort to prevent further abuses, and to safeguard the general welfare of such children: PROVIDED, That such reports shall be maintained and disseminated with strictest regard for the privacy of the subjects of such reports and so as to safeguard against arbitrary, malicious or erroneous information or actions: PROVIDED FURTHER, That this chapter shall not be construed to authorize interference with child-raising practices, including reasonable parental discipline, which are not proved to be injurious to the child's health, welfare and safety.

((Adult dependent or developmentally disabled persons not able to provide for their own protection through the criminal justice system shall also be afforded the protection offered children through the reporting and investigation requirements mandated in this chapter.))

Sec. 28. RCW 26.44.015 and 1997 c 386 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) This chapter shall not be construed to authorize interference with child-raising practices, including reasonable parental discipline, which are not injurious to the child's health, welfare, and safety.

(2) Nothing in this chapter may be used to prohibit the reasonable use of corporal punishment as a means of discipline.

(3) No parent or guardian may be deemed abusive or neglectful solely by reason of the parent's or child's blindness, deafness, developmental disability, or other handicap.

(((4) A person reporting alleged injury, abuse, or neglect to an adult dependent person shall not suffer negative consequences if the person reporting believes in good faith that the adult dependent person has been found legally incompetent or disabled.))

Sec. 29. RCW 26.44.020 and 1998 c 314 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~For the purpose of and as used in~~)) The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter((:)) unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Court" means the superior court of the state of Washington, juvenile department.

(2) "Law enforcement agency" means the police department, the prosecuting attorney, the state patrol, the director of public safety, or the office of the sheriff.

(3) "Practitioner of the healing arts" or "practitioner" means a person licensed by this state to practice podiatric medicine and surgery, optometry, chiropractic, nursing, dentistry, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or medicine and surgery or to provide other health services. The term "practitioner" ((~~shall~~)) includes a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That a person who is being furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner ((~~shall~~)) will not be considered, for that reason alone, a neglected person for the purposes of this chapter.

(4) "Institution" means a private or public hospital or any other facility providing medical diagnosis, treatment or care.

(5) "Department" means the state department of social and health services.

(6) "Child" or "children" means any person under the age of eighteen years of age.

(7) "Professional school personnel" ((~~shall~~)) include, but are not ((be)) limited to, teachers, counselors, administrators, child care facility personnel, and school nurses.

(8) "Social service counselor" ((~~shall~~)) means anyone engaged in a professional capacity during the regular course of employment in encouraging or promoting the health, welfare, support or education of children, or providing social services to adults or families, including mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, and domestic violence programs, whether in an individual capacity, or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

(9) "Psychologist" ((~~shall~~)) means any person licensed to practice psychology under chapter 18.83 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

(10) "Pharmacist" ((~~shall~~)) means any registered pharmacist under ((~~the provisions of~~)) chapter 18.64 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

(11) "Clergy" ((~~shall~~)) means any regularly licensed or ordained minister, priest, or rabbi of any church or religious denomination, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

(12) "Abuse or neglect" ((~~shall~~)) means the injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child((~~, adult dependent, or developmentally disabled person~~)) by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child's ((~~or adult's~~)) health, welfare, and safety is harmed, excluding conduct permitted under RCW 9A.16.100. An abused child is a child who has been subjected to child abuse or neglect as defined ((~~herein~~)) in this section.

(13) "Child protective services section" ((~~shall~~)) means the child protective services section of the department.

(14) ((~~"Adult dependent persons" shall be defined as those persons over the age of eighteen years who have been found to be legally incompetent or disabled pursuant to chapter 11.88 RCW.~~

~~(15)~~)) "Sexual exploitation" includes: (a) Allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution by any person; or (b) allowing, permitting, encouraging, or engaging in the obscene or pornographic photographing, filming, or depicting of a child by any person.

((~~(16)~~)) (15) "Negligent treatment or maltreatment" means an act or omission ((~~which~~)) that evidences a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the child's health, welfare, and safety. The fact that siblings share a bedroom is not, in and of itself, (("))negligent treatment or maltreatment.(("

~~(17) "Developmentally disabled person" means a person who has a disability defined in RCW 71A.10.020.~~

~~(18)~~)) (16) "Child protective services" means those services provided by the department designed to protect children from child abuse and neglect and safeguard such children from future abuse and neglect, and conduct investigations of child abuse and neglect reports. Investigations may be conducted regardless of the location of the alleged abuse or neglect. Child protective services includes referral to services to ameliorate conditions ((~~which~~)) that endanger the welfare of children, the coordination of necessary programs and services relevant to the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect, and services to children to ensure that each child has a permanent home. In determining whether protective services should be provided, the department shall not decline to provide such services solely because of the child's unwillingness or developmental inability to describe the nature and severity of the abuse or neglect.

((~~(19)~~)) (17) "Malice" or "maliciously" means an evil intent, wish, or design to vex, annoy, or injure another person. Such malice may be inferred from an act done in willful disregard of the rights of another, or an act wrongfully done without just cause or excuse, or an act or omission of duty betraying a willful disregard of social duty.

((~~(20)~~)) (18) "Sexually aggressive youth" means a child who is defined in RCW 74.13.075(1)(b) as being a (("))sexually aggressive youth.(("

~~(21)~~)) (19) "Unfounded" means available information indicates that, more likely than not, child abuse or neglect did not occur.

Sec. 30. RCW 26.44.030 and 1998 c 328 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1)(a) When any practitioner, county coroner or medical examiner, law enforcement officer, professional school personnel, registered or licensed nurse, social service counselor, psychologist, pharmacist, licensed or certified child care providers or their employees, employee of the department, juvenile probation officer, or state family and children's ombudsman or any volunteer in the ombudsman's office has reasonable cause to believe that a child ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person,~~)) has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 26.44.040.

(b) The reporting requirement ((~~shall~~)) also ((~~apply~~)) applies to department of corrections personnel who, in the course of their employment, observe offenders or the children with whom the offenders are in contact. If, as a result of observations or information received in the course of his or her employment, any department of corrections personnel has reasonable cause to believe that a child ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person~~)) has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she shall report the incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 26.44.040.

(c) The reporting requirement shall also apply to any adult who has reasonable cause to believe that a child ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person,~~)) who resides with them, has suffered severe abuse, and is able or capable of making a report. For the purposes of this subsection, "severe abuse" means any of the following: Any single act of abuse that causes physical trauma of sufficient severity that, if left untreated, could cause death; any single act of sexual abuse that causes significant bleeding, deep bruising, or significant external or internal swelling; or more than one act of physical abuse, each of which causes bleeding, deep bruising, significant external or internal swelling, bone fracture, or unconsciousness.

(d) The report ((~~shall~~)) must be made at the first opportunity, but in no case longer than forty-eight hours after there is reasonable cause to believe that the child ((~~or adult~~)) has suffered abuse or neglect. The report ((~~shall~~)) must include the identity of the accused if known.

(2) The reporting requirement of subsection (1) of this section does not apply to the discovery of abuse or neglect that occurred during childhood if it is discovered after the child has become an adult. However, if there is reasonable cause to believe other children((~~, dependent adults, or developmentally disabled persons~~)) are or may be at risk of abuse or neglect by the accused, the reporting requirement of subsection (1) of this section ((~~shall~~)) does apply.

(3) Any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person~~)) has suffered abuse or neglect may report such incident to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department of social and health services as provided in RCW 26.44.040.

(4) The department, upon receiving a report of an incident of alleged abuse or neglect pursuant to this chapter, involving a child ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person~~)) who has died or has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon him or her other than by accidental means or who has been subjected to alleged sexual abuse, shall report such incident to the proper law enforcement agency. In emergency cases, where the ((~~child, adult dependent, or developmentally disabled person's~~)) child's welfare is endangered, the department shall notify the proper law enforcement agency within twenty-four hours after a report is received by the department. In all other cases, the department shall notify the law enforcement agency within seventy-two hours after a report is received by the department. If the department makes an oral report, a written report ((~~shall~~)) must also be made to the proper law enforcement agency within five days thereafter.

(5) Any law enforcement agency receiving a report of an incident of alleged abuse or neglect pursuant to this chapter, involving a child ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person~~)) who has died or has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon him or her other than by accidental means, or who has been subjected to alleged sexual abuse, shall report such incident in writing as provided in RCW 26.44.040 to the proper county prosecutor or city attorney for appropriate action whenever the law enforcement agency's investigation reveals that a crime may have been committed. The law enforcement agency shall also notify the department of all reports received and the law enforcement agency's disposition of them. In emergency cases, where the ((~~child, adult dependent, or developmentally disabled person's~~)) child's welfare is endangered, the law enforcement agency shall notify the department within twenty-four hours. In all other cases, the law enforcement agency shall notify the department within seventy-two hours after a report is received by the law enforcement agency.

(6) Any county prosecutor or city attorney receiving a report under subsection (5) of this section shall notify the victim, any persons the victim requests, and the local office of the department, of the decision to charge or decline to charge a crime, within five days of making the decision.

(7) The department may conduct ongoing case planning and consultation with those persons or agencies required to report under this section, with consultants designated by the department, and with designated representatives of Washington Indian tribes if the client information exchanged is pertinent to cases currently receiving child protective services ((~~or department case services for the developmentally disabled~~)). Upon request, the department shall conduct such planning and consultation with those persons required to report under this section if the department determines it is in the best interests of the child ((~~or developmentally disabled person~~)). Information considered privileged by statute and not directly related to reports required by this section ((~~shall~~)) must not be divulged without a valid written waiver of the privilege.

(8) Any case referred to the department by a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW on the basis of an expert medical opinion that child abuse, neglect, or sexual assault has occurred and that the child's safety will be seriously endangered if returned home, the department shall file a dependency petition unless a second licensed physician of the parents' choice believes that such expert medical opinion is incorrect. If the parents fail to designate a second physician, the department may make the selection. If a physician finds that a child has suffered abuse or neglect but that such abuse or neglect does not constitute imminent danger to the child's health or safety, and the department agrees with the physician's assessment, the child may be left in the parents' home while the department proceeds with reasonable efforts to remedy parenting deficiencies.

(9) Persons or agencies exchanging information under subsection (7) of this section shall not further disseminate or release the information except as authorized by state or federal statute. Violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

(10) Upon receiving reports of alleged abuse or neglect, the department or law enforcement agency may interview children. The interviews may be conducted on school premises, at day-care facilities, at the child's home, or at other suitable locations outside of the presence of parents. Parental notification of the interview ((~~shall~~)) must occur at the earliest possible point in the investigation that will not jeopardize the safety or protection of the child or the course of the investigation. Prior to commencing the interview the department or law enforcement agency shall determine whether the child wishes a third party to be present for the interview and, if so, shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate the child's wishes. Unless the child objects, the department or law enforcement agency shall make reasonable efforts to include a third party in any interview so long as the presence of the third party will not jeopardize the course of the investigation.

(11) Upon receiving a report of alleged child abuse and neglect, the department or investigating law enforcement agency shall have access to all relevant records of the child in the possession of mandated reporters and their employees.

(12) The department shall maintain investigation records and conduct timely and periodic reviews of all cases constituting abuse and neglect. The department shall maintain a log of screened-out nonabusive cases.

(13) The department shall use a risk assessment process when investigating alleged child abuse and neglect referrals. The department shall present the risk factors at all hearings in which the placement of a dependent child is an issue. Substance abuse must be a risk factor. The department shall, within funds appropriated for this purpose, offer enhanced community-based services to persons who are determined not to require further state intervention.

The department shall provide annual reports to the legislature on the effectiveness of the risk assessment process.

(14) Upon receipt of a report of alleged abuse or neglect the law enforcement agency may arrange to interview the person making the report and any collateral sources to determine if any malice is involved in the reporting.

(15) The department shall make reasonable efforts to learn the name, address, and telephone number of each person making a report of abuse or neglect under this section. The department shall provide assurances of appropriate confidentiality of the identification of persons reporting under this section. If the department is unable to learn the information required under this subsection, the department shall only investigate cases in which: (a) The department believes there is a serious threat of substantial harm to the child; (b) the report indicates conduct involving a criminal offense that has, or is about to occur, in which the child is the victim; or (c) the department has, after investigation, a report of abuse or neglect that has been founded with regard to a member of the household within three years of receipt of the referral.

Sec. 31. RCW 26.44.032 and 1988 c 87 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

In cases in which a public employee subject to RCW 26.44.030 acts in good faith and without gross negligence in his or her reporting duty, and if the employee's judgment as to what constitutes reasonable cause to believe that a child ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person~~)) has suffered abuse or neglect is being challenged, the public employer shall provide for the legal defense of the employee.

Sec. 32. RCW 26.44.040 and 1997 c 386 s 27 are each amended to read as follows:

An immediate oral report ((~~shall~~)) must be made by telephone or otherwise to the proper law enforcement agency or the department of social and health services and, upon request, ((~~shall~~)) must be followed by a report in writing. Such reports ((~~shall~~)) must contain the following information, if known:

(1) The name, address, and age of the child ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person~~));

(2) The name and address of the child's parents, stepparents, guardians, or other persons having custody of the child ((~~or the residence of the adult dependent or developmentally disabled person~~));

(3) The nature and extent of the alleged injury or injuries;

(4) The nature and extent of the alleged neglect;

(5) The nature and extent of the alleged sexual abuse;

(6) Any evidence of previous injuries, including their nature and extent; and

(7) Any other information ((~~which~~)) that may be helpful in establishing the cause of the child's ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person's~~)) death, injury, or injuries and the identity of the alleged perpetrator or perpetrators.

Sec. 33. RCW 26.44.050 and 1987 c 450 s 7 and 1987 c 206 s 5 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

Upon the receipt of a report concerning the possible occurrence of abuse or neglect, ((~~it shall be the duty of~~)) the law enforcement agency or the department of social and health services ((to)) must investigate and provide the protective services section with a report in accordance with ((~~the provision of~~)) chapter 74.13 RCW, and where necessary to refer such report to the court.

A law enforcement officer may take, or cause to be taken, a child into custody without a court order if there is probable cause to believe that the child is abused or neglected and that the child would be injured or could not be taken into custody if it were necessary to first obtain a court order pursuant to RCW 13.34.050. The law enforcement agency or the department of social and health services investigating such a report is hereby authorized to photograph such a child ((~~or adult dependent or developmentally disabled person~~)) for the purpose of providing documentary evidence of the physical condition of the child((~~, adult dependent or developmentally disabled person~~)).

Sec. 34. RCW 74.39A.060 and 1997 c 392 s 210 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The aging and adult services administration of the department shall establish and maintain a toll-free telephone number for receiving complaints regarding a facility that the administration licenses or with which it contracts for long-term care services.

(2) All facilities that are licensed by, or that contract with the aging and adult services administration to provide chronic long-term care services shall post in a place and manner clearly visible to residents and visitors the department's toll-free complaint telephone number and the toll-free number and program description of the long-term care ombudsman as provided by RCW 43.190.050.

(3) The aging and adult services administration shall investigate complaints if the subject of the complaint is within its authority unless the department determines that: (a) The complaint is intended to willfully harass a licensee or employee of the licensee; or (b) there is no reasonable basis for investigation; or (c) corrective action has been taken as determined by the ombudsman or the department.

(4) The aging and adult services administration shall refer complaints to appropriate state agencies, law enforcement agencies, the attorney general, the long-term care ombudsman, or other entities if the department lacks authority to investigate or if its investigation reveals that a follow-up referral to one or more of these entities is appropriate.

(5) The department shall adopt rules that include the following complaint investigation protocols:

(a) Upon receipt of a complaint, the department shall make a preliminary review of the complaint, assess the severity of the complaint, and assign an appropriate response time. Complaints involving imminent danger to the health, safety, or well-being of a resident must be responded to within two days. When appropriate, the department shall make an on-site investigation within a reasonable time after receipt of the complaint or otherwise ensure that complaints are responded to.

(b) The complainant must be: Promptly contacted by the department, unless anonymous or unavailable despite several attempts by the department, and informed of the right to discuss the alleged violations with the inspector and to provide other information the complainant believes will assist the inspector; informed of the department's course of action; and informed of the right to receive a written copy of the investigation report.

(c) In conducting the investigation, the department shall interview the complainant, unless anonymous, and shall use its best efforts to interview the ((~~resident or residents~~)) vulnerable adult or adults allegedly harmed ((~~by the violations~~)), and, ((~~in addition to~~)) consistent with the protection of the vulnerable adult shall interview facility staff, any available independent sources of relevant information, including if appropriate the family members of the ((~~resident~~)) vulnerable adult.

(d) Substantiated complaints involving harm to a resident, if an applicable law or ((~~regulation~~)) rule has been violated, shall be subject to one or more of the actions provided in RCW 74.39A.080 or 70.128.160. Whenever appropriate, the department shall also give consultation and technical assistance to the provider.

(e) In the best practices of total quality management and continuous quality improvement, after a department finding of a violation that is serious, recurring, or uncorrected following a previous citation, the department shall make an on-site revisit of the facility to ensure correction of the violation, except for license or contract suspensions or revocations.

(f) Substantiated complaints of neglect, abuse, exploitation, or abandonment of residents, or suspected criminal violations, shall also be referred by the department to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, the attorney general, and appropriate professional disciplining authority.

(6) The department may provide the substance of the complaint to the licensee or contractor before the completion of the investigation by the department unless such disclosure would reveal the identity of a complainant, witness, or resident who chooses to remain anonymous. Neither the substance of the complaint provided to the licensee or contractor nor any copy of the complaint or related report published, released, or made otherwise available shall disclose, or reasonably lead to the disclosure of, the name, title, or identity of any complainant, or other person mentioned in the complaint, except that the name of the provider and the name or names of any officer, employee, or agent of the department conducting the investigation shall be disclosed after the investigation has been closed and the complaint has been substantiated. The department may disclose the identity of the complainant if such disclosure is requested in writing by the complainant. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to interfere with the obligation of the long-term care ombudsman program or department staff to monitor the department's licensing, contract, and complaint investigation files for long-term care facilities.

(7) The resident has the right to be free of interference, coercion, discrimination, and reprisal from a facility in exercising his or her rights, including the right to voice grievances about treatment furnished or not furnished. A facility that provides long-term care services shall not discriminate or retaliate in any manner against a resident, employee, or any other person on the basis or for the reason that such resident or any other person made a complaint to the department, the attorney general, law enforcement agencies, or the long-term care ombudsman, provided information, or otherwise cooperated with the investigation of such a complaint. Any attempt to discharge a resident against the resident's wishes, or any type of retaliatory treatment of a resident by whom or upon whose behalf a complaint substantiated by the department has been made to the department, the attorney general, law enforcement agencies, or the long-term care ombudsman, within one year of the filing of the complaint, raises a rebuttable presumption that such action was in retaliation for the filing of the complaint. "Retaliatory treatment" means, but is not limited to, monitoring a resident's phone, mail, or visits; involuntary seclusion or isolation; transferring a resident to a different room unless requested or based upon legitimate management reasons; withholding or threatening to withhold food or treatment unless authorized by a terminally ill resident or his or her representative pursuant to law; or persistently delaying responses to a resident's request for service or assistance. A facility that provides long-term care services shall not willfully interfere with the performance of official duties by a long-term care ombudsman. The department shall sanction and may impose a civil penalty of not more than three thousand dollars for a violation of this subsection.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 35. The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:

(1) RCW 74.34.010 (Legislative findings--Intent) and 1997 c 392 s 303, 1995 1st sp.s. c 18 s 82, & 1984 c 97 s 7;

(2) RCW 74.34.015 (Protection of frail elders and vulnerable adults--Legislative findings and intent) and 1995 1st sp.s. c 18 s 83 & 1986 c 187 s 4;

(3) RCW 74.34.030 (Reports--Duty to make) and 1995 1st sp.s. c 18 s 88, 1986 c 187 s 1, & 1984 c 97 s 9;

(4) RCW 74.34.055 (Failure to report is gross misdemeanor) and 1997 c 392 s 522; and

(5) RCW 74.34.060 (Response to reports--Services--Consent) and 1984 c 97 s 12.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 36. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 37. If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict and with respect to the agencies directly affected, and this finding does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act in its application to the agencies concerned. Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state.