HB 1730-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/12/01)

     Provides that any health care practitioner listed under RCW 18.130.040, including personnel of a hospital, clinic, or other health care facility who knowingly treats any person suffering from a gunshot wound, or who receives a request for such treatment, shall report within a reasonable time the existence of the gunshot wound to an appropriate law enforcement agency.  However, no report is necessary if a law enforcement officer is present with the victim while treatment is being administered.

     Authorizes a hospital, clinic, or other health care facility to designate an individual to make the report.  The report shall be made as soon as possible, but no later than the time of the victim's release from the facility.

     Provides that a person required to make a report or who participates in judicial proceedings resulting from the report, acting in good faith, is immune from any civil liability which might otherwise result from these actions.  In all such civil proceedings, good faith shall be a rebuttable presumption.