BILL REQ. #:  H-0671.2 

Read first time 02/09/2007.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Children's Services.

     AN ACT Relating to parents' responsibility for the costs of mental health treatment for minors; and amending RCW 71.34.405.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 71.34.405 and 1985 c 354 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A minor receiving treatment under the provisions of this chapter and responsible others shall be liable for the costs of treatment, care, and transportation to the extent of available resources and ability to pay. However, the parent of a minor is not liable for payment of inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment unless the parent has joined in the consent to the treatment.
     (2) The secretary shall establish rules to implement this section and to define income, resources, and exemptions to determine the responsible person's or persons' ability to pay.