BILL REQ. #:  S-0632.2 

Read first time 01/23/2007.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to procedures for individuals who are mentally ill and engaged in acts constituting criminal behavior; amending RCW 71.05.020, 71.05.150, 49.19.010, 71.34.600, 71.24.035, 71.05.160, and 71.05.360; reenacting and amending RCW 71.05.390; adding new sections to chapter 10.77 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 71.05 RCW; creating new sections; and repealing RCW 10.77.090.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that RCW 10.77.090 contains laws relating to three discrete subjects. Therefore, one purpose of this act is to reorganize some of those laws by creating new sections in the Revised Code of Washington that clarify and identify these discrete subjects.
     The legislature further finds that there are disproportionate numbers of individuals with mental illness in jail. The needs of individuals with mental illness and the public safety needs of society at large are better served when individuals with mental illness are provided an opportunity to obtain treatment and support.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 10.77 RCW to read as follows:
     If reasonable cause exists to believe that an individual with a mental disorder has committed acts constituting a nonfelony crime that is not a serious offense as identified in RCW 10.77.092, in lieu of charging the prosecutor may refer the individual to a mental health professional for evaluation for initial detention and proceeding under chapter 71.05 RCW or voluntary participation in outpatient treatment.
     (1) In deciding whether to refer the individual to treatment under this section the prosecutor shall be guided by the length, seriousness, and recency of the criminal history of the individual, the mental health history of the individual, where available, and the circumstances surrounding the commission of the alleged offense.
     (2) Any voluntary mental health treatment program under this section shall include treatment options selected by the prosecutor in consultation with the department, the local regional support network, and defense counsel.
     (3) Outpatient treatment providers for voluntary participants who are subject to this section shall submit monthly progress reports to the prosecutor on the individual's progress in treatment. The report shall reference the treatment plan and include at a minimum the following: Dates of attendance, individual's compliance with requirements, treatment activities, medication management, and the individual's relative progress in treatment for ninety days.
     (4) Any jurisdiction that establishes a mental health treatment alternative pursuant to this section shall establish minimum requirements for the participation of individuals in the program. The mental health treatment alternative may adopt local requirements that are more stringent than the minimum. The minimum requirements are:
     (a) Psychiatric treatment is clinically indicated by history or upon consultation with a mental health professional as defined in RCW 71.05.020;
     (b) The individual has not previously been convicted of a serious violent offense or sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030; and
     (c) Without regard to whether proof of any of these elements is required to convict, the individual is not currently charged with or convicted of an offense:
     (i) That is a sex offense;
     (ii) That is a serious violent offense;
     (iii) During which the individual used a firearm; or
     (iv) During which the individual caused substantial or great bodily harm or death to another person.
     (5) Individuals shall be provided with an opportunity to consult with counsel prior to entering into a voluntary agreement to participate in a mental health treatment program.
     (6) The agreements to participate in treatment shall not require individuals to stipulate to any of the alleged facts regarding the criminal activity as a prerequisite to participation in a mental health treatment alternative.
     (7) If an individual violates the treatment agreement and the mental health treatment alternative is no longer appropriate, the original charges may be filed and the matter may proceed accordingly.
     (8) The prosecutor is immune from liability for any good-faith conduct under this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 10.77 RCW to read as follows:
     GENERAL STAY PROVISIONS. (1)(a) If at any time during the pendency of an action and prior to judgment the court finds, following a report as provided in RCW 10.77.060, a defendant is incompetent, the court shall order the proceedings against the defendant be stayed except as provided in subsection (4) of this section.
     (b) A defendant found incompetent shall be evaluated at the direction of the secretary and a determination made whether the defendant is an individual with a developmental disability. Such evaluation and determination shall be accomplished as soon as possible following the court's placement of the defendant in the custody of the secretary.
     (i) When appropriate, and subject to available funds, if the defendant is determined to be an individual with a developmental disability, he or she may be placed in a program specifically reserved for the treatment and training of persons with developmental disabilities where the defendant shall have the right to habilitation according to an individualized service plan specifically developed for the particular needs of the defendant. A copy of the evaluation shall be sent to the program.
     (A) The program shall be separate from programs serving persons involved in any other treatment or habilitation program.
     (B) The program shall be appropriately secure under the circumstances and shall be administered by developmental disabilities professionals who shall direct the habilitation efforts.
     (C) The program shall provide an environment affording security appropriate with the charged criminal behavior and necessary to protect the public safety.
     (ii) The department may limit admissions of such persons to this specialized program in order to ensure that expenditures for services do not exceed amounts appropriated by the legislature and allocated by the department for such services.
     (iii) The department may establish admission priorities in the event that the number of eligible persons exceeds the limits set by the department.
     (c) At the end of the mental health treatment and restoration period, or at any time a professional person determines competency has been, or is unlikely to be, restored, the defendant shall be returned to court for a hearing. If, after notice and hearing, competency has been restored, the stay entered under (a) of this subsection shall be lifted. If competency has not been restored, the proceedings shall be dismissed. If the court concludes that competency has not been restored, but that further treatment within the time limits established by sections 4 and 5 of this act is likely to restore competency, the court may order that treatment for purposes of competency restoration be continued. Such treatment may not extend beyond the combination of time provided for in sections 4 and 5 of this act.
     (d)(i) If the proceedings are dismissed under (c) of this subsection and the defendant was on conditional release at the time of dismissal, the court shall order the designated mental health professional within that county to evaluate the defendant pursuant to chapter 71.05 RCW. The evaluation may be conducted in any location chosen by the professional.
     (ii) If the defendant was in custody and not on conditional release at the time of dismissal, the defendant shall be detained and sent to an evaluation and treatment facility for up to seventy-two hours excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays for evaluation for purposes of filing a petition under chapter 71.05 RCW. The seventy-two-hour period shall commence upon the next nonholiday weekday following the court order and shall run to the end of the last nonholiday weekday within the seventy-two-hour period.
     (e) If at any time during the proceeding the court finds, following notice and hearing, a defendant is not likely to regain competency, the proceedings shall be dismissed and the defendant shall be evaluated as provided in (c) of this subsection.
     (2) If the defendant is referred to the designated mental health professional for consideration of initial detention proceedings under chapter 71.05 RCW pursuant to this chapter, the designated mental health professional shall provide prompt written notification of the results of the determination whether to commence initial detention proceedings under chapter 71.05 RCW and whether the person was detained. The notification shall be provided to the court in which the criminal action was pending, the prosecutor, the defense attorney in the criminal action, and the facility that evaluated the defendant for competency.
     (3) The fact that the defendant is unfit to proceed does not preclude any pretrial proceedings which do not require the personal participation of the defendant.
     (4) A defendant receiving medication for either physical or mental problems shall not be prohibited from standing trial, if the medication either enables the defendant to understand the proceedings against him or her and to assist in his or her own defense, or does not disable him or her from so understanding and assisting in his or her own defense.
     (5) At or before the conclusion of any commitment period provided for by this section, the facility providing evaluation and treatment shall provide to the court a written report of examination which meets the requirements of RCW 10.77.060(3).

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 10.77 RCW to read as follows:
     FELONY PROCEDURE. (1) If the defendant is charged with a felony and determined to be incompetent, until he or she has regained the competency necessary to understand the proceedings against him or her and assist in his or her own defense, or has been determined unlikely to regain competency pursuant to section 3(1)(c) of this act, the court:
     (a) Shall commit the defendant to the custody of the secretary who shall place such defendant in an appropriate facility of the department for evaluation and treatment; or
     (b) May alternatively order the defendant to undergo evaluation and treatment at some other facility as determined by the department, or under the guidance and control of a professional person.
     (2) On or before expiration of the initial ninety-day period of commitment under subsection (1) of this section the court shall conduct a hearing, at which it shall determine whether or not the defendant is incompetent.
     (3) If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant charged with a felony is incompetent, the court shall have the option of extending the order of commitment or alternative treatment for an additional ninety-day period, but the court must at the time of extension set a date for a prompt hearing to determine the defendant's competency before the expiration of the second ninety-day period. The defendant, the defendant's attorney, or the prosecutor has the right to demand that the hearing be before a jury. No extension shall be ordered for a second ninety-day period, nor for any subsequent period as provided in subsection (4) of this section, if the defendant's incompetence has been determined by the secretary to be solely the result of a developmental disability which is such that competence is not reasonably likely to be regained during an extension.
     (4) For persons charged with a felony, at the hearing upon the expiration of the second ninety-day period or at the end of the first ninety-day period, in the case of a defendant with a developmental disability, if the jury or court finds that the defendant is incompetent, the charges shall be dismissed without prejudice, and either civil commitment proceedings shall be instituted or the court shall order the release of the defendant. The criminal charges shall not be dismissed if the court or jury finds that: (a) The defendant (i) is a substantial danger to other persons; or (ii) presents a substantial likelihood of committing criminal acts jeopardizing public safety or security; and (b) there is a substantial probability that the defendant will regain competency within a reasonable period of time. In the event that the court or jury makes such a finding, the court may extend the period of commitment for up to an additional six months.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   A new section is added to chapter 10.77 RCW to read as follows:
     MISDEMEANOR PROCEDURE. (1) If the defendant is:
     (a) Charged with a nonfelony crime which is a serious offense as identified in RCW 10.77.092 and has:
     (i) A history of one or more violent acts, or a pending charge of one or more violent acts; or
     (ii) Been previously acquitted by reason of insanity or been previously found incompetent under this chapter or any equivalent federal or out-of-state statute with regard to an alleged offense involving actual, threatened, or attempted physical harm to a person; and
     (b) Found by the court to be not competent; then
     (c) The court shall order the secretary to place the defendant:
     (i) At a secure mental health facility in the custody of the department or an agency designated by the department for mental health treatment and restoration of competency. The placement shall not exceed fourteen days in addition to any unused time of the evaluation under RCW 10.77.060. The court shall compute this total period and include its computation in the order. The fourteen-day period plus any unused time of the evaluation under RCW 10.77.060 shall be considered to include only the time the defendant is actually at the facility and shall be in addition to reasonable time for transport to or from the facility;
     (ii) On conditional release for up to ninety days for mental health treatment and restoration of competency; or
     (iii) Any combination of this subsection.
     (2) If the defendant is charged with a nonfelony crime that is not a serious offense as defined in RCW 10.77.092:
     The court may stay or dismiss proceedings and detain the defendant for sufficient time to allow the designated mental health professional to evaluate the defendant and consider initial detention proceedings under chapter 71.05 RCW. The court must give notice to all parties at least twenty-four hours before the dismissal of any proceeding under this subsection, and provide an opportunity for a hearing on whether to dismiss the proceedings.

Sec. 6   RCW 71.05.020 and 2005 c 504 s 104 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Admission" or "admit" means a decision by a physician that a person should be examined or treated as a patient in a hospital;
     (2) "Antipsychotic medications" means that class of drugs primarily used to treat serious manifestations of mental illness associated with thought disorders, which includes, but is not limited to atypical antipsychotic medications;
     (3) "Attending staff" means any person on the staff of a public or private agency having responsibility for the care and treatment of a patient;
     (4) "Commitment" means the determination by a court that a person should be detained for a period of either evaluation or treatment, or both, in an inpatient or a less restrictive setting;
     (5) "Conditional release" means a revocable modification of a commitment, which may be revoked upon violation of any of its terms;
     (6) "Crisis stabilization unit" means a short-term facility or portion of a facility licensed by the department of health and certified by the department of social and health services under RCW 71.24.035, such as an evaluation and treatment facility, a crisis triage center, or a hospital, which has been designed to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals experiencing an acute crisis without the use of long-term hospitalization;
     (7) "Custody" means involuntary detention under the provisions of this chapter or chapter 10.77 RCW, uninterrupted by any period of unconditional release from commitment from a facility providing involuntary care and treatment;
     (((7))) (8) "Department" means the department of social and health services;
     (((8))) (9) "Designated chemical dependency specialist" means a person designated by the county alcoholism and other drug addiction program coordinator designated under RCW 70.96A.310 to perform the commitment duties described in chapters 70.96A and 70.96B RCW;
     (((9))) (10) "Designated crisis responder" means a mental health professional appointed by the county or the regional support network to perform the duties specified in this chapter;
     (((10))) (11) "Designated mental health professional" means a mental health professional designated by the county or other authority authorized in rule to perform the duties specified in this chapter;
     (((11))) (12) "Detention" or "detain" means the lawful confinement of a person, under the provisions of this chapter;
     (((12))) (13) "Developmental disabilities professional" means a person who has specialized training and three years of experience in directly treating or working with persons with developmental disabilities and is a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker, and such other developmental disabilities professionals as may be defined by rules adopted by the secretary;
     (((13))) (14) "Developmental disability" means that condition defined in RCW 71A.10.020(3);
     (((14))) (15) "Discharge" means the termination of hospital medical authority. The commitment may remain in place, be terminated, or be amended by court order;
     (((15))) (16) "Evaluation and treatment facility" means any facility which can provide directly, or by direct arrangement with other public or private agencies, emergency evaluation and treatment, outpatient care, and timely and appropriate inpatient care to persons suffering from a mental disorder, and which is certified as such by the department. A physically separate and separately operated portion of a state hospital may be designated as an evaluation and treatment facility. A facility which is part of, or operated by, the department or any federal agency will not require certification. No correctional institution or facility, or jail, shall be an evaluation and treatment facility within the meaning of this chapter;
     (((16))) (17) "Gravely disabled" means a condition in which a person, as a result of a mental disorder: (a) Is in danger of serious physical harm resulting from a failure to provide for his or her essential human needs of health or safety; or (b) manifests severe deterioration in routine functioning evidenced by repeated and escalating loss of cognitive or volitional control over his or her actions and is not receiving such care as is essential for his or her health or safety;
     (((17))) (18) "Habilitative services" means those services provided by program personnel to assist persons in acquiring and maintaining life skills and in raising their levels of physical, mental, social, and vocational functioning. Habilitative services include education, training for employment, and therapy. The habilitative process shall be undertaken with recognition of the risk to the public safety presented by the person being assisted as manifested by prior charged criminal conduct;
     (((18))) (19) "History of one or more violent acts" refers to the period of time ten years prior to the filing of a petition under this chapter, excluding any time spent, but not any violent acts committed, in a mental health facility or in confinement as a result of a criminal conviction;
     (((19))) (20) "Individualized service plan" means a plan prepared by a developmental disabilities professional with other professionals as a team, for a person with developmental disabilities, which shall state:
     (a) The nature of the person's specific problems, prior charged criminal behavior, and habilitation needs;
     (b) The conditions and strategies necessary to achieve the purposes of habilitation;
     (c) The intermediate and long-range goals of the habilitation program, with a projected timetable for the attainment;
     (d) The rationale for using this plan of habilitation to achieve those intermediate and long-range goals;
     (e) The staff responsible for carrying out the plan;
     (f) Where relevant in light of past criminal behavior and due consideration for public safety, the criteria for proposed movement to less-restrictive settings, criteria for proposed eventual discharge or release, and a projected possible date for discharge or release; and
     (g) The type of residence immediately anticipated for the person and possible future types of residences;
     (((20))) (21) "Judicial commitment" means a commitment by a court pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;
     (((21))) (22) "Likelihood of serious harm" means:
     (a) A substantial risk that: (i) Physical harm will be inflicted by a person upon his or her own person, as evidenced by threats or attempts to commit suicide or inflict physical harm on oneself; (ii) physical harm will be inflicted by a person upon another, as evidenced by behavior which has caused such harm or which places another person or persons in reasonable fear of sustaining such harm; or (iii) physical harm will be inflicted by a person upon the property of others, as evidenced by behavior which has caused substantial loss or damage to the property of others; or
     (b) The person has threatened the physical safety of another and has a history of one or more violent acts;
     (((22))) (23) "Mental disorder" means any organic, mental, or emotional impairment which has substantial adverse effects on a person's cognitive or volitional functions;
     (((23))) (24) "Mental health professional" means a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or social worker, and such other mental health professionals as may be defined by rules adopted by the secretary pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;
     (((24))) (25) "Peace officer" means a law enforcement official of a public agency or governmental unit, and includes persons specifically given peace officer powers by any state law, local ordinance, or judicial order of appointment;
     (((25))) (26) "Private agency" means any person, partnership, corporation, or association that is not a public agency, whether or not financed in whole or in part by public funds, which constitutes an evaluation and treatment facility or private institution, or hospital, which is conducted for, or includes a department or ward conducted for, the care and treatment of persons who are mentally ill;
     (((26))) (27) "Professional person" means a mental health professional and shall also mean a physician, registered nurse, and such others as may be defined by rules adopted by the secretary pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;
     (((27))) (28) "Psychiatrist" means a person having a license as a physician and surgeon in this state who has in addition completed three years of graduate training in psychiatry in a program approved by the American medical association or the American osteopathic association and is certified or eligible to be certified by the American board of psychiatry and neurology;
     (((28))) (29) "Psychologist" means a person who has been licensed as a psychologist pursuant to chapter 18.83 RCW;
     (((29))) (30) "Public agency" means any evaluation and treatment facility or institution, or hospital which is conducted for, or includes a department or ward conducted for, the care and treatment of persons ((who are mentally ill)) with mental illness, if the agency is operated directly by, federal, state, county, or municipal government, or a combination of such governments;
     (((30))) (31) "Registration records" include all the records of the department, regional support networks, treatment facilities, and other persons providing services to the department, county departments, or facilities which identify persons who are receiving or who at any time have received services for mental illness;
     (((31))) (32) "Release" means legal termination of the commitment under the provisions of this chapter;
     (((32))) (33) "Resource management services" has the meaning given in chapter 71.24 RCW;
     (((33))) (34) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of social and health services, or his or her designee;
     (((34))) (35) "Social worker" means a person with a master's or further advanced degree from an accredited school of social work or a degree deemed equivalent under rules adopted by the secretary;
     (((35))) (36) "Treatment records" include registration and all other records concerning persons who are receiving or who at any time have received services for mental illness, which are maintained by the department, by regional support networks and their staffs, and by treatment facilities. Treatment records do not include notes or records maintained for personal use by a person providing treatment services for the department, regional support networks, or a treatment facility if the notes or records are not available to others;
     (((36))) (37) "Violent act" means behavior that resulted in homicide, attempted suicide, nonfatal injuries, or substantial damage to property.

Sec. 7   RCW 71.05.150 and 1998 c 297 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     NONEMERGENT DETENTION. (1)(((a))) When a ((county)) designated mental health professional receives information alleging that a person, as a result of a mental disorder((: (i) Presents a likelihood of serious harm; or (ii))), is gravely disabled; the ((county)) designated mental health professional may, after investigation and evaluation of the specific facts alleged and of the reliability and credibility of any person providing information to initiate detention, if satisfied that the allegations are true and that the person will not voluntarily seek appropriate treatment, file a petition for initial detention. Before filing the petition, the ((county)) designated mental health professional must personally interview the person, unless the person refuses an interview, and determine whether the person will voluntarily receive appropriate evaluation and treatment at an evaluation and treatment facility, a crisis triage facility, or in a crisis stabilization unit.
     (((b) Whenever it appears, by petition for initial detention, to the satisfaction of a judge of the superior court that a person presents, as a result of a mental disorder, a likelihood of serious harm, or is gravely disabled, and that the person has refused or failed to accept appropriate evaluation and treatment voluntarily, the judge may issue an order requiring the person to appear within twenty-four hours after service of the order at a designated evaluation and treatment facility for not more than a seventy-two hour evaluation and treatment period. The order shall state the address of the evaluation and treatment facility to which the person is to report and whether the required seventy-two hour evaluation and treatment services may be delivered on an outpatient or inpatient basis and that if the person named in the order fails to appear at the evaluation and treatment facility at or before the date and time stated in the order, such person may be involuntarily taken into custody for evaluation and treatment. The order shall also designate retained counsel or, if counsel is appointed from a list provided by the court, the name, business address, and telephone number of the attorney appointed to represent the person.
     (c))) (2) Upon filing the petition, if probable cause exists to support the petition, the court shall fix a date for a hearing no less than two and no more than seven days after the date the petition was filed. The order shall also designate retained counsel or, if counsel is appointed from a list provided by the court, the name, business address, and telephone number of the attorney appointed to represent the person.
     (3) The ((county)) designated mental health professional shall then serve or cause to be served on such person, his or her guardian, and conservator, if any, ((a copy of the order to appear together with)) notice of the hearing, including the date fixed by the court, a notice of rights, and a petition for initial detention. After service on such person the ((county)) designated mental health professional shall file the return of service in court and provide copies of all papers in the court file to the evaluation and treatment facility and the designated attorney. The ((county)) designated mental health professional shall notify the court and the prosecuting attorney that a probable cause hearing will be held within seventy-two hours of the date and time of outpatient evaluation or admission to the evaluation and treatment facility. The person shall be permitted to remain in his or her home or other place of his or her choosing prior to the time of evaluation and shall be permitted to be accompanied by one or more of his or her relatives, friends, an attorney, a personal physician, or other professional or religious advisor to the place of evaluation. An attorney accompanying the person to the place of evaluation shall be permitted to be present during the admission evaluation. Any other individual accompanying the person may be present during the admission evaluation. The facility may exclude the individual if his or her presence would present a safety risk, delay the proceedings, or otherwise interfere with the evaluation.
     (((d))) (4) If the person ordered to appear does appear on or before the date and time specified, the evaluation and treatment facility may admit such person as required by RCW 71.05.170 or may provide treatment on an outpatient basis. If the person ordered to appear fails to appear on or before the date and time specified, the evaluation and treatment facility shall immediately notify the ((county)) designated mental health professional who may notify a peace officer to take such person or cause such person to be taken into custody and placed in an evaluation and treatment facility. Should the ((county)) designated mental health professional notify a peace officer authorizing him or her to take a person into custody under the provisions of this subsection, he or she shall file with the court a copy of such authorization and a notice of detention. At the time such person is taken into custody there shall commence to be served on such person, his or her guardian, and conservator, if any, a copy of the original ((order)) notice of hearing together with a notice of detention, a notice of rights, and a petition for initial detention.
     (((2) When a county designated mental health professional receives information alleging that a person, as the result of a mental disorder, presents an imminent likelihood of serious harm, or is in imminent danger because of being gravely disabled, after investigation and evaluation of the specific facts alleged and of the reliability and credibility of the person or persons providing the information if any, the county designated mental health professional may take such person, or cause by oral or written order such person to be taken into emergency custody in an evaluation and treatment facility for not more than seventy-two hours as described in RCW 71.05.180.
     (3) A peace officer may take such person or cause such person to be taken into custody and placed in an evaluation and treatment facility pursuant to subsection (1)(d) of this section.
     (4) A peace officer may, without prior notice of the proceedings provided for in subsection (1) of this section, take or cause such person to be taken into custody and immediately delivered to an evaluation and treatment facility or the emergency department of a local hospital:
     (a) Only pursuant to subsections (1)(d) and (2) of this section; or
     (b) When he or she has reasonable cause to believe that such person is suffering from a mental disorder and presents an imminent likelihood of serious harm or is in imminent danger because of being gravely disabled.
     (5) Persons delivered to evaluation and treatment facilities by peace officers pursuant to subsection (4)(b) of this section may be held by the facility for a period of up to twelve hours: PROVIDED, That they are examined by a mental health professional within three hours of their arrival. Within twelve hours of their arrival, the county designated mental health professional must file a supplemental petition for detention, and commence service on the designated attorney for the detained person.))

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 8   A new section is added to chapter 71.05 RCW to read as follows:
     EMERGENT DETENTION. (1) When a designated mental health professional receives information alleging that a person, as the result of a mental disorder, presents an imminent likelihood of serious harm, a substantial likelihood of serious harm as evidenced by a recent overt act, or is in imminent danger because of being gravely disabled, after investigation and evaluation of the specific facts alleged and of the reliability and credibility of the person or persons providing the information if any, the designated mental health professional may take such person, or cause by oral or written order such person to be taken into emergency custody in an evaluation and treatment facility for not more than seventy-two hours as described in RCW 71.05.180.
     (2) A peace officer may take or cause such person to be taken into custody and immediately delivered to a crisis stabilization unit, an evaluation and treatment facility, or the emergency department of a local hospital under the following circumstances:
     (a) Pursuant to subsection (1) of this section and RCW 71.05.150(4);
     (b) When he or she has reasonable cause to believe that such person is suffering from a mental disorder and presents an imminent likelihood of serious harm, a substantial likelihood of serious harm as evidenced by a recent overt act, or is in imminent danger because of being gravely disabled; or
     (c) When the peace officer has reasonable cause to believe that the individual has committed acts constituting a crime and the individual is known by history or consultation with the regional support network to suffer from a mental disorder.
     (3) Persons delivered to a crisis stabilization unit, evaluation and treatment facility, or the emergency department of a local hospital by peace officers pursuant to subsection (2) of this section may be held by the facility for a period of up to twelve hours: PROVIDED, That they are examined by a mental health professional within three hours of their arrival. Within twelve hours of their arrival, the designated mental health professional must determine whether the individual meets detention criteria. If the individual is detained, the designated mental health professional shall file a petition for detention or a supplemental petition as appropriate and commence service on the designated attorney for the detained person.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 9   (1) A joint task force on decreasing the number of individuals with mental illness entering the criminal justice system is created. The joint task force shall consist of the following members:
     (a) One member from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate;
     (b) One member from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
     (c) The secretary of the department of social and health services or the secretary's designee;
     (d) The secretary of the department of corrections or the secretary's designee;
     (e) An elected sheriff or police chief, selected by the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs; and
     (f) The following twelve members, jointly appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate:
     (i) A representative from the community mental health council;
     (ii) A representative from the Washington state affiliate of the national alliance on mental illness;
     (iii) A representative from one of the regional support networks in the eastern state hospital catchments;
     (iv) A representative from one of the regional support networks in the western state hospital catchments;
     (v) A city or county prosecutor with experience in involuntary civil commitments or criminal cases involving questions of competency;
     (vi) An assistant attorney general with experience in involuntary civil commitments or criminal cases involving questions of competency;
     (vii) A public defender with experience in involuntary civil commitments or criminal cases involving questions of competency;
     (viii) A representative of the Washington association of counties;
     (ix) A representative of the association of Washington cities;
     (x) A representative selected from amongst the mental health ombudsmen required by RCW 71.24.350;
     (xi) A representative of the Washington association of designated mental health professionals; and
     (xii) A representative of the Washington state jail association.
     (2) The task force shall choose two cochairs from among its membership.
     (3) The task force shall review and make recommendations to the legislature and the governor regarding increased access to mental health services for those within the criminal justice system and strategies that will decrease the number of people with mental health illness entering and reentering the criminal justice system.
     (4) The task force, where feasible, may consult with individuals from the public and private sector.
     (5) The task force shall use legislative facilities and staff from senate committee services and the house office of program research.
     (6) The task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by November 15, 2007.

Sec. 10   RCW 49.19.010 and 2000 c 94 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:
     For purposes of this chapter:
     (1) "Health care setting" means:
     (a) Hospitals as defined in RCW 70.41.020;
     (b) Home health, hospice, and home care agencies under chapter 70.127 RCW, subject to RCW 49.19.070;
     (c) Evaluation and treatment facilities as defined in RCW 71.05.020(((12))); and
     (d) Community mental health programs as defined in RCW 71.24.025(5).
     (2) "Department" means the department of labor and industries.
     (3) "Employee" means an employee as defined in RCW 49.17.020.
     (4) "Violence" or "violent act" means any physical assault or verbal threat of physical assault against an employee of a health care setting.

Sec. 11   RCW 71.34.600 and 2005 c 371 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A parent may bring, or authorize the bringing of, his or her minor child to an evaluation and treatment facility or an inpatient facility licensed under chapter 70.41, 71.12, or 72.23 RCW and request that the professional person ((as defined in RCW 71.05.020(24))) examine the minor to determine whether the minor has a mental disorder and is in need of inpatient treatment.
     (2) The consent of the minor is not required for admission, evaluation, and treatment if the parent brings the minor to the facility.
     (3) An appropriately trained professional person may evaluate whether the minor has a mental disorder. The evaluation shall be completed within twenty-four hours of the time the minor was brought to the facility, unless the professional person determines that the condition of the minor necessitates additional time for evaluation. In no event shall a minor be held longer than seventy-two hours for evaluation. If, in the judgment of the professional person, it is determined it is a medical necessity for the minor to receive inpatient treatment, the minor may be held for treatment. The facility shall limit treatment to that which the professional person determines is medically necessary to stabilize the minor's condition until the evaluation has been completed. Within twenty-four hours of completion of the evaluation, the professional person shall notify the department if the child is held for treatment and of the date of admission.
     (4) No provider is obligated to provide treatment to a minor under the provisions of this section except that no provider may refuse to treat a minor under the provisions of this section solely on the basis that the minor has not consented to the treatment. No provider may admit a minor to treatment under this section unless it is medically necessary.
     (5) No minor receiving inpatient treatment under this section may be discharged from the facility based solely on his or her request.
     (6) Prior to the review conducted under RCW 71.34.610, the professional person shall notify the minor of his or her right to petition superior court for release from the facility.
     (7) For the purposes of this section "professional person" means "professional person" as defined in RCW 71.05.020.

Sec. 12   RCW 71.24.035 and 2006 c 333 s 201 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department is designated as the state mental health authority.
     (2) The secretary shall provide for public, client, and licensed service provider participation in developing the state mental health program, developing contracts with regional support networks, and any waiver request to the federal government under medicaid.
     (3) The secretary shall provide for participation in developing the state mental health program for children and other underserved populations, by including representatives on any committee established to provide oversight to the state mental health program.
     (4) The secretary shall be designated as the regional support network if the regional support network fails to meet state minimum standards or refuses to exercise responsibilities under RCW 71.24.045.
     (5) The secretary shall:
     (a) Develop a biennial state mental health program that incorporates regional biennial needs assessments and regional mental health service plans and state services for ((mentally ill)) adults and children with mental illness. The secretary shall also develop a six-year state mental health plan;
     (b) Assure that any regional or county community mental health program provides access to treatment for the region's residents in the following order of priority: (i) ((The acutely mentally ill)) Persons with acute mental illness; (ii) ((chronically mentally ill)) adults with chronic mental illness and children who are severely emotionally disturbed ((children)); and (iii) ((the)) persons who are seriously disturbed. Such programs shall provide:
     (A) Outpatient services;
     (B) Emergency care services for twenty-four hours per day;
     (C) Day treatment for ((mentally ill)) persons with mental illness which includes training in basic living and social skills, supported work, vocational rehabilitation, and day activities. Such services may include therapeutic treatment. In the case of a child, day treatment includes age-appropriate basic living and social skills, educational and prevocational services, day activities, and therapeutic treatment;
     (D) Screening for patients being considered for admission to state mental health facilities to determine the appropriateness of admission;
     (E) Employment services, which may include supported employment, transitional work, placement in competitive employment, and other work-related services, that result in ((mentally ill)) persons with mental illness becoming engaged in meaningful and gainful full or part-time work. Other sources of funding such as the division of vocational rehabilitation may be utilized by the secretary to maximize federal funding and provide for integration of services;
     (F) Consultation and education services; and
     (G) Community support services;
     (c) Develop and adopt rules establishing state minimum standards for the delivery of mental health services pursuant to RCW 71.24.037 including, but not limited to:
     (i) Licensed service providers. These rules shall permit a county-operated mental health program to be licensed as a service provider subject to compliance with applicable statutes and rules. The secretary shall provide for deeming of compliance with state minimum standards for those entities accredited by recognized behavioral health accrediting bodies recognized and having a current agreement with the department;
     (ii) Regional support networks; and
     (iii) Inpatient services, evaluation and treatment services and facilities under chapter 71.05 RCW, resource management services, and community support services;
     (d) Assure that the special needs of persons who are minorities, ((the)) elderly, disabled, children, and low-income ((persons)) are met within the priorities established in this section;
     (e) Establish a standard contract or contracts, consistent with state minimum standards and RCW 71.24.320, 71.24.330, and 71.24.3201, which shall be used in contracting with regional support networks. The standard contract shall include a maximum fund balance, which shall be consistent with that required by federal regulations or waiver stipulations;
     (f) Establish, to the extent possible, a standardized auditing procedure which minimizes paperwork requirements of regional support networks and licensed service providers. The audit procedure shall focus on the outcomes of service and not the processes for accomplishing them;
     (g) Develop and maintain an information system to be used by the state and regional support networks that includes a tracking method which allows the department and regional support networks to identify mental health clients' participation in any mental health service or public program on an immediate basis. The information system shall not include individual patient's case history files. Confidentiality of client information and records shall be maintained as provided in this chapter and in RCW 71.05.390, 71.05.420, and 71.05.440;
     (h) License service providers who meet state minimum standards;
     (i) Certify regional support networks that meet state minimum standards;
     (j) Periodically monitor the compliance of certified regional support networks and their network of licensed service providers for compliance with the contract between the department, the regional support network, and federal and state rules at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner;
     (k) Fix fees to be paid by evaluation and treatment centers to the secretary for the required inspections;
     (l) Monitor and audit regional support networks and licensed service providers as needed to assure compliance with contractual agreements authorized by this chapter;
     (m) Adopt such rules as are necessary to implement the department's responsibilities under this chapter; ((and))
     (n) Assure the availability of an appropriate amount, as determined by the legislature in the operating budget by amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, of community-based, geographically distributed residential services; and
     (o) Certify crisis stabilization units that meet state minimum standards.
     (6) The secretary shall use available resources only for regional support networks, except to the extent authorized, and in accordance with any priorities or conditions specified, in the biennial appropriations act.
     (7) Each certified regional support network and licensed service provider shall file with the secretary, on request, such data, statistics, schedules, and information as the secretary reasonably requires. A certified regional support network or licensed service provider which, without good cause, fails to furnish any data, statistics, schedules, or information as requested, or files fraudulent reports thereof, may have its certification or license revoked or suspended.
     (8) The secretary may suspend, revoke, limit, or restrict a certification or license, or refuse to grant a certification or license for failure to conform to: (a) The law; (b) applicable rules and regulations; (c) applicable standards; or (d) state minimum standards.
     (9) The superior court may restrain any regional support network or service provider from operating without certification or a license or any other violation of this section. The court may also review, pursuant to procedures contained in chapter 34.05 RCW, any denial, suspension, limitation, restriction, or revocation of certification or license, and grant other relief required to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
     (10) Upon petition by the secretary, and after hearing held upon reasonable notice to the facility, the superior court may issue a warrant to an officer or employee of the secretary authorizing him or her to enter at reasonable times, and examine the records, books, and accounts of any regional support network or service provider refusing to consent to inspection or examination by the authority.
     (11) Notwithstanding the existence or pursuit of any other remedy, the secretary may file an action for an injunction or other process against any person or governmental unit to restrain or prevent the establishment, conduct, or operation of a regional support network or service provider without certification or a license under this chapter.
     (12) The standards for certification of evaluation and treatment facilities shall include standards relating to maintenance of good physical and mental health and other services to be afforded persons pursuant to this chapter and chapters 71.05 and 71.34 RCW, and shall otherwise assure the effectuation of the purposes of these chapters.
     (13) The standards for certification of crisis stabilization units shall include standards that:
     (a) Permit location of the units at a jail facility if the unit is physically separate from the general population of the jail;
     (b) Require administration of the unit by mental health professionals who direct the stabilization and rehabilitation efforts; and
     (c) Provide an environment affording security appropriate with the alleged criminal behavior and necessary to protect the public safety.
     (14) The department shall distribute appropriated state and federal funds in accordance with any priorities, terms, or conditions specified in the appropriations act.
     (((14))) (15) The secretary shall assume all duties assigned to the nonparticipating regional support networks under chapters 71.05, 71.34, and 71.24 RCW. Such responsibilities shall include those which would have been assigned to the nonparticipating counties in regions where there are not participating regional support networks.
     The regional support networks, or the secretary's assumption of all responsibilities under chapters 71.05, 71.34, and 71.24 RCW, shall be included in all state and federal plans affecting the state mental health program including at least those required by this chapter, the medicaid program, and P.L. 99-660. Nothing in these plans shall be inconsistent with the intent and requirements of this chapter.
     (((15))) (16) The secretary shall:
     (a) Disburse funds for the regional support networks within sixty days of approval of the biennial contract. The department must either approve or reject the biennial contract within sixty days of receipt.
     (b) Enter into biennial contracts with regional support networks. The contracts shall be consistent with available resources. No contract shall be approved that does not include progress toward meeting the goals of this chapter by taking responsibility for: (i) Short-term commitments; (ii) residential care; and (iii) emergency response systems.
     (c) Notify regional support networks of their allocation of available resources at least sixty days prior to the start of a new biennial contract period.
     (d) Deny all or part of the funding allocations to regional support networks based solely upon formal findings of noncompliance with the terms of the regional support network's contract with the department. Regional support networks disputing the decision of the secretary to withhold funding allocations are limited to the remedies provided in the department's contracts with the regional support networks.
     (((16))) (17) The department, in cooperation with the state congressional delegation, shall actively seek waivers of federal requirements and such modifications of federal regulations as are necessary to allow federal medicaid reimbursement for services provided by free-standing evaluation and treatment facilities certified under chapter 71.05 RCW. The department shall periodically report its efforts to the appropriate committees of the senate and the house of representatives.

Sec. 13   RCW 71.05.160 and 1998 c 297 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     Any facility receiving a person pursuant to RCW 71.05.150 or section 8 of this act shall require a petition for initial detention stating the circumstances under which the person's condition was made known and stating that such officer or person has evidence, as a result of his or her personal observation or investigation, that the actions of the person for which application is made constitute a likelihood of serious harm, or that he or she is gravely disabled, and stating the specific facts known to him or her as a result of his or her personal observation or investigation, upon which he or she bases the belief that such person should be detained for the purposes and under the authority of this chapter.
     If a person is involuntarily placed in an evaluation and treatment facility pursuant to RCW 71.05.150 or section 8 of this act, on the next judicial day following the initial detention, the ((county)) designated mental health professional shall file with the court and serve the designated attorney of the detained person the petition or supplemental petition for initial detention, proof of service of notice, and a copy of a notice of emergency detention.

Sec. 14   RCW 71.05.360 and 2005 c 504 s 107 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) Every person involuntarily detained or committed under the provisions of this chapter shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this chapter, which shall be prominently posted in the facility, and shall retain all rights not denied him or her under this chapter except as chapter 9.41 RCW may limit the right of a person to purchase or possess a firearm or to qualify for a concealed pistol license.
     (b) No person shall be presumed incompetent as a consequence of receiving an evaluation or voluntary or involuntary treatment for a mental disorder, under this chapter or any prior laws of this state dealing with mental illness. Competency shall not be determined or withdrawn except under the provisions of chapter 10.97 or 11.88 RCW.
     (c) Any person who leaves a public or private agency following evaluation or treatment for mental disorder shall be given a written statement setting forth the substance of this section.
     (2) Each person involuntarily detained or committed pursuant to this chapter shall have the right to adequate care and individualized treatment.
     (3) The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to deny to any person treatment by spiritual means through prayer in accordance with the tenets and practices of a church or religious denomination.
     (4) Persons receiving evaluation or treatment under this chapter shall be given a reasonable choice of an available physician or other professional person qualified to provide such services.
     (5) Whenever any person is detained for evaluation and treatment pursuant to this chapter, both the person and, if possible, a responsible member of his or her immediate family, personal representative, guardian, or conservator, if any, shall be advised as soon as possible in writing or orally, by the officer or person taking him or her into custody or by personnel of the evaluation and treatment facility where the person is detained that unless the person is released or voluntarily admits himself or herself for treatment within seventy-two hours of the initial detention:
     (a) A judicial hearing in a superior court, either by a judge or court commissioner thereof, shall be held not more than seventy-two hours after the initial detention to determine whether there is probable cause to detain the person after the seventy-two hours have expired for up to an additional fourteen days without further automatic hearing for the reason that the person is a person whose mental disorder presents a likelihood of serious harm or that the person is gravely disabled;
     (b) The person has a right to communicate immediately with an attorney; has a right to have an attorney appointed to represent him or her before and at the probable cause hearing if he or she is indigent; and has the right to be told the name and address of the attorney that the mental health professional has designated pursuant to this chapter;
     (c) The person has the right to remain silent and that any statement he or she makes may be used against him or her;
     (d) The person has the right to present evidence and to cross-examine witnesses who testify against him or her at the probable cause hearing; and
     (e) The person has the right to refuse psychiatric medications, including antipsychotic medication beginning twenty-four hours prior to the probable cause hearing.
     (6) When proceedings are initiated under ((RCW 71.05.150 (2), (3), or (4)(b))) section 8 of this act, no later than twelve hours after such person is admitted to the evaluation and treatment facility the personnel of the evaluation and treatment facility or the designated mental health professional shall serve on such person a copy of the petition for initial detention and the name, business address, and phone number of the designated attorney and shall forthwith commence service of a copy of the petition for initial detention on the designated attorney.
     (7) The judicial hearing described in subsection (5) of this section is hereby authorized, and shall be held according to the provisions of subsection (5) of this section and rules promulgated by the supreme court.
     (8) At the probable cause hearing the detained person shall have the following rights in addition to the rights previously specified:
     (a) To present evidence on his or her behalf;
     (b) To cross-examine witnesses who testify against him or her;
     (c) To be proceeded against by the rules of evidence;
     (d) To remain silent;
     (e) To view and copy all petitions and reports in the court file.
     (9) The physician-patient privilege or the psychologist-client privilege shall be deemed waived in proceedings under this chapter relating to the administration of antipsychotic medications. As to other proceedings under this chapter, the privileges shall be waived when a court of competent jurisdiction in its discretion determines that such waiver is necessary to protect either the detained person or the public.
     The waiver of a privilege under this section is limited to records or testimony relevant to evaluation of the detained person for purposes of a proceeding under this chapter. Upon motion by the detained person or on its own motion, the court shall examine a record or testimony sought by a petitioner to determine whether it is within the scope of the waiver.
     The record maker shall not be required to testify in order to introduce medical or psychological records of the detained person so long as the requirements of RCW 5.45.020 are met except that portions of the record which contain opinions as to the detained person's mental state must be deleted from such records unless the person making such conclusions is available for cross-examination.
     (10) Insofar as danger to the person or others is not created, each person involuntarily detained, treated in a less restrictive alternative course of treatment, or committed for treatment and evaluation pursuant to this chapter shall have, in addition to other rights not specifically withheld by law, the following rights:
     (a) To wear his or her own clothes and to keep and use his or her own personal possessions, except when deprivation of same is essential to protect the safety of the resident or other persons;
     (b) To keep and be allowed to spend a reasonable sum of his or her own money for canteen expenses and small purchases;
     (c) To have access to individual storage space for his or her private use;
     (d) To have visitors at reasonable times;
     (e) To have reasonable access to a telephone, both to make and receive confidential calls, consistent with an effective treatment program;
     (f) To have ready access to letter writing materials, including stamps, and to send and receive uncensored correspondence through the mails;
     (g) To discuss treatment plans and decisions with professional persons;
     (h) Not to consent to the administration of antipsychotic medications and not to thereafter be administered antipsychotic medications unless ordered by a court under RCW 71.05.217 or pursuant to an administrative hearing under RCW 71.05.215;
     (i) Not to consent to the performance of electroconvulsant therapy or surgery, except emergency life-saving surgery, unless ordered by a court under RCW 71.05.217;
     (j) Not to have psychosurgery performed on him or her under any circumstances;
     (k) To dispose of property and sign contracts unless such person has been adjudicated an incompetent in a court proceeding directed to that particular issue.
     (11) Every person involuntarily detained shall immediately be informed of his or her right to a hearing to review the legality of his or her detention and of his or her right to counsel, by the professional person in charge of the facility providing evaluation and treatment, or his or her designee, and, when appropriate, by the court. If the person so elects, the court shall immediately appoint an attorney to assist him or her.
     (12) A person challenging his or her detention or his or her attorney((,)) shall have the right to designate and have the court appoint a reasonably available independent physician or licensed mental health professional to examine the person detained, the results of which examination may be used in the proceeding. The person shall, if he or she is financially able, bear the cost of such expert ((information [examination])) examination, otherwise such expert examination shall be at public expense.
     (13) Nothing contained in this chapter shall prohibit the patient from petitioning by writ of habeas corpus for release.
     (14) Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a person committed on or prior to January 1, 1974, from exercising a right available to him or her at or prior to January 1, 1974, for obtaining release from confinement.
     (15) Nothing in this section permits any person to knowingly violate a no-contact order or a condition of an active judgment and sentence or an active condition of supervision by the department of corrections.

Sec. 15   RCW 71.05.390 and 2005 c 504 s 109, 2005 c 453 s 5, and 2005 c 274 s 346 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     Except as provided in this section, RCW 71.05.445, 71.05.630, 70.96A.150, or pursuant to a valid release under RCW 70.02.030, the fact of admission and all information and records compiled, obtained, or maintained in the course of providing services to either voluntary or involuntary recipients of services at public or private agencies shall be confidential.
     Information and records may be disclosed only:
     (1) In communications between qualified professional persons to meet the requirements of this chapter, in the provision of services or appropriate referrals, or in the course of guardianship proceedings. The consent of the person, or his or her personal representative or guardian, shall be obtained before information or records may be disclosed by a professional person employed by a facility unless provided to a professional person:
     (a) Employed by the facility;
     (b) Who has medical responsibility for the patient's care;
     (c) Who is a designated mental health professional;
     (d) Who is providing services under chapter 71.24 RCW;
     (e) Who is employed by a state or local correctional facility where the person is confined or supervised; or
     (f) Who is providing evaluation, treatment, or follow-up services under chapter 10.77 RCW.
     (2) When the communications regard the special needs of a patient and the necessary circumstances giving rise to such needs and the disclosure is made by a facility providing services to the operator of a facility in which the patient resides or will reside.
     (3)(a) When the person receiving services, or his or her guardian, designates persons to whom information or records may be released, or if the person is a minor, when his or her parents make such designation.
     (b) A public or private agency shall release to a person's next of kin, attorney, personal representative, guardian, or conservator, if any:
     (i) The information that the person is presently a patient in the facility or that the person is seriously physically ill;
     (ii) A statement evaluating the mental and physical condition of the patient, and a statement of the probable duration of the patient's confinement, if such information is requested by the next of kin, attorney, personal representative, guardian, or conservator; and
     (iii) Such other information requested by the next of kin or attorney as may be necessary to decide whether or not proceedings should be instituted to appoint a guardian or conservator.
     (4) To the extent necessary for a recipient to make a claim, or for a claim to be made on behalf of a recipient for aid, insurance, or medical assistance to which he or she may be entitled.
     (5)(a) For either program evaluation or research, or both: PROVIDED, That the secretary adopts rules for the conduct of the evaluation or research, or both. Such rules shall include, but need not be limited to, the requirement that all evaluators and researchers must sign an oath of confidentiality substantially as follows:

     "As a condition of conducting evaluation or research concerning persons who have received services from (fill in the facility, agency, or person) I, . . . . . . . . ., agree not to divulge, publish, or otherwise make known to unauthorized persons or the public any information obtained in the course of such evaluation or research regarding persons who have received services such that the person who received such services is identifiable.
     I recognize that unauthorized release of confidential information may subject me to civil liability under the provisions of state law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 16   RCW 10.77.090 (Stay of proceedings--Commitment -- Findings -- Evaluation, treatment -- Extensions of commitment--Alternative procedures -- Procedure in nonfelony charge) and 2000 c 74 s 3, 1998 c 297 s 38, 1989 c 420 s 5, 1979 ex.s. c 215 s 3, 1974 ex.s. c 198 s 8, & 1973 1st ex.s. c 117 s 9 are each repealed.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 17   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. 18   Captions used in this act are not any part of the law.