The purpose of this bulletin is to provide an overview of key changes to Washington’s civil commitment statues for adults and minors under 2E2SSB 5720. The omnibus bill amends RCW 71.05, the Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) and RCW 71.34, Behavioral Health Services for Minors. Key changes include expanding the initial detention period from 3 days to 5 days, expanding patients’ rights, modifying ITA processes, and making important definitional changes. Except for the 5-day detention change and the definitions changes expanding detention criteria, these changes are effective June 11, 2020.... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide hospitals and health systems with resources to ensure effective communication between the facility and individuals, including patients, people eligible to become patients, and their companions who have limited English proficiency (LEP) and/or who have communication disabilities, such as being blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. ... Read More >>

This bulletin is to inform hospitals and health systems of important behavioral health budget issues arising from the 2020 legislative session. ... Read More >>

This bulletin is to inform rural hospitals of recent changes to state law that will allow them to pursue designation as a home health shortage area. ... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide an overview of recent changes to state laws requiring private entities and public agencies to provide notice of data breaches involving personal information, including protected health information (PHI), to impacted individuals and the Washington State Attorney General (AG).... Read More >>

This bulletin’s purpose is to notify hospitals about the new substitute provider and credentialed provider reimbursement laws passed in HB 1552.... Read More >>

This bulletin contains information on three laws related to sexual assault nurse examinations and sexual assault evidence kit collection: ... Read More >>

The purpose of this bulletin is to clarify the legal requirements for the use and disclosure of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) records during the COVID-19 emergency.... Read More >>

This bulletin is to inform psychiatric hospitals (those licensed under chapter 71.12 RCW) about House Bill 2426, which increases the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) oversight and enforcement abilities of health care facilities. ... Read More >>

To inform hospitals and health systems about new requirements contained in House Bill 1931, for workplace violence prevention efforts in health care settings.... Read More >>