Evaluation of adolescent brought for immediate inpatient treatment — Temporary detention. (Effective until July 1, 2026.)
RCW 71.34.700
in effect(1) If an adolescent is brought to an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility with available space, approved substance use disorder treatment program with available space, or hospital emergency room for immediate behavioral health services, the professional person in charge of the facility shall evaluate the adolescent's condition, determine whether the adolescent suffers from a behavioral health disorder, and whether the adolescent is in need of immediate inpatient treatment. (2) If it is determined under subsection (1) of this section that the adolescent suffers from a behavioral health disorder, inpatient treatment is required, the adolescent is unwilling to consent to voluntary admission, and the professional person believes that the adolescent meets the criteria for initial detention, the facility may detain or arrange for the detention of the adolescent for up to twelve hours, not including time periods prior to medical clearance, in order to enable a designated crisis responder to evaluate the adolescent and commence initial detention proceedings under the provisions of this chapter. (3) Dismissal of a commitment petition is not the appropriate remedy for a violation of the timeliness requirements of this section, based on the purpose of this chapter under RCW 71.34.010 , except in the few cases where the facility staff or the designated crisis responder have totally disregarded the requirements of this section.
(1) If an adolescent is brought to an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility with available space, approved substance use disorder treatment program with available space, or hospital emergency room for immediate behavioral health services, the professional person in charge of the facility shall evaluate the adolescent's condition, determine whether the adolescent suffers from a behavioral health disorder, and whether the adolescent is in need of immediate inpatient treatment.
(2) If it is determined under subsection (1) of this section that the adolescent suffers from a behavioral health disorder, inpatient treatment is required, the adolescent is unwilling to consent to voluntary admission, and the professional person believes that the adolescent meets the criteria for initial detention, the facility may detain or arrange for the detention of the adolescent for up to twelve hours, not including time periods prior to medical clearance, in order to enable a designated crisis responder to evaluate the adolescent and commence initial detention proceedings under the provisions of this chapter.
(3) Dismissal of a commitment petition is not the appropriate remedy for a violation of the timeliness requirements of this section, based on the purpose of this chapter under RCW 71.34.010 , except in the few cases where the facility staff or the designated crisis responder have totally disregarded the requirements of this section.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=71.34&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026