Washington § 49.19.040 - Violent acts — Records.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 49.19.040 — Violent acts — Records., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 49.19.040. Violent acts — Records.

Each health care setting shall keep a record of any violent act against an employee, a patient, or a visitor occurring at the setting. Each record shall be kept for at least five years following the act reported, during which time it shall be available for inspection by the department upon request. At a minimum, the record shall include:
(1) The health care setting's name and address;
(2) The date, time, and specific location at the health care setting where the act occurred;
(3) The name, job title, department or ward assignment, and staff identification or social security number of the victim if an employee;
(4) A description of the person against whom the act was committed as:
(a) A patient;
(b) A visitor;
(c) An employee; or
(d) Other;
(5) A description of the person committing the act as:
(a) A patient;
(b) A visitor;
(c) An employee; or
(d) Other;
(6) A description of the type of violent act as a:
(a) Threat of assault with no physical contact;
(b) Physical assault with contact but no physical injury;
(c) Physical assault with mild soreness, surface abrasions, scratches, or small bruises;
(d) Physical assault with major soreness, cuts, or large bruises;
(e) Physical assault with severe lacerations, a bone fracture, or a head injury; or
(f) Physical assault with loss of limb or death;
(7) An identification of any body part injured;
(8) A description of any weapon used;
(9) The number of employees in the vicinity of the act when it occurred; and
(10) A description of actions taken by employees and the health care setting in response to the act.
[ 2019 c 430 s 4; 1999 c 377 s 5.]

Notes

Effective date—2019 c 430: See note following RCW 49.19.010.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 49.19.040

What does Revised Code of Washington § 49.19.040 cover?

Section 49.19.040 ("Violent acts — Records.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 49.19.040?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 49.19.040" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 49.19.040 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.