Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 10.77.520 — Placement — Secure facility — Treatment and rights — Custody — Reports., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 10.77.520. Placement — Secure facility — Treatment and rights — Custody — Reports.
(1) If the secretary determines in writing that a person committed to the custody of the secretary for treatment as criminally insane presents an unreasonable safety risk which, based on behavior, clinical history, and facility security is not manageable in a state hospital setting, and the secretary has given consideration to reasonable alternatives that would be effective to manage the behavior, the secretary may place the person in any secure facility operated by the secretary or the secretary of the department of corrections. The secretary's written decision and reasoning must be documented in the patient's medical file. Any person affected by this provision shall receive appropriate mental health treatment governed by a formalized treatment plan targeted at mental health rehabilitation needs and shall be afforded his or her rights under RCW
10.77.545,
10.77.550, and
10.77.595. The secretary of the department of social and health services shall retain legal custody of any person placed under this section and review any placement outside of a department mental health hospital every three months, or sooner if warranted by the person's mental health status, to determine if the placement remains appropriate.
(2) Beginning December 1, 2010, and every six months thereafter, the secretary shall report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature regarding the use of the authority under this section to transfer persons to a secure facility. The report shall include information related to the number of persons who have been placed in a secure facility operated by the secretary or the secretary of the department of corrections, and the length of time that each such person has been in the secure facility.
Notes
Effective date—2015 1st sp.s. c 7: "Section 1, chapter 253, Laws of 2015 is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect June 30, 2015." [
2015 1st sp.s. c 7 s 20.]
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 10.77.520
What does Revised Code of Washington § 10.77.520 cover?
Section 10.77.520 ("Placement — Secure facility — Treatment and rights — Custody — Reports.") 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 § 10.77.520?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 10.77.520" (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 § 10.77.520 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.
