Washington § 51.14.360 - Ombuds liability — Discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory actions — Communications privileged and confidential — Testimony.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 51.14.360 — Ombuds liability — Discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory actions — Communications privileged and confidential — Testimony., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 51.14.360. Ombuds liability — Discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory actions — Communications privileged and confidential — Testimony.

(1) No ombuds is liable for good faith performance of responsibilities under this chapter.
(2) No discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory action may be taken against any employee of a self-insured employer for any communication made, or information given or disclosed, to assist the ombuds in carrying out its duties and responsibilities, unless the same was done maliciously. This subsection is not intended to infringe on the rights of the employer to supervise, discipline, or terminate an employee for other reasons.
(3) All communications by the ombuds, if reasonably related to the requirements of his or her responsibilities under this chapter and done in good faith, are privileged and confidential, and this shall serve as a defense to any action in libel or slander.
(4) Representatives of the office of the ombuds are exempt from being required to testify as to any privileged or confidential matters except as the court may deem necessary to enforce this chapter.
[ 2013 c 23 s 111; 2007 c 281 s 7.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 51.14.360

What does Revised Code of Washington § 51.14.360 cover?

Section 51.14.360 ("Ombuds liability — Discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory actions — Communications privileged and confidential — Testimony.") 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.

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A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 51.14.360" (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.

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