Washington § 70.395.020 - Definitions.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Abuse" means an act by any individual which injures, exploits, or in any way jeopardizes a detained person's health, welfare, or safety, including, but not limited to:

(a) Physically damaging or potentially damaging nonaccidental acts;

(b) Emotionally damaging verbal behavior and harassment or other actions which may result in emotional or behavioral problems; and

(c) Sexual abuse, exploitation, and mistreatment through inappropriate touching, inappropriate remarks, or encouraging participation in pornography or prostitution.

(2) "Detained person" means a person confined in a private detention facility.

(3) "Detention facility" means any facility in which persons are incarcerated or otherwise involuntarily confined for purposes including prior to trial or sentencing, fulfilling the terms of a sentence imposed by a court, or for other judicial or administrative processes or proceedings.

(4) "Dietitian" means an individual certified under chapter 18.138 RCW.

(5) "Neglect" means conduct which results in deprivation of care necessary to maintain a detained person's minimum physical and mental health including, but not limited to:

(a) Physical and material deprivation;

(b) Lack of medical care;

(c) Inadequate food, clothing or cleanliness;

(d) Refusal to acknowledge, hear, or consider a detained person's concerns;

(e) Lack of social interaction and physical activity;

(f) Lack of personal care; and

(g) Lack of supervision appropriate for the detained person's level of functioning.

(6) "Private detention facility" means a detention facility that is operated by a private, nongovernmental entity and operating pursuant to a contract or agreement with a federal, state, or local governmental entity.

Effective date—2025 c 235: "This act 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 immediately [May 12, 2025]." [ 2025 c 235 s 8.]

Construction—2025 c 235: "This act shall be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes." [ 2025 c 235 s 10.]

Effective date—Construction—2023 c 419: See notes following RCW 42.56.475.