Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 71.12.700 — Psychiatric hospitals — Technical assistance., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 71.12.700. Psychiatric hospitals — Technical assistance.
(1) Any *psychiatric hospital may request from the department or the department may offer to any *psychiatric hospital technical assistance. The department may not provide technical assistance during an inspection or during the time between when an investigation of a *psychiatric hospital has been initiated and when such investigation is resolved.
(2) The department may offer group training to *psychiatric hospitals licensed under this chapter.
Notes
*Reviser's note: The term "psychiatric hospital" was changed to "behavioral health hospital" by
2024 c 121 s 19.
Findings—Intent—2020 c 115: "The legislature finds that patients seeking behavioral health care in Washington would benefit from consistent regulatory oversight and transparency about patient outcomes. Current regulatory oversight of psychiatric hospitals licensed under chapter
71.12 RCW needs to be enhanced to protect the health, safety, and well-being of patients seeking behavioral health care in these facilities. Some hospitals have not complied with state licensing requirements. Additional enforcement tools are needed to address noncompliance and protect patients from risk of harm.
The legislature also finds that licensing and enforcement requirements for all health care facility types regulated by the department of health are inconsistent and that patients are not well-served by this inconsistency. Review of the regulatory requirements for all health care facility types, including acute care hospitals, is needed to identify gaps and opportunities to consolidate and standardize requirements. Legislation will be necessary to implement uniform requirements that assure provision of safe, quality care and create consistency and predictability for facilities." [
2020 c 115 s 1.]
Effective date—2020 c 115: "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 [March 25, 2020]." [
2020 c 115 s 9.]
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 71.12.700
What does Revised Code of Washington § 71.12.700 cover?
Section 71.12.700 ("Psychiatric hospitals — Technical assistance.") 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 § 71.12.700?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 71.12.700" (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 § 71.12.700 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.
