Washington § 71.34.700 - Evaluation of adolescent brought for immediate inpatient treatment — Temporary detention.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 71.34.700 — Evaluation of adolescent brought for immediate inpatient treatment — Temporary detention., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 71.34.700. Evaluation of adolescent brought for immediate inpatient treatment — Temporary detention.

(1) If an adolescent is brought to an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, approved substance use disorder treatment program, or hospital emergency room for immediate behavioral health services, the professional person in charge of the facility shall evaluate the adolescent's condition, determine whether the adolescent suffers from a behavioral health disorder, and whether the adolescent is in need of immediate inpatient treatment.
(2) If it is determined under subsection (1) of this section that the adolescent suffers from a behavioral health disorder, inpatient treatment is required, the adolescent is unwilling to consent to voluntary admission, and the professional person believes that the adolescent meets the criteria for initial detention, the facility may detain or arrange for the detention of the adolescent for up to twelve hours, not including time periods prior to medical clearance, in order to enable a designated crisis responder to evaluate the adolescent and commence initial detention proceedings under the provisions of this chapter.
(3) Dismissal of a commitment petition is not the appropriate remedy for a violation of the timeliness requirements of this section, based on the purpose of this chapter under RCW 71.34.010, except in the few cases where the facility staff or the designated crisis responder have totally disregarded the requirements of this section.
[ 2020 c 302 s 79; (2020 c 302 s 78 expired July 1, 2026). Prior: 2019 c 446 s 31; (2019 c 446 s 30 expired July 1, 2026); 2019 c 381 s 15; (2019 c 381 s 14 expired July 1, 2026); 2016 sp.s. c 29 s 268; 2016 sp.s. c 29 s 267; 1985 c 354 s 4. Formerly RCW 71.34.040.]

Notes

Effective date—2020 c 302 ss 14, 17, 27, 40, 46, 56, 79, 84, 87, 93, 95, and 98: See note following RCW 71.05.150.
Expiration date—2020 c 302 ss 13, 16, 26, 39, 45, 55, 78, 83, 86, 92, 94, and 97: See note following RCW 71.05.150.
Effective date—2019 c 446 ss 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 31, 33, 35, 38, 40, and 42: See note following RCW 71.05.150.
Expiration date—2019 c 446 ss 4, 6, 8, 11, 14, 30, 32, 34, 37, 39, and 41: See note following RCW 71.05.150.
Effective date—2019 c 381 ss 15 and 17: "Sections 15 and 17 of this act take effect July 1, 2026." [ 2019 c 381 s 27.]
Expiration date—2019 c 381 ss 14 and 16: "Sections 14 and 16 of this act expire July 1, 2026." [ 2019 c 381 s 26.]
Short title—2019 c 381: See note following RCW 71.34.500.
Effective dates—2016 sp.s. c 29: See note following RCW 71.05.760.
Short title—Right of action—2016 sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 71.05.010.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 71.34.700

What does Revised Code of Washington § 71.34.700 cover?

Section 71.34.700 ("Evaluation of adolescent brought for immediate inpatient treatment — Temporary detention.") 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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Sources & Verification

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