Washington § 71.40.120 - Liability — Confidentiality.

(1) No certified behavioral health consumer advocate is liable for good faith performance of responsibilities under this chapter.

(2) No discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory action may be taken against an employee or volunteer of a behavioral health provider or facility, or a patient, resident, or client of a behavioral health provider or facility, for any communication made, or information given or disclosed, to aid the certified behavioral health consumer advocate in carrying out duties and responsibilities under this chapter, unless the same was done maliciously or without good faith. This subsection is not intended to infringe on the rights of the employer to supervise, discipline, or terminate an employee or volunteer for other reasons, and shall serve as a defense to any action in libel or slander.

(3) All communications by a certified behavioral health consumer advocate, if reasonably related to the requirements of that individual's responsibilities under this chapter and done in good faith, are privileged and confidential, subject to the procedures established by the office.

(4) A representative of the contracting advocacy organization is exempt from being required to testify in court as to any confidential matters except upon the express consent of the client, resident, or patient that is subject to the court proceedings, or their representatives, as applicable.