Washington § 71A.20.140 - Resident desiring to leave center — Authority to hold resident limited.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 71A.20.140 — Resident desiring to leave center — Authority to hold resident limited., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 71A.20.140. Resident desiring to leave center — Authority to hold resident limited.

(1) If a resident of a residential habilitation center desires to leave the center and the secretary believes that departures may be harmful to the resident, the secretary may hold the resident at the residential habilitation center for a period not to exceed forty-eight hours in order to consult with the person's legal representative as provided in RCW 71A.10.070 as to the best interests of the resident.
(2) The secretary shall adopt rules to provide for the application of subsection (1) of this section in a manner that protects the constitutional rights of the resident.
(3) Neither the secretary nor any person taking action under this section shall be civilly or criminally liable for performing duties under this section if such duties were performed in good faith and without gross negligence.
[ 1988 c 176 s 714.]

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

Related Washington Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 71A.20.140

What does Revised Code of Washington § 71A.20.140 cover?

Section 71A.20.140 ("Resident desiring to leave center — Authority to hold resident limited.") 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 § 71A.20.140?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 71A.20.140" (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 § 71A.20.140 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.