BHA General FAQ

• Youth’N Action

• YES: A parent may bring a minor in acute need of inpatient care to an evaluation and treatment (E&T) facility and request that the professional person examine the minor to determine whether the minor has a mental disorder and is in need of inpatient treatment. RCW 71.34.600-660 (1) NOTE: There are very few acute inpatient evaluation and treatment facilities in Washington State. A parent may NOT bring a minor to a CLIP facility for an assessment because CLIP facilities do not provide emergency or urgent care. They only provide long-term inpatient care.
• The consent of the minor is not required for admission, evaluation, and treatment if the parent brings the minor to the facility. RCW 71.34.600-660(2)
• A minor cannot be admitted to inpatient treatment unless it is medically necessary as a result of a mental disorder. RCW 71.34.052 (4)
• Prior approval by the RSN is necessary for all admissions for publicly funded treatment in acute inpatient facilities.

WSH Consumer Affairs Office (CAO) provides services to patients at WSH to help them resolve conflict and complaints.  CAO employees and peer specialists advocate for patients and serve as teachers, resource persons and bridges between patient and various agencies.  CAO does not provide legal services or counseling. 

The telephone number for the Consumer Affairs Office is:

253-761-7575 or 1-800-558-4737.

• Any minor thirteen years or older who voluntarily admitted to an evaluation and treatment facility with the consent of his/her parents may give notice of intent to leave at any time.
  • The notice has to be written and intent discerned.
  • The professional person must discharge the minor from the facility immediately upon receiving the notice of intent to leave. RCW 71.34.500-530
• Any minor thirteen years or older who voluntarily admitted to an evaluation and treatment facility without the consent of his/her parents may give notice of intent to leave at any time.
  • The notice has to be written and intent discerned.
  • Copies of the notice shall be sent to the minor's attorney if any, the DMHP  and the parent.
  • The professional person shall discharge the minor by the second judicial day following receipt of the minor's notice of intent to leave. RCW 71.34.500-530
• Under a “parent-initiated” admission :
  • A minor receiving inpatient treatment cannot be discharged from the facility based solely on his or her request. RCW 71.34.052.
  • The minor admitted under this section may, however petition the superior court for release from the facility. RCW 71.34.052 (6)
• Minors involuntarily committed for 180 days of inpatient treatment cannot legally sign themselves out of treatment.

Yes.  Research shows that treatment for substance use disorders works to reduce and stop use and the negative consequences.  Addiction is a serious disease that not only harms individuals and families, but the entire community.  The good news is that treatment and recovery programs have provided hope, healing and a new life to thousands of people in Washington and across the nation. 

DBHR invests in treatment services that are evidence-based, and delivered by certified treatment agencies. Certified agencies meet established standards for providing effective services, which includes individual treatment plans to meet specific needs.  Specialized treatment services are available for adolescents, pregnant and parenting women (and their children), members of minority populations, and those with disabilities. 

Treatment also saves public spending on emergency medical care, unemployment and criminal justice. Like any chronic health condition, early and ongoing treatment, and recovery support, are important for long-term health.

First, it's important to understand addiction, and treat it with the same urgency as any other chronic and disabling disease. Anyone can develop addiction, but some people are at higher risk, such as those with a family history, and people who begin using alcohol or other drugs before their bodies and brains are developed. Next, help loved ones see that they need help, hold them accountable, and support them throughout treatment. More tips for intervening can be found in this guide: Helping someone who might have a drug or alcohol problem.

• Behavioral Health Organizations
• Washington Recovery Help Line 

Patients were buried in the hospital’s cemeteries from 1891 to 1954. If you have a family member that you think might be buried in the hospital’s cemeteries, contact the Medical Record Department at (509) 565-4335. The staff will determine if you are authorized to receive information regarding patients who have been buried in the hospital’s cemeteries and will assist you with your questions.

•  A minor thirteen years or older may admit himself or herself to an evaluation and treatment facility for inpatient mental health treatment without parental consent. RCW 71.34.500-530
• The professional person in charge of the facility must agree that inpatient treatment is necessary because of a mental disorder and that it is not feasible to treat the minor in any less restrictive setting or the minor's home. RCW 71.34.500-530
• Written renewal of voluntary consent must be obtained every twelve months and the need for continued inpatient treatment shall be reviewed and documented every one hundred and eighty days. RCW 71.34.500-530. NOTE: Given the short stays in acute inpatient care, this rule only applies to minors being served in CLIP  facilities. Even in a CLIP facility, this type of admission rarely, if ever occurs.