RCW 71.34.730 Petition for fourteen-day commitment—Requirements.

(1) The professional person in charge of an evaluation and treatment facility, secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, or approved substance use disorder treatment program where a minor has been admitted involuntarily for the initial seventy-two hour treatment period under this chapter may petition to have a minor committed to an evaluation and treatment facility or, in the case of a minor with a substance use disorder, to a secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility or approved substance use disorder treatment program for fourteen-day diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment.

If the professional person in charge of the facility does not petition to have the minor committed, the parent who has custody of the minor may seek review of that decision in court. The parent shall file notice with the court and provide a copy of the treatment and evaluation facility's report.

(2) A petition for commitment of a minor under this section shall be filed with the superior court in the county where the minor is residing or being detained.

(a) A petition for a fourteen-day commitment shall be signed by:

(i) One physician, physician assistant, or psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner; and

(ii) One physician, physician assistant, psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner, or mental health professional.

(b) If the petition is for substance use disorder treatment, the petition may be signed by a *chemical dependency professional instead of a mental health professional and by an advanced registered nurse practitioner instead of a psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner. The person signing the petition must have examined the minor, and the petition must contain the following:

(i) The name and address of the petitioner;

(ii) The name of the minor alleged to meet the criteria for fourteen-day commitment;

(iii) The name, telephone number, and address if known of every person believed by the petitioner to be legally responsible for the minor;

(iv) A statement that the petitioner has examined the minor and finds that the minor's condition meets required criteria for fourteen-day commitment and the supporting facts therefor;

(v) A statement that the minor has been advised of the need for voluntary treatment but has been unwilling or unable to consent to necessary treatment;

(vi) If the petition is for mental health treatment, a statement that the minor has been advised of the loss of firearm rights if involuntarily committed;

(vii) A statement recommending the appropriate facility or facilities to provide the necessary treatment; and

(viii) A statement concerning whether a less restrictive alternative to inpatient treatment is in the best interests of the minor.

(c) A copy of the petition shall be personally delivered to the minor by the petitioner or petitioner's designee. A copy of the petition shall be sent to the minor's attorney and the minor's parent.

[ 2019 c 446 § 36. Prior: 2016 sp.s. c 29 § 273; 2016 c 155 § 20; prior: 2009 c 293 § 6; 2009 c 217 § 17; 1995 c 312 § 54; 1985 c 354 § 7. Formerly RCW 71.34.070.]

NOTES:

*Reviser's note: The definition of "chemical dependency professional" in RCW 71.34.020 was removed and the definition of "substance use disorder professional" was added by 2019 c 444 § 17.

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.

Short title—1995 c 312: See note following RCW 13.32A.010.