# RCW 18.20.010: RCW 18.20.010: Purpose

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S010

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 18.20.010
- **Heading:** RCW 18.20.010: Purpose
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 18 / Chapter 20 / Section 010

## Text

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the development, establishment, and enforcement of standards for the maintenance and operation of assisted living facilities, which, in the light of advancing knowledge, will promote safe and adequate care of the individuals therein. It is further the intent of the legislature that assisted living facilities be available to meet the needs of those for whom they care by recognizing the capabilities of individuals to direct their self-medication or to use supervised self-medication techniques when ordered and approved by a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW or a podiatric physician and surgeon licensed under chapter 18.22 RCW. The legislature finds that many residents of community-based long-term care facilities are vulnerable and their health and well-being are dependent on their caregivers. The quality, skills, and knowledge of their caregivers are often the key to good care. The legislature finds that the need for well-trained caregivers is growing as the state's population ages and residents' needs increase. The legislature intends that current training standards be enhanced.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 18.20.010 RCW 18.20.010: Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S010.md)
- [RCW 18.20.020 RCW 18.20.020: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S020.md)
- [RCW 18.20.030 RCW 18.20.030: License required.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S030.md)
- [RCW 18.20.040 RCW 18.20.040: Application for license.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S040.md)
- [RCW 18.20.050 RCW 18.20.050: Licenses—Issuance—Renewal—Provisional licenses—Fees—Display—Surrender, relinquishment—Change in licensee—Refusal of renewal, when—Copy of decision.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S050.md)
- [RCW 18.20.090 RCW 18.20.090: Rules, regulations, and standards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S090.md)
- [RCW 18.20.095 RCW 18.20.095: Resident contact information—Department requirements and duties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S095.md)
- [RCW 18.20.110 RCW 18.20.110: Inspection of assisted living facilities—Approval of changes or new facilities.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S110.md)
- [RCW 18.20.115 RCW 18.20.115: Quality improvement consultation program—Principles.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S115.md)
- [RCW 18.20.125 RCW 18.20.125: Inspections—Enforcement remedies—Screening—Limitations on unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S125.md)
- [RCW 18.20.126 RCW 18.20.126: Screening—Certificates of parental improvement.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S126.md)
- [RCW 18.20.130 RCW 18.20.130: Fire protection—Duties of chief of the Washington state patrol.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S130.md)
- [RCW 18.20.140 RCW 18.20.140: Operating without license—Penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S140.md)
- [RCW 18.20.150 RCW 18.20.150: Operating without license—Injunction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S150.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T18_C20_S010. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.