# RCW 70.124.010: RCW 70.124.010: Legislative findings

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S010

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 70.124.010
- **Heading:** RCW 70.124.010: Legislative findings
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 70 / Chapter 124 / Section 010

## Text

(1) The Washington state legislature finds and declares that a reporting system is needed to protect state hospital patients from abuse. Instances of nonaccidental injury, neglect, death, sexual abuse, and cruelty to such patients have occurred, and in the instance where such a patient is deprived of his or her right to conditions of minimal health and safety, the state is justified in emergency intervention based upon verified information. Therefore the Washington state legislature hereby provides for the reporting of such cases to the appropriate public authorities. (2) It is the intent of the legislature that: (a) As a result of such reports, protective services shall be made available in an effort to prevent further abuses, and to safeguard the general welfare of the patients; and (b) such reports shall be maintained and disseminated with strictest regard for the privacy of the subjects of such reports and so as to safeguard against arbitrary, malicious, or erroneous information or actions.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 70.124.010 RCW 70.124.010: Legislative findings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S010.md)
- [RCW 70.124.020 RCW 70.124.020: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S020.md)
- [RCW 70.124.030 RCW 70.124.030: Reports of abuse or neglect.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S030.md)
- [RCW 70.124.040 RCW 70.124.040: Reports to department or law enforcement agency—Action required.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S040.md)
- [RCW 70.124.050 RCW 70.124.050: Investigations required—Seeking restraining orders authorized.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S050.md)
- [RCW 70.124.060 RCW 70.124.060: Liability of persons making reports.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S060.md)
- [RCW 70.124.070 RCW 70.124.070: Failure to report is gross misdemeanor.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S070.md)
- [RCW 70.124.080 RCW 70.124.080: Department reports of abused or neglected patients.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S080.md)
- [RCW 70.124.090 RCW 70.124.090: Publicizing objectives.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S090.md)
- [RCW 70.124.100 RCW 70.124.100: Retaliation against whistleblowers and residents—Remedies—Rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S100.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T70_C124_S010. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.