# RCW 71.05.012: RCW 71.05.012: Legislative intent and finding

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S012

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 71.05.012
- **Heading:** RCW 71.05.012: Legislative intent and finding
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 71 / Chapter 05 / Section 012

## Text

It is the intent of the legislature to enhance continuity of care for persons with serious behavioral health disorders that can be controlled or stabilized in a less restrictive alternative commitment. Within the guidelines stated in In re LaBelle [,] 107 Wn. 2d 196 (1986), the legislature intends to encourage appropriate interventions at a point when there is the best opportunity to restore the person to or maintain satisfactory functioning. For persons with a prior history or pattern of repeated hospitalizations or law enforcement interventions due to decompensation, the consideration of prior history is particularly relevant in determining whether the person would receive, if released, such care as is essential for his or her health or safety. Therefore, the legislature finds that for persons who are currently under a commitment order, a prior history of decompensation leading to repeated hospitalizations or law enforcement interventions should be given great weight in determining whether a new less restrictive alternative commitment should be ordered.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 71.05.010 RCW 71.05.010: Legislative intent.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S010.md)
- [RCW 71.05.012 RCW 71.05.012: Legislative intent and finding.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S012.md)
- [RCW 71.05.020 RCW 71.05.020: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S020.md)
- [RCW 71.05.025 RCW 71.05.025: Integration with chapter 71.24 RCW—Behavioral health administrative services organizations—Duty to institute procedures for timely consultation with resource management services.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S025.md)
- [RCW 71.05.026 RCW 71.05.026: Behavioral health services contracts—Limitation on state liability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S026.md)
- [RCW 71.05.027 RCW 71.05.027: Integrated comprehensive screening and assessment process for substance use and mental disorders.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S027.md)
- [RCW 71.05.030 RCW 71.05.030: Commitment laws applicable.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S030.md)
- [RCW 71.05.040 RCW 71.05.040: Detention or judicial commitment of persons with developmental disabilities, impaired by substance use disorder, or suffering from dementia.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S040.md)
- [RCW 71.05.050 RCW 71.05.050: Voluntary application for treatment of a behavioral health disorder—Rights—Review of condition and status—Detention—Person refusing voluntary admission, temporary detention.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S050.md)
- [RCW 71.05.100 RCW 71.05.100: Financial responsibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S100.md)
- [RCW 71.05.110 RCW 71.05.110: Appointed counsel—Compensation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S110.md)
- [RCW 71.05.120 RCW 71.05.120: Exemptions from liability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S120.md)
- [RCW 71.05.130 RCW 71.05.130: Duties of prosecuting attorney and attorney general.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S130.md)
- [RCW 71.05.132 RCW 71.05.132: Court-ordered treatment—Required notifications.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S132.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T71_C05_S012. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.