# RCW 74.34.053: RCW 74.34.053: Failure to report—False reports—Penalties

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S053

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 74.34.053
- **Heading:** RCW 74.34.053: Failure to report—False reports—Penalties
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 74 / Chapter 34 / Section 053

## Text

(1) A person who is required to make a report under this chapter and who knowingly fails to make the report is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (2) A person who intentionally, maliciously, or in bad faith makes a false report of alleged abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult is guilty of a misdemeanor.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 74.34.005 RCW 74.34.005: Findings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S005.md)
- [RCW 74.34.020 RCW 74.34.020: Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S020.md)
- [RCW 74.34.025 RCW 74.34.025: Limitation on recovery for protective services and benefits.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S025.md)
- [RCW 74.34.035 RCW 74.34.035: Reports—Mandated and permissive—Contents—Confidentiality.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S035.md)
- [RCW 74.34.040 RCW 74.34.040: Reports—Contents—Identity confidential.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S040.md)
- [RCW 74.34.050 RCW 74.34.050: Immunity from liability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S050.md)
- [RCW 74.34.053 RCW 74.34.053: Failure to report—False reports—Penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S053.md)
- [RCW 74.34.063 RCW 74.34.063: Response to reports—Timing—Reports to law enforcement agencies—Notification to licensing authority.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S063.md)
- [RCW 74.34.067 RCW 74.34.067: Investigations—Interviews—Ongoing case planning—Agreements with tribes—Conclusion of investigation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S067.md)
- [RCW 74.34.068 RCW 74.34.068: Investigation results—Report—Rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S068.md)
- [RCW 74.34.070 RCW 74.34.070: Cooperative agreements for services.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S070.md)
- [RCW 74.34.080 RCW 74.34.080: Injunctions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S080.md)
- [RCW 74.34.090 RCW 74.34.090: Data collection system—Confidentiality.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S090.md)
- [RCW 74.34.095 RCW 74.34.095: Confidential information—Disclosure.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S095.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T74_C34_S053. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.