Washington State Statutes - Washington Attorney Directory

The provisions of this chapter are intended by the legislature:

     (1) To prevent inappropriate, indefinite commitment of mentally disordered persons and to eliminate legal disabilities that arise from such commitment;

     (2) To provide prompt evaluation and timely and appropriate treatment of persons with serious mental disorders;

     (3) To safeguard individual rights;

     (4) To provide continuity of care for persons with serious mental disorders;

     (5) To encourage the full use of all existing agencies, professional personnel, and public funds to prevent duplication of services and unnecessary expenditures;

     (6) To encourage, whenever appropriate, that services be provided within the community;

     (7) To protect the public safety.

[1998 c 297 § 2; 1997 c 112 § 2; 1989 c 120 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 142 § 6.]

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