The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) concerning adult protective services, specifically addressing definitions related to vulnerable adults, including "abandonment," "abuse," "financial exploitation," and "self-neglect." It updates the definition of "individual provider" to align with RCW 74.39A.240 and expands the term "mandated reporter" to include more professionals and entities responsible for reporting suspected abuse or neglect. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of information sharing between the department and law enforcement regarding reports of abuse or neglect, while enhancing confidentiality provisions for such reports.

Furthermore, the bill allows the department to share information with the department of children, youth, and families and specifies conditions for disclosing information about named vulnerable adults. It also broadens access to autopsy or postmortem records by including the secretary of the department of social and health services among those authorized to examine these confidential reports. The legislation mandates that medical authorities meet with the family of a decedent upon request to discuss autopsy findings, expanding the definition of "family" to include various relatives and guardians. This aims to improve transparency and communication regarding the circumstances of a loved one's death. The bill has passed through both legislative chambers and received the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.34.020, 74.34.063, 74.34.095, 68.50.105
Bill as Passed Legislature: 74.34.020, 74.34.063, 74.34.095, 68.50.105
Session Law: 74.34.020, 74.34.063, 74.34.095, 68.50.105