The bill aims to enhance the efficiency of missing person investigations by streamlining the process for obtaining dental records. It introduces a requirement for dentists to inform patients about the option to consent to the release of their dental records in the event they become missing. This consent must be obtained in a trauma-informed manner during dental appointments. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a standardized consent form and a process for dentists to report which patients have consented to the release of their records to the Washington State Patrol's dental identification system.

Key amendments to existing laws include the removal of the requirement for law enforcement to obtain consent from a missing person's family or next of kin if the individual has already provided consent through a valid signed form. The bill also establishes a timeline for the Washington State Patrol to develop a process for collecting and submitting patient consent information by November 1, 2024. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance patient privacy rights with the urgent need for effective identification methods in missing person cases.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 68.50.310, 68.50.320
Substitute Bill: 68.50.310, 68.50.320