RCW 46.61.508
635 words·~3 min read·
/wa/title-46/chapter-46-61/46-61-508·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
No physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW; osteopathic physician licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW; registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or *advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW; physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.71A RCW; advanced emergency medical technician or paramedic certified under chapter 18.71 RCW; or medical assistant-certified or medical assistant-phlebotomist certified under chapter 18.360 RCW, person holding another credential under Title 18 RCW whose scope of practice includes performing venous blood draws, or forensic phlebotomist certified under chapter 18.360 RCW, or hospital, or duly licensed clinical laboratory employing or utilizing services of such licensed or certified health care provider, shall incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the act of withdrawing blood from any person when directed by a law enforcement officer to do so for the purpose of a blood test under the provisions of a search warrant, a waiver of the search warrant requirement, exigent circumstances, or any other authority of law:
PROVIDED, That nothing in this section shall relieve such licensed or certified health care provider, hospital or duly licensed clinical laboratory, or forensic phlebotomist from civil liability arising from the use of improper procedures or failing to exercise the required standard of care.
[ 2020 c 80 s 34 ; 2017 c 336 s 8 ; 2015 2nd sp.s. c 3 s 23 ; 1977 ex.s. c 143 s 1 .]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.
Effective date — 2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030 .
Intent — 2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010 .
Finding — 2017 c 336: See note following RCW 9.96.060 .
Finding — Intent — 2015 2nd sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 10.21.055 .
RCW 46.61.508
Liability of medical personnel withdrawing blood. (Effective June 30, 2027.)
No physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW; osteopathic physician licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW; registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW; physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.71A RCW; advanced emergency medical technician or paramedic certified under chapter 18.71 RCW; or medical assistant-certified or medical assistant-phlebotomist certified under chapter 18.360 RCW, person holding another credential under Title 18 RCW whose scope of practice includes performing venous blood draws, or forensic phlebotomist certified under chapter 18.360 RCW, or hospital, or duly licensed clinical laboratory employing or utilizing services of such licensed or certified health care provider, shall incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the act of withdrawing blood from any person when directed by a law enforcement officer to do so for the purpose of a blood test under the provisions of a search warrant, a waiver of the search warrant requirement, exigent circumstances, or any other authority of law:
PROVIDED, That nothing in this section shall relieve such licensed or certified health care provider, hospital or duly licensed clinical laboratory, or forensic phlebotomist from civil liability arising from the use of improper procedures or failing to exercise the required standard of care.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5098 ; 2020 c 80 s 34 ; 2017 c 336 s 8 ; 2015 2nd sp.s. c 3 s 23 ; 1977 ex.s. c 143 s 1 .]
Notes:
Effective date — 2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170: See note following RCW 7.68.030 .
Explanatory note — 2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050 .
Effective date — 2020 c 80 ss 12-59: See note following RCW 7.68.030 .
Intent — 2020 c 80: See note following RCW 18.71A.010 .
Finding — 2017 c 336: See note following RCW 9.96.060 .
Finding — Intent — 2015 2nd sp.s. c 3: See note following RCW 10.21.055 .