RCW 71.40.090
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/wa/title-71/chapter-71-40/71-40-090·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The contracting advocacy organization shall develop and submit, for approval by the office, a process to train and certify all behavioral health consumer advocates, whether paid or volunteer, authorized by this chapter as follows:
(1)Certified behavioral health consumer advocates must have training or experience in the following areas:
(a)Behavioral health and other related social services programs, including behavioral health services for minors;
(b)The legal system, including differences in state or federal law between voluntary and involuntary patients, residents, or clients;
(c)Advocacy and supporting self-advocacy;
(d)Dispute or problem resolution techniques, including investigation, mediation, and negotiation; and
(e)All applicable patient, resident, and client rights established by either state or federal law.
(2)A certified behavioral health consumer advocate may not have been employed by any behavioral health provider or facility within the previous twelve months, except as a certified peer support specialist or where prior to July 25, 2021, the person has been employed by a regional behavioral health consumer advocate.
(3)No certified behavioral health consumer advocate or any member of a certified behavioral health consumer advocate's family may have, or have had, within the previous twelve months, any significant ownership or financial interest in the provision of behavioral health services.
[ 2025 c 360 s 24 ; 2022 c 134 s 5 ; 2021 c 202 s 9 .]