Section 388-865-0785. Rights related to antipsychotic medications.

All persons have a right to make an informed decision regarding the use of antipsychotic medication consistent with the provisions of RCW 71.05.215 and 71.05.217. The crisis stabilization unit must develop and maintain a written protocol for the involuntary administration of antipsychotic medications, including the following requirements:

(1) The clinical record must document:

(a) The physician's attempt to obtain informed consent for antipsychotic medication;

(b) The reasons why any antipsychotic medication is administered over the person's objection or lack of consent.

(2) The physician may administer antipsychotic medications over a person's objections or lack of consent only when:

(a) An emergency exists. An emergency exists if:

(i) The person presents an imminent likelihood of serious harm to self or others;

(ii) Medically acceptable alternatives to administration of antipsychotic medications are not available or are unlikely to be successful; and

(iii) In the opinion of the physician, the person's condition constitutes an emergency requiring that treatment be instituted before obtaining a concurring opinion by a second physician.

(b) There is a concurring opinion by a second physician for treatment up to thirty days.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 71.05.020, 71.24.035, and 2007 c 375. WSR 08-14-079, § 388-865-0785, filed 6/26/08, effective 7/27/08.]

RCW 71.05.020, 71.24.035, and 2007 c 375. WSR 08-14-079, § 388-865-0785, filed 6/26/08, effective 7/27/08.