The secretary shall, for any person committed to a state correctional facility after July 1, 1998, inquire at the time of commitment whether the person had received outpatient mental health treatment within the two years preceding confinement and the name of the person providing the treatment.

The secretary shall inquire of the treatment provider if he or she wishes to be notified of the release of the person from confinement, for purposes of offering treatment upon the inmate’s release. If the treatment provider wishes to be notified of the inmate’s release, the secretary shall attempt to provide such notice at least seven days prior to release.

At the time of an inmate’s release if the secretary is unable to locate the treatment provider, the secretary shall notify the health care authority and the behavioral health administrative services organization in the county the inmate will most likely reside following release.

If the secretary has, prior to the release from the facility, evaluated the inmate and determined he or she requires postrelease mental health treatment, a copy of relevant records and reports relating to the inmate’s mental health treatment or status shall be promptly made available to the offender’s present or future treatment provider. The secretary shall determine which records and reports are relevant and may provide a summary in lieu of copies of the records.

Effective date—2019 c 325: See note following RCW 71.24.011.

Effective date—2014 c 225: See note following RCW 71.24.016.

Effective dates—Severability—Intent—1998 c 297: See notes following RCW 71.05.010.