Washington Revised Code Title 71. Behavioral Health § 71.32.150. Compliance with directive--Conditions for noncompliance

(a) Compliance with the provision would violate the accepted standard of care established in RCW 7.70.040;

(b) The requested treatment is not available;

(c) Compliance with the provision would violate applicable law; or

(d) It is an emergency situation and compliance would endanger any person's life or health.

(3)(a) In the case of a principal committed or detained under the involuntary treatment provisions of chapter 10.77, 71.05, 71.09, or 71.34 RCW, those provisions of a principal's directive that, in the determination of the health care provider, professional person, or health care facility, are inconsistent with the purpose of the commitment or with any order of the court relating to the commitment are invalid during the commitment.

(b) Remaining provisions of a principal's directive are advisory while the principal is committed or detained.

The treatment provider is encouraged to follow the remaining provisions of the directive, except as provided in (a) of this subsection or subsection (2) of this section.

(5)(a) If the health care provider, professional person, or health care facility is, at the time of receiving the directive, unable or unwilling to comply with any part or parts of the directive for any reason, the health care provider, professional person, or health care facility shall promptly notify the principal and, if applicable, his or her agent and shall document the reason in the principal's medical record.

(b) If the health care provider, professional person, or health care facility is acting under authority of a directive and is unable to comply with any part or parts of the directive for the reasons listed in subsection (2) or (3) of this section, the health care provider, professional person, or health care facility shall promptly notify the principal and if applicable, his or her agent, and shall document the reason in the principal's medical record.