Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.005
Finding
The legislature finds that seeking or obtaining health care is fundamental to public health and safety.
Revised Code of Washington Chapter 9A.50 — Interference with Health Care Facilities or Providers
Washington · statute · Wash. Rev. Code ch. 9A.50 · 10 active provisions
Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.010
Definitions
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.(1) "Health care facility" means a facility that provides health care services directly to patients, including but not limited to, a hospital, clinic, health care provider's office, health maintenance organizati…
Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.020
Interference with health care facility
It is unlawful for a person except as otherwise protected by state or federal law, alone or in concert with others, to willfully or recklessly interfere with access to or from a health care facility or willfully or recklessly disrupt the normal functioning of such facility by:(1) Physically obstructing or impeding the…
Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.030
Penalty
(1) A violation of RCW 9A.50.020 is a gross misdemeanor. A person convicted of violating RCW 9A.50.020 shall be punished as follows:(a) For a first offense, a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars and a jail term of not less than twenty-four consecutive hours;(b) For a second offense, a fine of not less than…
Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.040
Civil remedies
(1) A person or health care facility aggrieved by the actions prohibited by RCW 9A.50.020 may seek civil damages from those who committed the prohibited acts and those acting in concert with them. A plaintiff in an action brought under this chapter shall not recover more than his or her actual damages and additional su…
Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.050
Civil damages
In a civil action brought under this chapter, an individual plaintiff aggrieved by the actions prohibited by RCW 9A.50.020 may be entitled to recover up to five hundred dollars for each day that the actions occurred, or up to five thousand dollars for each day that the actions occurred if the plaintiff aggrieved by the…
Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.060
Informational picketing
Nothing in RCW 9A.50.020 shall prohibit either lawful picketing or other publicity for the purpose of providing the public with information.
Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.070
Protection of health care patients and providers
A court having jurisdiction over a criminal or civil proceeding under this chapter shall take all steps reasonably necessary to safeguard the individual privacy and prevent harassment of a health care patient or health care provider who is a party or witness in a proceeding, including granting protective orders and ord…
Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.900
Construction
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit the right to seek other available criminal or civil remedies. The remedies provided in this chapter are cumulative, not exclusive.
Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.50.902
Effective date—1993 c 128
This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [April 26, 1993].