Patients’ Rights Resources
For Providers
Mandatory ReportingIn 2006, the Washington Legislature directed the Department of Health to adopt rules about mandatory reporting of healthcare practitioners who commit unprofessional conduct or are unable to practice safely. The legislature added additional mandatory reporting requirements in 2008.
The mandatory reporting rules are in Chapter 246-16 WAC. They cover reports about all practitioners regulated by the department secretary, board or commission. They require reporting by healthcare practitioners, employers, healthcare facilities and others.
Health Professions Complaint ProcessIf a colleague or other health professional is participating in discriminatory behavior or other forms of misconduct, you can report them directly to the Washington State Department of Health.
Behavioral Health Agencies: Know Your Responsibilities Substance use disorder is a disability, and discrimination against people with disabilities is unlawful. This document outlines your responsibilities as a provider and how you can respond to seeing discriminatory actions.
For Patients
HCA: Report Patient Rights ConcernsPatients that take medications for their substance use disorder are considered to have a disability and are protected from discrimination under several state and federal laws.
If you feel that there may be a potential concern or violation of patient rights, please fill out the patients rights complaint form and email the State Opioid Treatment Authority Office.
WA State Department of Health: Complaint Forms The Department of Health accepts complaints about providers and facilities, and providers practicing without a license. To file a complaint, click the button below to find the right complaint form.
To request a document in an alternate format, call 1-800-525-0127 or complete their online feedback form. Deaf or hard of hearing customers, call 711 (Washington Relay).
Additionally, you may email the Department of Health a complaint at hsqacomplaintintake@doh.wa.gov or mail them at:
Washington State Department of Health
Health Systems Quality Assurance
P.O. 47857
Olympia, WA 98504-7857
WA Department of Social and Health Services: Complaint Process DSHS investigates complaints regarding domestic violence intervention treatment programs. Anyone who feels that a certified program has acted in a way that places victims at risk or has failed to follow standards in WAC 388-60B may submit a written complaint to DSHS. Visit this link to learn more about the complaints and investigation process, and contact the Economic Services Administration here.
The Legal Action Center The Legal Action Center (LAC) fights for the rights of people who use drugs, are in recovery, are living with HIV/AIDS or mental health conditions, and people with arrest/conviction records. They combat discrimination and advocate for equitable health outcomes and to drastically shrink the reach and harm of the criminal legal system. This website has a many different resources including toolkits, issue briefs, legal cases, and guides and know your rights information.
Washington State Attorney General: Know Your RightsThis webpage outlines your rights as a patient. Patients that take medications for their substance use disorder are considered to have a disability. The Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect people with disabilities from discrimination.
Human Right Commission Complaint Form If you believe you have been discriminated against as a patient based on a protected class status, you can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. This website will help you determine if you should proceed with the complaint process and walk you through it step by step.