Other Languages(1) (2) Chapter 196, Laws of 1959 does not make a county responsible for payment of costs of care, treatment, etc., for mentally ill persons but any financial responsibility of the county is provided for under RCW 71.02.230 where the regular mental illness proceeding has resulted in a finding by a court of mental illness. (3) Under chapter 196, Laws of 1959 a person detained, who has been found to be mentally ill by a physician within the 12 hour period but who has not been committed and who has been released within the 72 hour period, is liable to the county for the costs incurred. (4) (5) County commissioners are authorized to enter into agreements with hospitals but such authority is discretionary with the commissioners and in the absence of such an agreement the county is responsible for the costs of care, treatment and custody of a person detained under chapter 196, Laws of 1959.
Bob Ferguson