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On August 7, 2014, the Washington high court held that the state may not board committed psychiatric patients in emergency departments (EDs) as a remedy for lack of treatment beds at certified facilities, and failure of the legislature to appropriate adequate funding for mental health services was not an excuse to allow such boarding.

Washington State Supreme Court Bans Boarding of Psychiatric Patients in Hospital EDs

On August 7, 2014, the Washington high court held that the state may not board committed psychiatric patients in emergency departments (EDs) as a remedy for lack of treatment beds at certified facilities, and failure of the legislature to appropriate adequate funding for mental health services was not an excuse to allow such boarding.