USA Statutes : washington
Title : Businesses and professions
Chapter : Poison information centers
RCW 18.76.010Purpose.The legislature finds that accidental and purposeful exposure to drugs, poisons, and toxic substances continues to be a severe health problem in the state of Washington. It further finds that a significant reduction in the consequences of such accidental exposures has occurred as a result of the services provided by poison information centers.  The purpose of this chapter is to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with overdose and poisoning incidents by providing emergency telephone assistance and treatment referral to victims of such incidents, by providing immediate treatment information to health care professionals, and public education and prevention programs. Further, the purpose is to improve utilization of drugs by providing information to health professionals relating to appropriate therapeutic drug use.  The legislature recognizes that enhanced cooperation between the emergency medical system and poison control centers will aid in responding to emergencies resulting from exposure to drugs, poisons, and toxic substances, and that, by providing telephone assistance to individuals with possible exposure to these substances, the need for emergency room and professional office visits will be reduced. As a result the cost of health care to those who may have exposures to drugs, poisons, and toxic substances will be avoided and appropriate treatment will be assured.[1993 c 343 § 1; 1987 c 214 § 16; 1980 c 178 § 1. Formerly RCW 18.73.210.] RCW 18.76.030Poison information center Statewide program.The department shall, in a manner consistent with this chapter, provide support for the statewide program of poison and drug information services. These services shall, no later than June 30, 1993, be centralized in and coordinated by a single nonprofit center to be located in a place determined by the secretary. The services of this center shall be:  (1) Twenty-four hour emergency telephone management and treatment referral of victims of poisoning and overdose incidents, to include determining whether treatment can be accomplished at the scene of the incident or transport to an emergency treatment or other facility is required, and carrying out telephone follow-up to assure that adequate care is provided;  (2) Providing information to health professionals involved in management of poisoning and overdose victims;  (3) Coordination and development of community education programs designed to inform the public and members of the health professions of poison prevention and treatment methods and to improve awareness of poisoning and overdose problems, occupational risks, and environmental exposures; and  (4) Coordination of outreach units whose primary functions shall be to inform the public about poison problems and prevention methods, how to utilize the poison center, and other toxicology issues.[1993 c 343 § 2; 1987 c 214 § 17; 1980 c 178 § 2. Formerly RCW 18.73.220.]