Wash. Rev. Code » Title 74 · Chapter 74.34
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 74.34.053 (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) A person who is required to make a report under this chapter and who knowingly fails to make the report is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(2) A person who intentionally, maliciously, or in bad faith makes a false report of alleged abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult is guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1999 c 176 s 7.]

Notes:

Findings—Purpose—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2016–2026 · leading case: Kim v. Lakeside Adult Family Home
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Kim v. Lakeside Adult Fam. Home, 374 P.3d 121 (Wash. 2016). “Again, the legislature’s silence with regard to civil causes of action against mandated reporters implies legislative acquiescence to a civil action against mandated reporters who fail to report abuse.”
Kim v. Lakeside Adult Fam. Home (Wash. 2016). “RCW 74.34.053(1). The same criminal penalty is present in the ACA for failing to report.”
Leanne Levno v. Addus Healthcare, Inc. (Wash. Ct. App. 2020). “RCW 74.34.053; Kim v. Lakeside Adult Family Home, 185 Wn.”
Northstar Case Mgmt. Obo Raymond Bell, V. State Of Wa Dshs (Wash. Ct. App. 2026). “RCW 74.34.053. After these sections regarding reporting, the statute addresses the Department’s responses to reports, beginning with RCW 74.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 74.34.053(1) — 2 cases
Kim v. Lakeside Adult Fam. Home, 374 P.3d 121 (Wash. 2016). “Again, the legislature’s silence with regard to civil causes of action against mandated reporters implies legislative acquiescence to a civil action against mandated reporters who fail to report abuse.”
Kim v. Lakeside Adult Fam. Home (Wash. 2016). “RCW 74.34.053(1). The same criminal penalty is present in the ACA for failing to report.”
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