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Washington Health Care Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Health Care Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Should insurance premiums be included in the child support worksheet?

I'm updating the medical support section of a child support order in Washington. It currently states that the father is ordered to provide private health insurance, and the other parent isn't required to pay for the children's health coverage since the father is providing health... View More

Yatong (Cecilia) Ju
Yatong (Cecilia) Ju
answered on May 23, 2025

Yes, if the father is providing private health insurance, the portion of the premium attributable to the children should be included on Line 11 of the Child Support Worksheet. This ensures the cost is factored into the support calculation, even if only one parent is ordered to pay it.

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2 Answers | Asked in Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Can Kaiser be liable for health issues due to forced medication change?

I need guidance regarding my husband's situation with Kaiser Permanente. Over a year ago, he was moved from Humira to Amjivera, despite our objections, which led to severe health problems. He is in managed care and cannot go outside Kaiser's network. We have documentation showing our... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 7, 2025

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry for your family's ordeal. From a textbook standpoint, it's possible you could, if you could demonstrate that the decision was a departure from a requisite standard of medical care. But from... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Wrongful Death and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: If a building was demolished in 2017 asbestos was found 4 people that worked there have died from cancer, what can I do?

Believe asbestos & other hazards found in demolished school has caused multiple cancer related deaths of individuals that worked at this school and unknowingly affecting other staff and students who attended. Needing help to figure out where to go with these concerns so the people/ school... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on Jan 5, 2025

Although seven - eight years have passed since the absestos affected the people, there may still be a possibility of a lawsuit if the connection to the events in 2017 with the cancer was only recently discovered.

Because the defendant will be a public entity (school) and perhaps one or more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Products Liability, Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice for Washington on
Q: Can I file a lawsuit for recalled implants if I became ill due to having them in?

The company was Meghan, and after putting them in I started to get joint pain, spinal arthritis, fatigue severe migraine. I lost my job, home, and became disabled. Five doctors wrote letters asking my insurance to remove them and this was finally agreed to after two years. They will not do a lift.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 22, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, in terms of state-specific issues, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry for your ordeal. At this point, your best option could be to research what the current lawsuit situation is with McGhan implants. There have been lawsuits in the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: i think my privacy rights have been violated by Columbia River Mental Health, they helped me get housed.

i dont believe i signed a disclosure for them to discuss my addiction status with my potential landlord, I know that her and I said we didn't know why it would be important for them to know that information just to rent to me. all I know is that my second month rent wasn't paid and I got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

I understand you're dealing with a sensitive and frustrating situation regarding your privacy and housing. Let's break down the legal aspects of your question:

1. Privacy rights and health information:

Your health information, including addiction status, is protected under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: I received my files from therapy. There are somebody else info fixed in with mine. Also things I didnt say in mine.

The name of the persons info is attached to my files with some personal info also included.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 30, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Technically, it could be a privacy violation. For practical purposes, many people just destroy the out-of-place pages. An errant sheet from a report gets accidentally left in a copier or scanner in a medical office,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: Can firefighters disclose who made wellness check report?

Washington State. Called for a wellness check on 91 year old diabetic grandma who was left alone for over 3 hours under the care of her drug addict son (who we opened an adult protective services case against.) The firefighters not only told him who made the wellness check call, but had me on the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about this difficult and concerning situation. Based on the information you provided, it seems the firefighters may have mishandled the situation by disclosing who made the wellness check report to the person being reported. This goes against typical protocols to protect the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Tax Law, Health Care Law, Social Security, Elder Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: Disabled person selling a house to move oversea - consequences?

My parents live in Washington state, and my mother is disabled receiving SSDI and long term care service where a caregiver comes to her house every day. They live in a house they jointly own, no mortgage. They're both seniors, and now they miss their home country, so they decided to move back... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

Selling a house and moving overseas can have several implications for your parents, particularly regarding their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid benefits. First, it's important to note that SSDI benefits are typically not affected by the sale of a primary residence or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: I’ll be in Washington state for 6 mnths on a visitor visa. Can I sign up for health care coverage via the state exchan
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 28, 2023

As a visitor to Washington state on a temporary visa, you may not be eligible to enroll in health care coverage through the state exchange. Typically, eligibility for health care coverage through state exchanges is determined by factors such as residency and citizenship status.

If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Health Care Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Can ECT be administered to an involuntary adult in a catatonic state without consent?

I'm trying to understand how to obtain ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) for an involuntary adult in a catatonic state, who has been in this condition on and off for five months. He has been in two mental hospitals, but no guardianship is in place because a judge declined, saying there was no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 4, 2025

You cannot lawfully administer ECT to an adult who has capacity to refuse, unless a court has authorized treatment in his best interest or an emergency exception applies.

Begin by securing a judicial decision-maker—either through a guardianship or a court‐appointed medical proxy—by... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: Options to bring my 20-year-old daughter to the U.S. for medical treatment while my green card is pending.

I am currently married to a U.S. citizen, and my spouse filed a green card application for me over a year ago. My 20-year-old daughter suffers from depression, and I was advised by a lawyer that since she was already 18 at the time of my marriage, I would need to wait until I receive my green card... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 20, 2025

You do have some options, even though your green card application is still pending. Since your daughter is not your stepchild under immigration law—because she was over 18 when you married your U.S. citizen spouse—she cannot be included in your current immigration petition. However, this does... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Health Care Law and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Legal actions for psychosexual evaluation confidentiality violation in WA?

I am dealing with a court-ordered psychosexual evaluation conducted by CFPS, which I paid for and was told would remain confidential. CFPS refuses to give me a copy, citing "The government is the holder of privilege," which I believe violates Washington's medical records laws. The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

You're right to be concerned about both your rights and the process here. A psychosexual evaluation often includes highly sensitive and personal information, and under Washington law, patients usually have a right to access their own medical records. If CFPS is refusing to release a copy to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Health Care Law and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: Seeking domestic violence program in King County focusing on invisible disabilities.

I am voluntarily seeking a domestic violence treatment program in King County, Washington. I have a traumatic brain injury and am on disability, so I need a program that provides specific attention to "invisible" disabilities. I prefer an in-person program. Are there any programs... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

You're taking a brave and important step, and it’s clear you’re trying to find a program that respects your unique needs. In King County, there are domestic violence treatment programs that are equipped to work with individuals who live with invisible disabilities, including traumatic... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Health Care Law and DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: Discovered non-consensual drugging during treatment program, increasing toxicology levels, fear for life. What actions to take?

I've discovered that I'm being drugged without my consent, and I fear for my life. It started when I joined an outpatient treatment program for a cannabis DUI, which they attempted to convert to an alcohol DUI. Over six months, my toxicology reports showed the drug levels increasing from... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 1, 2025

You need to prioritize your safety immediately by leaving the program and seeking urgent medical attention to address the elevated drug levels. Find a trusted friend or family member and let them know what’s happening so you’re not alone.

Once you’re stable, arrange for a fresh... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: How to pursue ADA Title II complaint for denial of medical care while in custody?

On January 1, 2025, I was arrested by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office in Washington following a documented mental health crisis. Despite my visible disabilities, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI), limited mobility, and post-ICU status, I was transported in a non-ADA-compliant sedan... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

You’ve already taken important steps by filing a complaint in the appropriate federal court and being granted forma pauperis status. To strengthen your ADA Title II claim, focus on documenting every detail related to your disabilities, your requests for accommodations, and the responses you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Options for abrupt discontinuation of diazepam in WA

I've been prescribed diazepam for years to manage sleep issues, anxiety, and heart palpitations. My regular doctor left, and my new doctor abruptly cut me off from diazepam without warning or explanation, which has greatly affected my health and severely disrupted my sleep and attitude. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

What you’re going through is not only distressing—it’s potentially dangerous. Abruptly stopping a medication like diazepam, especially after long-term use, can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms including sleep disruption, mood swings, and physical health issues. Your new doctor had a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: Seeking advice on H-1B medical leave and re-entry concerns post-surgery.

I am currently on employer-approved long-term disability under valid H-1B status, extended until 2028. I plan to undergo medically necessary surgery in the EU, followed by a recovery period of 6 to 7 months. My care is best facilitated by U.S. physicians due to limited expertise abroad, and I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 8, 2025

Long-term medical leave is permissible under H-1B status when your employer approves it through their formal disability policy and continues your employment relationship. Your extended H-1B validity until 2028 works in your favor, as does maintaining your employer relationship during recovery.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Short term disability being wrongfully denied Reliance Matrix

I have fallen recently pretty sick, I have been trying to get my short-term disability with Matrix Reliance. I keep getting denied even with 3 medical certifications. I sm approve for leave but not approved for the pay end. Who would I contact to help fight this process?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 15, 2025

What you’re dealing with is deeply frustrating, especially when you’re already trying to recover from being sick. If you’ve submitted three medical certifications and Reliance Matrix still denies the pay portion of your short-term disability, it’s time to push back with a formal appeal. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: Eligibility for low-cost health insurance after divorce living together?

If my wife and I get divorced but continue to live together, would she be eligible for low-cost health insurance? We are still married and considering options; she doesn't work, and our kids have state insurance.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

If you and your wife get divorced but continue to live together, her eligibility for low-cost health insurance will depend on her income and the health insurance program you’re considering. If she is not working and does not have income, she might qualify for assistance through Medicaid or other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Health Care Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Legal steps to access daughter's medical records in WA

I live in Washington State and have a daughter with multiple diagnosed disabilities: dyslexia, language processing disorder, impaired working memory, and difficulty processing information. She recently turned 13, and I was denied access to her medical records by her doctor, due to her age. Although... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Washington State, parents typically have the right to access their child's medical records until the child turns 14. However, this can be complicated if the child is deemed mature enough to make their own decisions, or if there are concerns about their ability to understand medical... View More

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