Washington § 48.20.385 When injury caused by intoxication or use of narcotics.

Washington Statutes

§ 48.20.385 — When injury caused by intoxication or use of narcotics.

Washington § 48.20.385

Title 48INSURANCE

Ch. 48.20DISABILITY INSURANCE

This text of Washington § 48.20.385 (When injury caused by intoxication or use of narcotics.) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Washington primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

Wash. Rev. Code § 48.20.385 (2026).

Text

An insurer may not deny coverage for the treatment of an injury solely because the injury was sustained as a consequence of the insured's being intoxicated or under the influence of a narcotic.

Finding — 2004 c 112: "The legislature finds that an alcohol or drug-related injury that requires treatment in an emergency department can be a critical moment in the life of a person with a substance abuse problem. Studies have demonstrated that appropriate interventions by hospital staff at these times can reduce substance abuse and lower future health care costs. The perception among health care providers that they may be penalized by insurers for conducting these interventions prevents many of them from performing interventions which can make all the difference to a person at the crossroads of 

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An insurer may not deny coverage for the treatment of an injury solely because the injury was sustained as a consequence of the insured's being intoxicated or under the influence of a narcotic.

Finding — 2004 c 112: "The legislature finds that an alcohol or drug-related injury that requires treatment in an emergency department can be a critical moment in the life of a person with a substance abuse problem. Studies have demonstrated that appropriate interventions by hospital staff at these times can reduce substance abuse and lower future health care costs. The perception among health care providers that they may be penalized by insurers for conducting these interventions prevents many of them from performing interventions which can make all the difference to a person at the crossroads of a substance abuse problem." [ 2004 c 112 s 1 .]

Application — 2004 c 112: "This act applies to all contracts issued or renewed on or after June 10, 2004." [ 2004 c 112 s 7 .]