1. (1) It is unlawful under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 3058g(j) and RCW 43.190.090 to take any discriminatory, disciplinary, or retaliatory action against the following persons:

   1. (a) Any employee of a facility or agency;
   2. (b) Any resident or client of a long-term care facility or family member of a resident;
   3. (c) Any ombudsman; or

   4. (d) Any person;

      for any communication made, or information given or disclosed, to an ombudsman carrying out his or her duties unless that person acted maliciously or without good faith.

2. (2) It is unlawful to willfully interfere with ombudsmen in the performance of their official duties.
3. (3) No ombudsman shall be liable for good faith performance of his or her duties under this chapter, chapter 43.190 RCW, or federal law.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 43.190 RCW and Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C., 3001 et seq., as amended). WSR 00-09-060, § 365-18-120, filed 4/17/00, effective 5/18/00.]