Avoid improper mental health disclosures, avoid penalties in Washington

A recent change in Washington law aimed at protecting mental health records provides for the imposition of stiff penalties on employers that run afoul of confidentiality safeguards. Washington has long required that workers’ compensation claim files and records be kept confidential.  See RCW 51.28.070.  Of course, employers or their authorized representatives (i.e., claims examiners, third-party…