Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services adopted a policy in June that classifies spit hoods as a form of restraint, requiring a physician’s order and triggering state and federal reporting requirements, The Seattle Times reported July 9.
Here are four things to know:
- The policy applies to Western and Eastern State Hospitals and several other state-run psychiatric facilities. It does not apply to private facilities.
- Under the policy, staff may use spit hoods only on patients who are “actively spitting” and are expected to use personal protective equipment, including face shields, masks or gowns, when at risk of being spit on. Physicians must authorize spit hood use before application or within one hour during an emergency, and staff must document each incident, including why the hood was used and who was hooded.
- The policy follows a 2026 investigation by The Times, which found Washington and 28 other states have used spit hoods in healthcare settings and that at least 15 states fund their use in state-run psychiatric hospitals. The investigation also identified at least five deaths involving patients receiving medical care in incidents with spit hoods, according to the report.
- Brian Waiblinger, MD, chief medical officer for DSHS’ Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration, said the policy will make it easier to track spit hood use and that the agency aims to keep seclusion and restraint “as low as possible.” Disability Rights Washington said the policy was a positive step but criticized DSHS for not prohibiting spit hoods altogether.
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