RCW 71.06.040: Preliminary hearing—Evidence—Detention in hospital for observation.

At a preliminary hearing upon the charge of sexual psychopathy, the court may require the testimony of two duly licensed physicians, physician assistants, or psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioners who have examined the defendant. If the court finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe the defendant is a sexual psychopath, the court shall order said defendant confined at the nearest state hospital for observation as to the existence of sexual psychopathy. Such observation shall be for a period of not to exceed ninety days. The defendant shall be detained in the county jail or other county facilities pending execution of such observation order by the department.