RCW 42.40 was enacted to provide an avenue for employees of the State of Washington to report improper governmental actions to the State Auditor’s Office. “Improper governmental action” means any action by an employee that violates state law, abuses authority, wastes public funds or endangers public health or safety.
Any state employee wishing to report improper governmental action must notify the State Auditor in writing. The notification should include a description of the improper action, the name of the employee(s) involved, the agency, and any other details necessary to conduct an investigation, including the date and location of the activities in question. For an improper governmental action to be investigated, the report must be provided to the State Auditor within one year after the occurrence of the action. The notification should be signed, but it is not required. If an employee wishes to be informed of the results of the investigation, they must include their name, address and telephone number in the notification.
A whistleblower is entitled to protection from reprisal or retaliatory action. If a whistleblower believes that he or she has been the subject of such action, the whistleblower may file a claim with the Washington Human Rights Commission. The commission shall investigate the claim and take appropriate action.
Further information may be obtained directly from the State Auditor at https://www.sao.wa.gov/EN/Audits/Whistleblower/Pages/default.aspx. The WSU Office of Internal Audit coordinates University whistleblower investigations with the State Auditor’s Office and central administrators. University policy related to the State Whistleblower Program may be found at BPPM 10.20, or employees may contact the Office of Internal Audit directly, 5-2001, hlopez@wsu.edu.
