(1) If an employer can demonstrate that an employee's use of paid sick leave was for a purpose not authorized under RCW 49.46.210 (1)(b) and (c), the employer may withhold payment of paid sick leave for such hours, but may not subsequently deduct those hours from an employee's legitimately accrued, unused paid sick leave hours.

(2) If an employer withholds payment for the use of paid sick leave for purposes not authorized under RCW 49.46.210 (1)(b) and (c), the employer must provide notification to the employee. If the employee maintains that the use of paid sick leave was for an authorized purpose, the employee may file a complaint with the department.