This bill establishes the role of behavioral health support specialists in Washington State, aiming to enhance access to behavioral health services and address workforce shortages. It introduces a new chapter in Title 18 RCW, defining the qualifications and responsibilities of these specialists, who will be certified to deliver brief, evidence-based interventions under the supervision of credentialed providers. The Department of Health is tasked with developing rules for certification, including educational standards and continuing education requirements, with a target implementation date of January 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include behavioral health support specialists within the scope of the Uniform Disciplinary Act, ensuring that their practice is regulated and that they cannot represent themselves as certified without meeting the established criteria. The Health Care Authority is directed to ensure that the services of these specialists are covered under the state Medicaid program by the same date, and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner is required to integrate them into network access standards by July 1, 2025. The bill also includes provisions for the certification process, examination requirements, and the authority of the Secretary of Health in overseeing these new roles.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 48.43.045, 18.130.040