The bill seeks to address the shortage of behavioral health providers in Washington State by amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to the licensing and regulation of mental health professionals. Key provisions include the introduction of the title "licensed psychological associate," which allows individuals in doctoral programs or postdoctoral experiences to practice under supervision. The bill also requires these associates to provide clients with a disclosure form during their first contact, outlining their supervised status. Additionally, it expands the definition of "agency" to include federally qualified health centers and updates ethical practice requirements for psychologists and licensed psychological associates, while establishing a reciprocity program for out-of-state applicants.

Moreover, the bill introduces a stipend program for supervisors of associates in behavioral health settings, with specific guidelines for prorating stipends and charging fees for excess expenses. It clarifies definitions related to behavioral health services, including the roles of various professionals, and mandates that services provided by associate licenses be included in the state Medicaid program by January 1, 2025. The bill also outlines a timeline for implementation, with certain sections taking effect in 2025 and 2028, and includes a provision that renders it null and void if specific funding is not secured by June 30, 2024. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the availability and quality of mental health services while ensuring proper regulatory oversight.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.19.020, 18.83.020, 18.83.050, 18.83.080, 18.83.105, 18.83.110, 71.05.217, 18.83.135, 18.83.170, 18.83.180, 18.83.190, 18.83.210, 18.225.145, 18.225.180, 48.43.045, 74.09.522
Substitute Bill: 18.19.020, 18.83.020, 18.83.050, 18.83.080, 18.83.105, 18.83.110, 71.05.217, 18.83.135, 18.83.170, 18.83.180, 18.83.190, 18.83.210, 18.225.145, 18.225.180
Second Substitute: 18.19.020, 18.83.020, 18.83.050, 18.83.080, 18.83.105, 18.83.110, 71.05.217, 18.83.135, 18.83.170, 18.83.180, 18.83.190, 18.83.210, 18.225.145, 18.225.180
Engrossed Second Substitute: 18.19.020, 18.83.020, 18.83.050, 18.83.080, 18.83.105, 18.83.110, 71.05.217, 18.83.135, 18.83.170, 18.83.180, 18.83.190, 18.83.210, 18.225.145, 18.225.180
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.19.020, 18.83.020, 18.83.050, 18.83.080, 18.83.105, 18.83.110, 71.05.217, 18.83.135, 18.83.170, 18.83.180, 18.83.190, 18.83.210, 18.225.145, 18.225.180
Session Law: 18.19.020, 18.83.020, 18.83.050, 18.83.080, 18.83.105, 18.83.110, 71.05.217, 18.83.135, 18.83.170, 18.83.180, 18.83.190, 18.83.210, 18.225.145, 18.225.180