This bill seeks to improve substance use disorder treatment in Washington by addressing access barriers and ensuring appropriate patient care. It requires licensed behavioral health agencies to submit their policies on patient transfers or discharges without consent to the Department of Health by October 1, 2024, which will then develop a model policy by April 1, 2025. Starting July 1, 2025, agencies must report involuntary discharges or voluntary departures before treatment completion, detailing the circumstances. The bill also mandates the elimination of prior authorization requirements for certain treatments, prohibits service denial based on previous voluntary discharges, and emphasizes patient education on treatment options for opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Additionally, the bill amends laws related to health plans and managed care organizations, ensuring that initial authorizations for inpatient or residential treatment last at least 14 days and subsequent reauthorizations last at least seven days. It prohibits health plans from determining medical necessity based primarily on a patient's length of abstinence, especially if due to incarceration or hospitalization. The bill also outlines responsibilities for behavioral health agencies in notifying health plans about patient admissions and mandates coverage for a minimum of two business days of inpatient treatment before a utilization review. Furthermore, it establishes a work group to streamline authorization processes and ensures patient health care information remains confidential. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance access to behavioral health services while ensuring patient rights and appropriate oversight.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 71.24.037, 41.05.526, 48.43.761, 71.24.618
Substitute Bill: 71.24.037, 41.05.526, 48.43.761, 71.24.618, 42.56.360
Second Substitute: 71.24.037, 41.05.526, 48.43.761, 71.24.618, 42.56.360