The bill amends RCW 71.24.890 to enhance Washington's behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention system, particularly through the establishment of designated 988 contact hubs. It outlines the responsibilities of the Department and the Authority in creating and managing these hubs, which will provide crisis intervention services 24/7. The bill mandates that the Department ensure adequate funding for crisis call centers to achieve a 90% in-state call response rate by July 2022 and requires data-sharing agreements among crisis call centers, the Department, and regional organizations to improve service delivery and maximize Medicaid reimbursement.

Additionally, the bill introduces new technology requirements for the crisis response system, including a platform capable of receiving various forms of communication (calls, texts, chats) and a client referral system to facilitate coordination among service providers. It emphasizes the need for culturally competent services, particularly for high-risk populations, and mandates the development of best practices for crisis response. Notably, the bill includes provisions for a Washington state subnetwork of the 988 crisis hotline dedicated to American Indian and Alaska Native persons, ensuring they receive services through multiple communication methods, subject to federal authorization and funding availability.