The bill aims to enhance the integration and effectiveness of certified peer support specialists within Washington State's behavioral health services. It mandates managed care organizations to ensure access to these specialists, who are defined as individuals in recovery from mental health or substance use disorders, as well as parents or guardians of youth receiving services. The bill requires a comprehensive analysis of access to peer services and emphasizes their integration into clinical care models. Additionally, it establishes a 40-hour specialized training course for certified peer support specialists working in crisis settings, with a focus on best practices for responding to behavioral health crises. The bill also introduces new provisions for training related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, ensuring that these services are culturally appropriate and accessible.

Furthermore, the legislation outlines the establishment of a 988 crisis hotline and mandates the development of designated contact hubs to facilitate crisis intervention services. It sets specific response time standards for mobile rapid response crisis teams and community-based crisis teams, aiming to improve service delivery for individuals in distress. The bill also includes provisions for the certification process of peer support specialists, including fee caps and immunity from civil liability for those reporting substance use disorder monitoring information. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the behavioral health system by enhancing the availability and integration of peer support services, improving outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, and ensuring that these services are accessible and culturally competent.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.09.871, 18.420.005, 18.420.010, 18.420.020, 18.420.030, 18.420.040, 18.420.050, 18.130.180, 18.420.090, 18.420.800, 43.70.250, 48.43.825, 71.24.585, 71.24.903, 71.24.920, 71.24.922, 71.24.924, 71.40.040, 71.40.090
Substitute Bill: 74.09.871, 71.24.920, 18.420.005, 18.420.010, 18.420.020, 18.420.030, 18.420.040, 18.420.050, 18.130.180, 18.420.090, 18.420.800, 43.70.250, 48.43.825, 71.24.585, 71.24.903, 71.24.922, 71.24.924, 71.40.040, 71.40.090
Second Substitute: 74.09.871, 71.24.920, 18.420.005, 18.420.010, 18.420.020, 18.420.030, 18.420.040, 18.420.050, 18.130.180, 18.420.090, 18.420.800, 43.70.250, 48.43.825, 71.24.585, 71.24.903, 71.24.922, 71.24.924, 71.40.040, 71.40.090
Bill as Passed Legislature: 74.09.871, 71.24.920, 18.420.005, 18.420.010, 18.420.020, 18.420.030, 18.420.040, 18.420.050, 18.130.180, 18.420.090, 18.420.800, 43.70.250, 48.43.825, 71.24.585, 71.24.903, 71.24.922, 71.24.924, 71.40.040, 71.40.090
Session Law: 74.09.871, 71.24.920, 18.420.005, 18.420.010, 18.420.020, 18.420.030, 18.420.040, 18.420.050, 18.130.180, 18.420.090, 18.420.800, 43.70.250, 48.43.825, 71.24.585, 71.24.903, 71.24.922, 71.24.924, 71.40.040, 71.40.090