The bill aims to enhance the role and accessibility of certified peer support specialists in Washington State's behavioral health services. It mandates that Medicaid integrated managed care contracts include standards for peer support services, emphasizing the need for certified specialists who are in recovery from mental health or substance use disorders. The bill also requires managed care organizations to analyze access to these services for diverse populations and establishes a new section for contracting with external entities to expand access. Additionally, it introduces a 40-hour specialized training course for certified peer support specialists in crisis response services, ensuring that those employed in crisis settings are adequately trained.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the certification process for peer support specialists, including the definition of key terms and the establishment of a training program. It prohibits certification fees for trainees and caps fees for certified specialists, ensuring financial accessibility. The bill also mandates that insurance carriers provide access to certified peer support services and emphasizes the importance of integrating these specialists into crisis response teams. It includes provisions for the establishment of a 988 crisis hotline and designated contact hubs to enhance crisis intervention services, with a focus on culturally appropriate support for high-risk populations. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the behavioral health system by improving access to peer support services and enhancing crisis response capabilities.

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