The bill establishes a behavioral health teaching clinic designation and enhancement rate in Washington to support licensed or certified behavioral health agencies that provide training for students and new graduates. It acknowledges the critical role these agencies play in mental health and substance use disorder treatment while addressing financial challenges stemming from inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates. To qualify for the new designation, agencies must meet specific criteria, including being in good standing and providing training for interns. The bill mandates enhanced reimbursement rates for designated clinics and requires the state to seek federal approval for financial participation in the associated costs.

Additionally, the bill updates and revises definitions related to behavioral health services to improve clarity and specificity. Key insertions include new definitions for "first responders," "immediate jeopardy," "intensive behavioral health treatment facility," "mental health peer-run respite center," and "regional crisis line." It also revises existing definitions, such as "seriously disturbed person" and "severely emotionally disturbed child," to better reflect the complexities of mental health conditions. The introduction of the term "trainee" is aimed at recognizing individuals gaining supervised experience in behavioral health professions, ultimately enhancing the framework for behavioral health services in alignment with current practices and needs.