The bill aims to improve crisis response services in Washington State by establishing co-response teams that integrate first responders and human services professionals to effectively manage behavioral health emergencies. It introduces the term "co-response" to describe this collaborative approach and amends existing definitions in RCW 71.24.025 to clarify the roles of stakeholders involved in crisis response. The legislation mandates that regional crisis lines provide 24/7 services without dispatching law enforcement, ensuring a more focused response to mental health emergencies. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "residential services" to encompass a broader range of support for individuals with mental health issues, including evaluation and treatment.

Moreover, the bill enhances the confidentiality protections for communications between peer supporters and their clients, ensuring that such communications cannot be compelled in court without consent. It also clarifies the roles of first responders and peer supporters while emphasizing the importance of privacy in their interactions. The legislation includes provisions for the presumption of occupational diseases for frontline employees during public health emergencies and establishes a crisis responder training academy to improve the skills of co-response teams. This training program, developed by the University of Washington, aims to certify best practices for crisis response, ultimately creating a more effective and compassionate system for addressing mental health challenges in the state.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 5.60.060, 51.32.181
Substitute Bill: 5.60.060, 51.32.181
Bill as Passed Legislature: 5.60.060, 51.32.181, 28A.210.070
Session Law: 5.60.060, 51.32.181, 28A.210.070