The bill focuses on improving the procurement of medical assistance services in Washington State, particularly for behavioral health crisis services for Medicaid enrollees. It establishes a base model for crisis service delivery, outlining minimum service requirements and scalability recommendations for larger populations. The bill mandates collaboration with stakeholders, including the Department of Commerce and the Department of Health, to ensure timely adjustments to Medicaid managed care rates in response to changes in service facilities. It also highlights the inclusion of tribal interests in the contract development process to maintain the integrity of the Indian health care delivery system.

Key amendments include the creation of a 24-hour behavioral health crisis hotline and requirements for managed care organizations to partner with behavioral health administrative services organizations for crisis services. The bill sets new electronic care coordination data-sharing standards and mandates that documentation related to crisis service encounters be submitted electronically by January 1, 2027. Additionally, it emphasizes collaboration with tribal governments and the development of an operational plan for serving American Indians and Alaska Natives. A significant change in the bill is the introduction of a provision stating that if specific funding is not allocated by June 30, 2025, the act will become null and void, replacing a previous incentive structure for county authorities regarding integrated purchasing of medical and behavioral health services.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 71.24.380, 74.09.871
Substitute Bill: 71.24.380, 74.09.871
Second Substitute: 71.24.380
Engrossed Second Substitute: 71.24.380