The bill aims to enhance Washington State's crisis response system by establishing designated 988 contact hubs that will provide 24/7 crisis intervention services, including triage, care coordination, and referrals. It outlines the responsibilities of the Department and the Authority in designating these hubs and mandates sufficient funding to accommodate the expected increase in calls to the 988 hotline. The bill also requires data-sharing agreements among stakeholders to improve service delivery and coordination, while emphasizing the need for technology that can manage various communication methods, such as phone calls, texts, and chats.

Additionally, the bill sets specific requirements for the 988 contact hubs, including the employment of trained clinical staff and collaboration with regional partners to ensure culturally competent services for high-risk populations. It establishes a dedicated account for the 988 behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention line, prioritizing funds for crisis hotline centers and contact hubs. The legislation also includes provisions for specialized crisis intervention services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, mobile crisis response teams, and community-based services, all aimed at improving the state's crisis response infrastructure and promoting equity in behavioral health services.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 82.86.020, 82.86.050
Substitute bill: 82.86.050