The bill establishes a children and youth behavioral health work group in Washington State, aimed at identifying barriers and opportunities in accessing behavioral health services for children, youth, and young adults. This work group will strengthen a coordinated approach to providing timely and equitable behavioral health care, including prenatal care, and will advise the newly formed children and youth behavioral health leadership council on implementing the Washington thriving strategic plan. The group will consist of diverse members representing various stakeholders, including state agencies, community organizations, and families, and will be responsible for monitoring relevant legislation, improving coordination between education and health care systems, and developing a strategic plan for behavioral health services.

Additionally, the bill mandates the health care authority to provide staff support for the work group, which will focus on behavioral health and suicide prevention, and outlines reimbursement policies for members, particularly those with lived experience. New sections added to the law empower the governor's office to coordinate efforts across state agencies and establish a leadership council to address children and youth health and wellness issues. The bill emphasizes integrating performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of children's mental health services and allows for the acceptance of private funding to support these initiatives while ensuring alignment with the strategic plan.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 74.09.4951, 71.36.025
Substitute bill: 74.09.4951, 71.36.025
Second substitute: 74.09.4951, 71.36.025
Bill as passed Legislature: 74.09.4951, 71.36.025
Session law: 74.09.4951, 71.36.025