HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6179
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Ways & Means
Title: An act relating to chemical dependency specialist services.
Brief Description: Concerning chemical dependency specialist services.
Sponsors: Senators Tom, Fairley and Prentice.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Ways & Means: 4/25/09 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 22 members: Representatives Linville, Chair; Ericks, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dammeier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Pettigrew, Priest, Ross, Schmick, Seaquist and Sullivan.
Staff: Melissa Palmer (786-7388)
Background:
The Legislature enacted Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5763 (chapter 504, Laws of 2005), creating the Omnibus Treatment of Mental and Substance Abuse Disorder Act of 2005. The legislation addressed multiple provisions in the mental health system, including service expansion and treatment gaps. One such provision requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to contract for chemical dependency specialist services at each Division of Children and Families office.
The DSHS contracts with the Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse for chemical dependency professionals at their offices. The chemical dependency professionals conduct on-site chemical dependency screenings and assessments, facilitate progress reports to social workers, conduct in-service training of social workers and staff regarding substance abuse, and refer clients to treatment providers.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Summary of Bill:
The requirement for DSHS to contract for chemical dependency services at each Division of Children and Families office is removed. The DSHS is still required to contract for these services; however, these services are no longer specified to be available at each office.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
None.
Persons Testifying: None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.