Brief Description: Modifying community mental health services provisions.

Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Bailey, Schual-Berke, Campbell, Morrell, Hinkle, Green, Appleton, Moeller, Haigh, Linville, Kenney, Wood and Santos.

Hearing Date: 1/27/05

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Regional Support Networks (RSN) were established in 1989 to develop local systems of care for persons with a mental illness. Counties or groups of counties were authorized to become RSNs, contract with licensed service providers, and also deliver services directly. Fourteen RSNs were established to coordinate and delivery mental health services to persons with mental illness. Since 1993, the Department of Social and Health Services has financed community mental health services through a federal 1915(b) waiver that provides services through managed care programs. Through a recent wavier renewal process with the federal government, the Department of Social and Health Services and Regional Support Networks are required to comply with additional requirements related to the management, delivery, and expenditure of federal funds on community mental health services.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Social and Health Services will redraw Regional Support Network boundaries through a competitive procurement process. The definition of a Regional Support Networks is broadened to include counties or other entities. Community mental health services will include the concepts of recovery, resilience, and evidence-based practices. The Department of Social and Health Services will be responsible to assure the availability of an adequate amount of community-based residential services. If a tribal authority requests to be a party to a Regional Support Network, the Department will determine the role and responsibilities of the RSN and the tribe.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/20/05.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.