1522-S2 AMH GREE BLAC 035

2SHB 1522 - H AMD 230

By Representative Green

ADOPTED 03/11/2013

    On page 10, after line 19, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  A new section is added to chapter 43.20A RCW to read as follows:

    By November 30, 2013, the department and the health care authority must report to the governor and the relevant fiscal and policy committees of the legislature, consistent with RCW 43.01.036, a plan that establishes a tribal-centric behavioral health system incorporating both mental health and chemical dependency services. The plan must assure that child, adult, and older adult American Indians and Alaskan Natives eligible for medicaid have increased access to culturally appropriate mental health and chemical dependence services. The plan must:

    (1) Include implementation dates, major milestones, and fiscal estimates as needed;

    (2) Emphasize the use of culturally appropriate evidence-based and promising practices;

    (3) Address equitable access to crisis services, outpatient care, voluntary and involuntary hospitalization, and behavioral health care coordination;

    (4) Identify statutory changes necessary to implement the tribal-centric behavioral health system; and

    (5) Be developed with the department's Indian policy advisory committee and the American Indian health commission, in consultation with Washington's federally recognized tribes."

    Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

    Correct the title.

EFFECT:   Directs the Health Care Authority and the Department of Social and Health Services to develop a plan by November 30, 2013 for a tribal-centric behavioral health system that includes both mental health and chemical dependency services.  Requires the plan to include implementation dates and financial estimates; emphasize culturally-appropriate, evidence-based, and promising practices; address equitable access to services; identify statutory changes; and include consultation with tribal representatives in developing the plan.

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