HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY

(1) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions and those found in chapter 182-500 WAC apply:

(a) "Behavioral health organization (BHO)" - See WAC 182-500-0015.

(b) "Designated chemical dependency specialist" means a person appointed by the behavioral health organization (BHO) or by the BHO-designated county substance use disorder treatment program coordinator to perform the duties specified in this section.

(c) "Detention" or "detain" means the lawful confinement of a person, under the provisions of this chapter.

(d) "Evaluation and treatment facility" means any facility which can provide directly, or by direct arrangement with other public or private agencies, emergency evaluation and treatment, outpatient care, and timely and appropriate inpatient care to people suffering from a mental disorder, and which is certified as such by the department of social and health services (DSHS). DSHS may certify single beds as temporary evaluation and treatment beds under RCW 71.05.745. A physically separate and separately operated portion of a state hospital may be designated as an evaluation and treatment facility. A facility which is part of, or operated by, DSHS or any federal agency will not require certification. No correctional institution or facility, or jail, shall be an evaluation and treatment facility under this chapter.

(e) "Gravely disabled" means that a person experiences a loss of cognition or control over the person's actions, is not receiving care essential for the person's health or safety, and is in danger of serious physical harm.

(f) "Involuntary Treatment Act" means, for adults, chapter 71.05 RCW; for juveniles, chapter 71.34 RCW. See also chapter 388-865 WAC.

(g) "Less restrictive alternative treatment" means a program of individualized treatment in a less restrictive setting than inpatient treatment that includes the services described in RCW 71.05.585.

(h) "Nearest and most appropriate destination" means the nearest facility able and willing to accept the involuntarily detained person for treatment, not the closest facility based solely on driving distance.

(2) The medicaid agency pays for transportation services for a person detained for involuntary chemical dependency treatment when the following apply:

(a) The person has been assessed by a designated chemical dependency specialist and found to be:

(i) A danger to self;

(ii) A danger to others;

(iii) Gravely disabled as a result of chemical dependency.

(b) The transportation is from:

(i) The site of the initial detention;

(ii) An evaluation and treatment facility designated by DSHS; or

(iii) A court hearing.

(c) The transportation is to:

(i) An evaluation and treatment facility;

(ii) A less restrictive alternative setting, except when ambulance transport to a client's home is not covered; or

(iii) A court hearing.

(d) The transportation is provided by a qualified transportation provider. The qualified transportation provider must:

(i) Be substance use disorder treatment provider designated as such by:

(A) The local community mental health center; or

(B) The BHO.

(ii) Comply with DSHS requirements for drivers, driver training, vehicle and equipment standards and maintenance.

(3) The transportation must be to the nearest and most appropriate destination. The reason for the diversion to a more distant facility must be clearly documented in the person's file.

(4) The designated chemical dependency specialist authorizes the level of transportation provided to and from covered facilities based on the person's need. A copy of the agency's Authorization for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Ambulance Transportation form by the designated chemical dependency specialist must be kept in the person's file.

(5) The DSHS chemical dependency division establishes payment for substance use disorder transportation. Providers must clearly identify Involuntary Treatment Act transportation on the claim form when submitting claims to the agency.