Finds that in order to comply with the community mental health services act, chapter 71.24 RCW, and the medicaid managed care mental health waiver, and to effectively assist persons with mental illness and consumers of mental health services in the assertion of their civil and human rights, and to improve the quality of services available and promote the rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration of these persons, an independent mental health ombudsman program should be instituted.

Declares an intent that the state mental health ombudsman program make reasonable efforts to maintain and improve the current level and quality of mental health ombudsman services, taking into account the transition period from the current system of ombudsman programs within the regional support networks and state hospitals.

Declares an intent that federal medicaid requirements be complied with, and that the department of social and health services no longer provide mental health ombudsman services through the regional support networks effective July 1, 2007.

Declares an intent that commencing July 1, 2007, the funds currently expended by the regional support networks through their contracts with the department of social and health services to provide mental health ombudsman services shall be transferred to the department of community, trade, and economic development for use by the office of mental health ombudsman.

Repeals RCW 71.24.350.