Brief Description: Creating a process for certifying community-based mental health services.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Hinkle, Cody, Moeller, Green and Kenney).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:

The State of Washington applied for a federal Mental Health Transformation Grant (MHTG) in 2005. The federal government approved the state's grant application and awarded a five-year grant, which is managed out of the Office of the Governor. The MHTG is in year three of a five-year effort to transform the delivery of mental health services through focusing on resilience, recovery, and consumer directed services.

Summary:

The Department of Social and Health Services (Department) is directed to prepare a report on strategies to develop consumer-run and family-run community mental health services, including the amendment of the Medicaid waiver and Mental Health State Plan.

The Department is directed to provide technical assistance to community service agencies to help them organize, become Medicaid certified, and provide rehabilitation, recovery, and support services.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   96   1
Senate   47   0

Effective: June 12, 2008