Brief Description: Modifying the process for designating regional support networks.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Hargrove and Pridemore; by request of Department of Social and Health Services).

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

Background: The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), as the designated state mental health authority, contracts with Regional Support Networks (RSNs) to oversee the delivery of mental health services for adults and children who suffer from mental illness or severe emotional disturbance. RSNs contract with local providers to provide an array of mental health services, monitor the activities of local providers, and oversee the distribution of funds under the state managed care plan. An RSN must be a non-profit entity. In 2007 the Pierce County RSN voluntarily terminated its contract with DSHS, resulting in DSHS taking over the administration of mental health services in Pierce County on January 1, 2008.

Summary: The definition of "regional support network" is amended to permit an RSN to be a for-profit entity. In the event that an existing RSN notifies DSHS that it will no longer serve as an RSN, the Secretary of DSHS must utilize a procurement process in which entities recognized by the Secretary may bid to serve as the RSN. A scoring factor must be included for non-profit bidders which maximize the utilization of state resources and leverage other funds for the support of mental health services. An RSN which voluntarily terminates its contract is prohibited from participating in the procurement process, or from serving as an RSN for five years after a contract is signed with a new entity. An RSN selected through the procurement process is not required to contract for services with any county-owned or operated community mental health services and delivery facilities. Either party to the RSN contract must provide 180-days advance notice to DSHS of any issue which might cause it to voluntarily terminate the RSN contract, and 90-days advance written notice of intent to voluntarily terminate the RSN contract.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      42   6
House      82   11   (House amended)
Senate            (Senate refused to concur)
House      89   6   (House amended)
Senate      46   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008