Brief Description: Clarifying the financial responsibility of the state and regional support networks for the costs associated with the care of individuals in need of involuntary treatment under chapter 71.05 RCW.

Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Hinkle and Sommers; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Hearing Date: ½6/06

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Pierce County Regional Support Network sued the State claiming the RSN contract improperly required liquidated damages when the RSN used more than its allocation of state hospital beds, that the State owed the RSN reimbursement for not promptly taking RSN patients committed for 90 or 180 day treatment, and that the State violated various Medicaid requirements. The Superior Court judge ruled the Department of Social and Health Services did not have statutory authority to impose the liquidated damages requirement in its contract with the RSN, and once patients are committed for 90 or 180 day terms, the State becomes financially responsible for them immediately.

Summary of Bill:

Regional Support Networks will be financially responsible for evaluation and treatment services for individuals detained or committed for involuntary intensive treatment for periods of up to 17 days, and individuals voluntarily or civilly committed and being served on the ground of the state mental hospitals. The Department of Social and Health Services is authorized to allocate up to 5 percent of available resources to be distributed to RSNs as incentive payments to improve outcomes. Regional Support Networks will evaluate petitions for 90 and 180 day involuntary commitments to determine whether the person can be served through community support services in a less restrictive alternative to detention.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2006.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.