HB 1290-S2.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Revises community mental health services provisions.

Directs the secretary to initiate a procurement process for regional support networks in 2005. In the first step of the procurement process, existing regional support networks may respond to a request for qualifications developed by the department. The secretary shall issue the request for qualifications not later than October 1, 2005. The request for qualifications shall be based on cost-effectiveness, adequate residential and service capabilities, effective collaboration with criminal justice agencies and the chemical dependency treatment system, and the ability to provide the full array of services as stated in the mental health state plan, and shall meet all applicable federal and state regulations and standards. An existing regional support network shall be awarded the contract with the department if it substantially meets the requirements of the request for qualifications developed by the department.

Provides that, if an existing regional support network chooses not to respond to the request for qualifications, or is unable to substantially meet the requirements of the request for qualifications, the department shall utilize a procurement process in which other entities recognized by the secretary may bid to serve as the regional support network in that region. The procurement process shall begin with a request for proposals issued March 1, 2006.

Creates a joint legislative and executive task force on mental health services delivery and financing.

Requires the joint task force to report its initial findings and recommendations to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature by January 1, 2006, and its final findings and recommendations by June 30, 2007.

Requires the department of social and health services to enter into a contract with regional support networks for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2006. The department shall issue a request for proposal to establish new regional support networks under RCW 71.24.035 to be effective September 1, 2006.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1290-S2

May 17, 2005

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning, without my approval as to Section 5, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1290 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to community mental health services."

Section 5 specifies that there should be a minimum of eight and a maximum of fourteen community mental health Regional Support Networks. This section is also included in Section 805 of Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5763. It is not necessary to include the same language in both bills.

Sections 12 and 13 of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1290 require the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to establish new rules and policies. Those rules and policies concern expediting new applications or reinstating Medicaid benefits for persons with mental health disorders discharged from an institutional setting such as jails, state correction facilities, or state hospitals. The 2005-2007 state operating budget passed by the Legislature may not have provided sufficient funding to implement sections 12 and 13. Rather than veto these sections due to insufficient funding, I am directing the DSHS to phase in the new procedures on a statewide basis and continue to evaluate the funding needs as the program is implemented.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 5 of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1290. With the exception of Section 5, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1290 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine O. Gregoire

Governor