HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6404
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to community-based behavioral health services.
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).
Brief History:
Health Care & Wellness: 2/21/08, 2/25/08 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Moeller, Pedersen and Schual-Berke.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Condotta, DeBolt, Green and Seaquist.
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).
Background:
If a Regional Support Network (RSN) fails to meet state minimum standards or refuses to
exercise their statutory and contractual responsibilities, the Department of Social and Health
Services (DSHS) is required to assume the responsibilities of the RSN. Currently, only a
county or group of counties, or a private nonprofit entity are authorized to serve as a RSN. If
a RSN fails to meet state minimum standards or refuses to exercise their statutory and
contractual responsibilities, the DSHS will assume the responsibilities of the RSN until a new
entity is designated as the RSN.
Summary of Amended Bill:
A RSN may be a county, group of counties, or a nonprofit or for-profit entity. If a RSN fails
to meet state minimum standards, refuses to exercise their statutory and contractual
responsibilities, or notifies the DSHS it will no longer serve as a RSN, the DSHS will assume
the responsibilities of the RSN until a new entity is designated as the RSN through a
competitive procurement process. A RSN that voluntarily terminates its contract to act as a
RSN is prohibited from responding to a procurement or serving as a RSN for five years. An
entity selected through the procurement process to act as the RSN is not required to contract
for services with any county-owned or operated facility.
Contracts between a RSN and the DSHS will include a provision that either party must
provide 90 days advance notice of its intent to voluntarily terminate a contract to act as a
RSN.
Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:
The notification period is increased from 90 days advance notice to 180 days advance notice.
A scoring factor benefitting non-profits that respond to a request for proposal to designate a
new RSN is provided.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed, except for section 5, relating to regional support networks that voluntarily refuse to continue serving as an RSN, which applies retroactively to July 1, 2007.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This legislation is necessary to ensure a stable mental health delivery system is
maintained.
(Opposed) Pierce County should not be barred from serving as a RSN for five years.
Persons Testifying: (In support) John Masterson, Washington Community Mental Health
Council; and Doug Porter, Department of Social and Health Services.
(Opposed) Todd Mielke, Spokane County Commissioner and the Washington State
Association of Counties; and David Dula, Pierce County.