Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

HB 1072

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Prohibits a treatment provider from providing both the assessment and treatment for chemical dependency unless the treatment provider operates its business as part of a hospital, community health center, or other facility which offers an array of health care services.

Background:

The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services licenses treatment providers for the evaluation and treatment of persons who have alcohol and other drug use disorders, including chemical dependency. After an assessment or evaluation is performed, appropriate chemical dependency treatment may be in the form of individual or group counseling. Treatment may be provided through outpatient or residential (inpatient) services.

Many persons who seek an evaluation to determine whether they require chemical dependency treatment have been ordered to do so by a court. An assessment performed by a chemical dependency professional will identify the severity of a substance abuse problem and contain a recommendation for the appropriate level of treatment. The level of treatment may range from an 8-hour class to a 2-year treatment program.

Summary of Bill:

A chemical dependency treatment provider may not provide both the assessment and treatment for chemical dependency unless that provider operates within a health facility. A health facility is defined as a hospital, a rural care facility, a psychiatric hospital, a community mental health center, or an ambulatory diagnostic, treatment, or surgical facility.