FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 2139
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. |
C 91 L 12
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning the establishment of new regional support network boundaries.
Sponsors: House Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody and Hunter; by request of Department of Social and Health Services).
House Committee on Ways & Means
Background:
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is the designated state mental health authority. The DSHS contracts with Regional Support Networks (RSNs) to oversee the local delivery of mental health services for adults and children who suffer from mental illness or severe emotional disturbance. Entities that are selected to operate as the RSN for a designated geographic area must meet regulatory and contractual standards. In cases in which an RSN fails to meet state minimum standards or refuses to exercise its statutory and contractual obligations, the DSHS must assume those responsibilities.
An RSN must be either a county authority or group of county authorities except in circumstances in which an existing RSN chooses not to respond to a request for qualifications, is unable to substantially meet the requirements of a request for qualifications, or notifies the DSHS that it will no longer serve as an RSN. Under these circumstances, the DSHS is required to utilize a procurement process in which other entities recognized by the secretary may bid to serve as the RSN. The DSHS has authority to establish new boundaries in cases where an RSN fails to respond to or meet standards of a request for qualifications or subsequent reprocurement.
There are 13 RSNs in Washington. Twelve of these entities are either single or multi-county authorities, and there is one private entity operating as an RSN in Pierce County. The RSNs subcontract with an array of community mental health agencies to provide required services.
Summary:
The DSHS is authorized to establish RSN boundaries in cases in which two or more RSNs propose to reconfigure themselves in a consolidation. In these situations, the RSNs are exempt from specific procurement procedures.
The minimum number of RSNs is reduced from eight to six.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 98 | 0 | |
Senate | 49 | 0 |
Effective: | June 7, 2012 |