5555-S2 AMH GRAH BLAC 147

2SSB 5555 - H AMD TO APP COMM AMD (H-1886.2/23) 656

By Representative Graham

NOT ADOPTED 04/12/2023

On page 9, after line 35 of the striking amendment, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. (1) The department, in coordination with the health care authority and in consultation with the Washington state institute for public policy, shall conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the use of certified peer specialists in behavioral health treatment teams for persons with behavioral health conditions. The analysis shall monitor medical assistance clients at up to five behavioral health agencies between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, and measure the outcomes for those clients whose care included a certified peer specialist providing peer support services. The outcomes to be considered shall include those measured by the Washington state institute for public policy in its prior studies on peer supports. In addition to other taxpayer costs, the analysis of the costs shall include costs associated with payments for peer support services to medical assistance clients and taxpayer support for certified peer specialist training and licensing costs that are not covered by fees charged to certified peer specialists. The analysis shall consider the effect of peer support services on the areas considered by the Washington state institute for public policy in its prior studies on peer supports, including crime, employment, hospitalization, emergency department visits, homelessness, and behavioral health services.

(2) The department shall submit a report of the findings of the cost-benefit analysis in subsection (1) of this section to the governor and the committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over health matters by October 1, 2027."

Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

On page 26, line 36 of the striking amendment, after "through" strike "12" and insert "13"

Correct the title.

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