Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 256, Laws of 2020, among other things, amended RCW 71.05.020(13) definition of "designated crisis responder" to include a mental health professional appointed by the health care authority (HCA) in consultation with a federally recognized Indian tribe or after meeting and conferring with an Indian health care provider. HCA is adopting a new rule to govern this appointment process. During the course of this review, the agency may identify additional related changes that are required in order to improve clarity or update policy.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.

Process for Developing New Rule: The agency welcomes the public to take part in developing this rule. If interested, contact the person identified below to receive an early rule draft to review. After the early review, the agency will send a notice of proposed rule making (CR-102) to everyone receiving this notice and anyone who requests a copy.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Brian Jensen (Rulemaking Questions), P.O. Box 42716, Olympia, WA 98504-2716, phone 360-725-0815, fax 360-586-9727, telecommunication[s] relay services (TRS) 711, email brian.jensen@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking; or Lucilla Mendoza (Program Questions), P.O. Box 45564, Olympia, WA 98504-5564, phone 360-725-1834, fax 360-586-9727, TRS 711, email Lucilla.mendoza@hca.wa.gov, website www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/rulemaking.