Subject of Possible Rule Making: Title 246 WAC. The department of health (department) is considering creating a new chapter of rules to implement E2SHB 1477 (chapter 302, Laws of 2021). The rules would establish standards for designation of crisis call centers as crisis hubs within the 988 national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Federal Communications Commission promulgated rules under 47 C.F.R. § 52.200 designating "988" as the three-digit code "for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system." In 2021, the Washington state legislature passed E2SHB 1477 with the intent to establish crisis call center hubs and expand the crisis response system. The bill requires the department to adopt rules "to establish standards for designation of crisis call centers as crisis call center hubs."

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: E2SHB 1477 requires the health care authority (HCA) and the department to work collaboratively. The department has the responsibility for establishing and designating the crisis call center hubs. HCA is responsible for developing and implementing the crisis response system and services to support the work of the crisis call center hubs. The two agencies will be working closely together to develop rules and processes.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Michelle Izumizaki, P.O. Box 47380, Olympia, WA 98504-7903, phone 360-236-3667, fax 360-236-2601, TTY 711, email pchrules@doh.wa.gov, website doh.wa.gov; or Ashley Noble, P.O. Box 47380, Olympia, WA 98504-7903, phone 360-628-3776, fax 360-236-2601, TTY 711, email pchrules@doh.wa.gov, website doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Interested parties may contact Michelle Izumizaki to be included on an interested parties contact list.