WSR 25-16-023
HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY
[Filed July 28, 2025, 12:33 p.m.]
NOTICE
Title or Subject: Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA) 25-0010 Add Licensed Psychological Associates and name change for Certified Peer Specialists.
Effective Date: January 1, 2026.
Description: The health care authority (HCA) intends to submit SPA 25-0010 to comply with the following bills passed during the recent legislative session:
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| • | E2SHB 2247, which established a new licensed psychological associate credential. A licensed psychological associate may practice psychology under the supervision of a licensed supervisor. SPA 25-0010 will add psychological associates to the rehabilitative services and other licensed practitioners sections of the medicaid state plan. |
| • | 2ESHB 1427, which amended the title of certified peer specialists to certified peer support specialists. This practitioner type is already included in the rehabilitative services section of the medicaid state plan. There is no change to current policy or practice; the SPA changes just the title for consistency with the legislation. |
SPA 25-0010 is expected to increase current annual aggregate expenditures/reimbursement/payments for psychological services for state fiscal year (SFY) 2026 by $457,399 and for SFY 2027 by $2,765,519.
SPA 25-0010 is expected to have no effect on current annual aggregate expenditures/reimbursement/payments for peer services because the SPA is an administrative action to amend the title of an approved provider type.
SPA 25-0010 is in the development process; therefore, a copy is not yet available for review. HCA would appreciate any input or concerns regarding this SPA. To request a copy when it becomes available or submit comments, please contact the person named below by August 30, 2025 (please note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).
CONTACT Eliza Tharp, Behavioral Health Systems Delivery Program Manager, 628 8th Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, TRS 711, email eliza.tharp@hca.wa.gov.