Description: The health care authority (HCA) and the department of social and health services (DSHS) intend to submit SPA 25-0024 to amend the "Methods and Standards for Establishing Payments for Psychiatric Inpatient Services Provided in Hospitals Operated by the State of Washington - JCAHO-Accredited Psychiatric Services for Children and Adolescents Age 17 and Under" section of the medicaid state plan because the state expects to have an additional state-operated JCAHO-accredited facility in 2026 - Lake Burien. The information currently in the state plan specifically names the child and treatment center; SPA 25-0024 will update the state plan to accommodate the additional facility.

SPA 25-0024 is expected to increase annual aggregate expenditures/payments/reimbursement. For fiscal year 2026, Lake Burien is budgeted to spend $16.6 million. A 44 percent federal match is anticipated, which will be an overall increase of $7.3 million.

The SPA is currently under development. You may request a copy and it will be sent as soon as a draft is completed. HCA and DSHS would appreciate any input or concerns regarding this SPA. To request a copy or submit comments, please contact one of the people named below (please submit comments by November 30, 2025, and note that all comments are subject to public review and disclosure, as are the names of those who comment).

CONTACT: DSHS, Jenifer Forrest, Youth Transitional Care Facility Program Manager, 1009 College Street S.E., Suite 100, Lacey, WA 98503, phone 564-200-3833, TRS 711, email Jenifer.Forrest1@dshs.wa.gov; or HCA, Abby Cole, Hospital Finance and Drug Rebate Section Manager, 626 8th Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-725-1835, TRS 711, email abby.cole@hca.wa.gov.