Section 43.20A.897. Tribal-centric behavioral health system.

(1) By November 30, 2013, the department and the health care authority must report to the governor and the relevant fiscal and policy committees of the legislature, consistent with RCW 43.01.036, a plan that establishes a tribal-centric behavioral health system incorporating both mental health and chemical dependency services. The plan must assure that child, adult, and older adult American Indians and Alaskan Natives eligible for medicaid have increased access to culturally appropriate mental health and chemical dependency services. The plan must:

(a) Include implementation dates, major milestones, and fiscal estimates as needed;

(b) Emphasize the use of culturally appropriate evidence-based and promising practices;

(c) Address equitable access to crisis services, outpatient care, voluntary and involuntary hospitalization, and behavioral health care coordination;

(d) Identify statutory changes necessary to implement the tribal-centric behavioral health system; and

(e) Be developed with the department's Indian policy advisory committee and the American Indian health commission, in consultation with Washington's federally recognized tribes.

(2) The department shall enter into agreements with the tribes and urban Indian health programs and modify behavioral health organization contracts as necessary to develop a tribal-centric behavioral health system that better serves the needs of the tribes.

[ 2014 c 225 § 65; 2013 c 338 § 7.]

NOTES:

Effective date—2014 c 225: See note following RCW 71.24.016.

2014 c 225 § 65; 2013 c 338 § 7.