SB 5431: Concerning community facilities needed to ensure a continuum of care for behavioral health patients

*Companion to HB 1394*

 This act establishes that there is a need for additional bed capacity and services for individuals with behavioral health needs and intends to address this issue by creating new facility types and expanding the capacity of current provider types in the community.

 SB 5431 also establishes definitions for:

·         Intensive behavioral health treatment facilities; and

·         Mental health drop-in center

Moreover, and related specifically to behavioral health needs of youth, SB 5431 amends RCW 70.38.260 by adding a section that declares that the Secretary of Health, in discussion with the Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and the Health Care Authority shall provide recommendations to the governor’s office by December 1^st, 2019, on youth short-term residential intensive behavioral health and developmental disabilities services.

Furthermore, these recommendations must institute staffing requirements that provide an appropriate level of treatment and include both licensed mental health professionals and developmental disability professionals.