Behavioral Health Agencies (BHA) Rules in Progress

Rulemaking is the process the Department of Health uses when proposing to create, change, or delete rules in order to protect public health. To learn more, see the department’s “What is Rule Making?” webpage.

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Topic – 23-hour Crisis Relief Centers 

In order to implement Second Substitute Senate Bill (2SSB) 5120 (PDF), the Department of Health filed a CR-101 (PDF) to consider updating the Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) Licensing and Certification Requirements in chapter 246-341 WAC to develop standards for licensure and certification of 23-hour crisis relief centers, a new type of behavioral health service that will provide mental health and substance use crisis response to adults. 

The following is regarding upcoming rulemaking workshops:

  • The first workshop will be held August 1 from noon to 2 p.m. and will occur every Tuesday as needed (anticipating five weeks). 
  • For those who are unable to attend the Tuesday workshops, we will hold “review” meetings each Thursday evening following the workshops. 

More workshop details including materials and registration information will be shared via GovDelivery. To be notified of meetings and information related to this process, subscribe to GovDelivery. Enter your email address and select Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) and Behavioral Health Care Integration.

Kick-off Meeting Notes and Materials

Workshop #1: August 8, Noon to 2 p.m. and Review Meeting: August 10, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Workshop #2: August 8, Noon to 2 p.m. and Review Meeting: August 10, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Workshop #3: August 15, Noon to 2 p.m. and Review Meeting: August 17, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Workshop #4: August 21, Noon to 2 p.m. and Review Meeting: August 24, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Workshop #5: August 29, Noon to 2 p.m. and Review Meeting: August 31, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Workshop #6: September 5, Noon to 2 p.m. and Review Meeting: September 7, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Workshop #7: September 19, Noon to 2 p.m. and Review Meeting: September 21, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Workshop #8: October 3, Noon to 2 p.m. and Review Meeting: October 5, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Workshop to review changes to MHP within WAC 246-341: October 10, Noon to 2 p.m. (Note: no review or notes this meeting – chat log available upon request)

Workshop #9: Monday, October 16, 1 to 3 p.m. and Review Meeting: October 19, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Please note day and time change

Topic – Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Licensing and Certification

The Department of Health filed a CR-101 (PDF) to consider amending the Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) Licensing and Certification Requirements related to OTPs in chapter 246-341 WAC to address general cleanup, clarify regulations, remove duplicate requirements, align with federal certification and treatment standards, and implement Second Engrossed Second Substitute (2E2SSB) 5536 (PDF) as it relates to adopting rules for fixed-site medication units to be established as part of a licensed OTP.

Rule-making workshops will be held from late September into November. Workshop details including materials and registration information is posted below and shared via GovDelivery. To be notified of meetings and information related to this process, subscribe to GovDelivery. Enter your email address and then under Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA), select Opioid Treatment Programs and Behavioral Health Care Integration. 

Workshop Information

Workshop #1: September 26, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Workshop #2: October 3, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Workshop #3: October 18, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Workshop #4: October 31, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Workshop #5: November 14, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Topic – Modernize Behavioral Health Agency Licensing and Certification Requirements

Three-phase rule-making project to modernize behavioral health agency licensing and certification requirements in chapter 246-341 WAC.

Phase 2 Information

BHA Rule Making Guidance Documents

CR-103 Documents

CR-103 (PDF) includes revised rule language, effective May 1, 2023.

Phase 3 Information

Information coming soon.