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Bill

SB 5388

Concerning department of corrections behavioral health certification.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Manka Dhingra and 4 co-sponsors

Washington requires DOC staff to obtain behavioral health certification to improve mental health crisis response and safety in correctional facilities, effective July 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5388

Legislative bill overview

SB 5388 establishes a behavioral health certification program for Department of Corrections (DOC) staff in Washington State. The bill creates standards and requirements for DOC employees to obtain formal certification in behavioral health practices, likely focusing on mental health crisis intervention, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care within correctional facilities.

Why is this important

Correctional facilities house individuals with high rates of mental illness and behavioral health needs. Requiring certified behavioral health training for DOC staff can improve safety outcomes, reduce use-of-force incidents, decrease suicide rates in custody, and provide better treatment for incarcerated individuals—while also protecting correctional officers through improved communication and intervention techniques.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Developing certification programs, training existing staff, and potentially hiring specialized personnel requires significant budget allocation that may compete with other DOC priorities
  • Staffing burden: Requiring certification may create mandatory training timelines that strain facility operations or make recruitment/retention more difficult if standards are too stringent
  • Scope ambiguity: Questions may arise about which DOC positions require certification, whether it applies retroactively to current employees, and what happens if staff fail to complete requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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