WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 6251

Coordinating regional behavioral crisis response and suicide prevention services.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Manka Dhingra and 13 co-sponsors

Washington BHASOs must craft and submit regional crisis-response protocols and coordinate 988 hubs with real-time data sharing, boosting cross-agency coordination and rapid help.

Effective date 6/6/2024.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 6251

Summary — SB 6251 (Chapter 368, 2024 Laws)

Title: Coordinating regional behavioral crisis response and suicide prevention services
Status: Signed by Governor 3/29/2024; Effective date: 6/06/2024

Purpose

SB 6251 strengthens regional coordination of the behavioral health crisis response and 988 suicide prevention system by clarifying the role of behavioral health administrative services organizations (BHASOs) in convening partners, developing operational protocols, and recommending/designating 988 contact hubs that meet regional needs.

Key provisions

  • BHASO coordination role

    • BHASOs shall use their statutory authorities to establish coordination of the behavioral health crisis response system in each regional service area, including developing comprehensive protocols for dispatching mobile rapid response crisis teams and community-based crisis teams.
    • Convening of partners is authorized “within available resources” to develop written regional protocols that memorialize expectations, communication lines, and response strategies.

  • Regional protocols

    • Protocols must describe how crisis-response partners will share information consistent with state data-sharing requirements (RCW 71.24.890), and should promote real-time information sharing between 988 contact hubs and regional crisis lines to create a person-centered, seamless system.
    • Protocols must be in writing, submitted to the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) for approval, and copies provided to the Department of Health (DOH), HCA, and state 911 coordination office.
    • Protocols should be updated as needed and at least every three years.

  • Approval timeline / procedural rules

    • If the HCA does not respond to a submitted protocol within 90 days, the protocol is considered approved until updated by agreement.
    • A BHASO must notify the HCA by January 1, 2025 if it does not intend to develop and submit regional protocols.

  • 988 contact hub recommendations and designations

    • BHASOs may recommend one or more 988 contact hubs they deem the best fit for partnership and implementation of regional protocols (recommended hubs must meet applicable state and federal certification/requirements and be able to connect to culturally appropriate services).
    • The DOH may designate additional 988 contact hubs recommended by BHASOs when resources and rules permit; if DOH declines a recommended hub, it must provide a written explanation.
    • Contracts and program rules require 988 hubs to enter into data-sharing agreements (including real-time sharing) with DOH, HCA, and regional crisis lines; required metrics include dispatch time, arrival time, and outreach disposition (per related provisions in RCW 71.24.890).

  • Support and scope

    • DOH and HCA must provide support to BHASOs in protocol development upon request.
    • Partners/stakeholders explicitly include regional crisis lines, 988 contact hubs, public safety telecommunicators, local and tribal governments, first responders, co-response teams, mobile rapid response teams, hospitals, organizations representing people with lived experience, and behavioral health agencies.

Who is affected

  • BHASOs (ten regional entities in Washington) — lead regional coordination and submit protocols
  • DOH and HCA — review/approve protocols; certify/designate 988 hubs; provide technical support
  • Designated 988 contact hubs and regional crisis lines — required to enter data-sharing agreements and implement real-time coordination
  • First responders, public safety answering points (PSAPs)/911 centers, mobile crisis teams, hospitals, tribal and local governments, and organizations representing people with lived experience — participants in regional protocols
  • People in behavioral health crisis and communities needing culturally appropriate crisis and suicide prevention services

Procedural/timeline notes

  • BHASOs must notify HCA by Jan 1, 2025 if they will not submit protocols.
  • Background statutory framework (codified requirements for 988 contact hub designation and reporting) remains in place (including timelines in prior law, e.g., DOH designation deadlines established by earlier statutes).
  • Effective date: June 6, 2024.

Potential impact

  • Aims to improve coordination, information flow, and timeliness of crisis responses across regions through standardized, written protocols and real-time data sharing.
  • Emphasizes local/regional choice in identifying appropriate 988 partners while retaining DOH/HCA oversight and resource-based constraints.
  • Implementation depends on available funding, DOH/HCA capacity to support BHASOs, and the ability of 988 hubs and regional partners to meet certification and data-sharing requirements.

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

Sign in to ask a question.