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HB 1469

Delaying the use of the ASAM 4 criteria, treatment criteria for addictive, substance related, and co-occurring conditions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nicole Macri and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1469 delays Washington's adoption of updated ASAM Level 4 addiction treatment standards, postponing implementation of intensive care criteria for substance use disorders.

First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
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Bill Summary · HB 1469

Legislative bill overview

HB 1469 delays implementation of the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) Level 4 treatment criteria in Washington State. ASAM Level 4 represents the highest intensity of care for substance use disorders, typically involving 24-hour medically supervised treatment. The bill extends the timeline for when healthcare providers and insurers must comply with using these updated clinical standards for assessing and treating addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Why is this important

ASAM criteria updates affect how addiction treatment is diagnosed, funded, and delivered across the state. A delay impacts patient access to standardized evidence-based care pathways, insurance coverage decisions, and treatment facility operations that may have begun preparing for the new requirements. This particularly affects individuals with severe substance use disorders or complex medical needs who depend on appropriate level-of-care placement.

Potential points of contention

  • Treatment readiness gap: Delaying implementation may leave treatment facilities and insurers in regulatory limbo, potentially extending uncertainty rather than resolving it, or may indicate providers need more time to meet new standards
  • Patient access equity: Postponing updated clinical criteria could maintain outdated assessment methods that may inadequately identify individuals needing intensive care, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations
  • Cost and resource questions: Unclear whether delay is intended to reduce implementation costs or allows time for infrastructure preparation; ASAM Level 4 involves significant resource requirements that stakeholders may be unprepared to fund

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

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