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Bill

HB 1502

Establishing a behavioral health teaching clinic designation and enhancement rate.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Davis and 7 co-sponsors

Washington creates enhanced Medicaid reimbursement for designated behavioral health teaching clinics to expand mental health workforce training and provider capacity.

First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.
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Bill Summary · HB 1502

Legislative bill overview

HB 1502 creates a new "behavioral health teaching clinic" designation in Washington state and establishes an enhanced Medicaid reimbursement rate for clinics that meet specified criteria. The bill aims to support training facilities that provide mental health and substance use disorder services while educating future behavioral health professionals.

Why is this important

Washington faces significant shortages in behavioral health providers, and training clinics can help address this workforce gap while expanding access to mental health services in underserved areas. Enhanced reimbursement rates make it financially viable for teaching clinics to operate, potentially increasing both service capacity and professional training opportunities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to state budget: Enhanced Medicaid rates increase program expenditures; lawmakers will debate whether this is a justified investment or an inefficient use of healthcare dollars
  • Clinic eligibility standards: Unclear what specific criteria define a "teaching clinic," potentially creating disputes over which facilities qualify and concerns about gaming the system for higher reimbursement
  • Impact on non-teaching providers: Competitors may argue this creates unfair competitive advantages, potentially drawing resources away from established behavioral health providers not designated as teaching clinics

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

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