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SB 5988

Establishing fee authority for accreditation services provided to opioid treatment programs by the department of health.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by June Robinson

Washington law authorizes the Department of Health to charge opioid treatment programs fees for accreditation services, creating a new funding mechanism that may increase treatment provider costs.

Effective date 6/11/2026.
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Bill Summary · SB 5988

Legislative bill overview

SB 5988 authorizes the Washington Department of Health to establish and collect fees from opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in exchange for providing accreditation services. This creates a new revenue stream for the state agency responsible for licensing and overseeing these critical addiction treatment facilities.

Why is this important

Opioid treatment programs provide methadone and buprenorphine services to thousands of Washingtonians with opioid use disorder. How accreditation services are funded directly affects program costs, which can be passed to patients or reflected in insurance reimbursement rates. The bill's fee structure will influence whether treatment access becomes more or less affordable for vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on providers: OTPs operating on thin margins may face increased operational costs if fees are substantial, potentially limiting their ability to serve uninsured or underinsured patients
  • Fee transparency and reasonableness: The bill grants fee-setting authority to the Department of Health without specifying maximum amounts or requiring legislative approval, raising questions about oversight and potential rate escalation
  • Equity concerns: Programs serving low-income populations may struggle more with new fees than wealthier treatment centers, potentially creating uneven access to addiction treatment across the state

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

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