(1) By July 1, 2026, the department and the department of health shall jointly establish and adopt standards for the provision of behavioral health services to individuals in correctional facilities.
(2) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall fully implement the standards adopted under this section when providing behavioral health services to individuals in correctional facilities.
(3) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department of health shall conduct annual inspections to determine compliance by the department with the standards adopted under this section. The department of health shall issue a report documenting any instances of noncompliance to the department. The department shall submit a corrective plan of action to the department of health within 45 days of the presentation of the report for feedback from the department of health on how the department proposes to resolve the noncompliance. The department of health may provide technical assistance to the department with complying with the standards adopted under this section.
(4) By July 1, 2027, the department and the department of health shall enter into an agreement, to be renewed biennially, that shall include, but not be limited to, the following provisions:
(a) The process for the department of health to conduct the annual inspections required under this section; and
(b) Reimbursement to the department of health by the department for costs related to providing technical assistance and conducting the annual inspections required under this section.
(5) By July 20, 2030, and every four years thereafter, the department and the department of health shall jointly review and update the standards adopted under this section as necessary.
(6) The department shall reimburse the department of health for costs related to providing technical assistance and conducting the annual inspections required under this section.
(7) For purposes of this section, "behavioral health services" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 71.24.025.
[ 2025 c 382 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2025 c 382: See note following RCW 9.94A.662.