Washington Revised Code Title 71. Behavioral Health § 71.24.912. Work group--Systems, policies, and processes related to intake, screening, and assessment for substance use disorders

(1) The authority shall convene a work group to recommend changes to systems, policies, and processes related to intake, screening, and assessment for substance use disorder services, with the goal to broaden the workforce capable of administering substance use disorder assessments and to make the assessment process as brief as possible, including only what is necessary to manage utilization and initiate care. The assessment shall be low barrier, person-centered, and amenable to administration in diverse health care settings and by a range of health care professionals. The assessment shall consider the person's self-identified needs and preferences when evaluating direction of treatment and may include different components based on the setting, context, and past experience with the client.

(2) The work group must include care providers, payors, people who use drugs, individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, and other individuals recommended by the authority. The work group shall present its recommendations to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2024.