RCW 48.46.290
Mental health treatment, optional supplemental coverage -- Waiver. (Effective until January 1, 2008.)

(1) For groups not covered by RCW 48.46.291, each health maintenance organization providing services or benefits for hospital or medical care coverage in this state under group health maintenance agreements which are issued, delivered, or renewed in this state shall offer optional supplemental coverage for mental health treatment to the enrolled participant and the enrolled participant's covered dependents.

     (2) Benefits shall be provided under the optional supplemental coverage for mental health treatment whether treatment is rendered by the health maintenance organization or the health maintenance organization refers the enrolled participant or the enrolled participant's covered dependents for treatment by: (a) A licensed mental health provider regulated under chapter 18.57, 18.71, 18.79, 18.83, or 18.225 RCW; (b) a community mental health agency licensed by the department of social and health services pursuant to chapter 71.24 RCW; or (c) a state hospital as defined in RCW 72.23.010. The treatment shall be covered at the usual and customary rates for such treatment. The health maintenance organization providing optional coverage under the provisions of this section for mental health services may establish separate usual and customary rates for services rendered by the different categories of providers listed in (a) through (c) of this subsection. However, the treatment may be subject to contract provisions with respect to reasonable deductible amounts or copayments. In order to qualify for coverage under this section, a licensed community mental health agency shall have in effect a plan for quality assurance and peer review, and the treatment shall be supervised by one of the categories of providers listed in (a) of this subsection.

     (3) For groups not covered by RCW 48.46.291, the group health maintenance agreement may provide that all the coverage for mental health treatment is waived for all covered members if the contract holder so states in advance in writing to the health maintenance organization.

     (4) This section shall not apply to a group health maintenance agreement that has been entered into in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement between management and labor representatives prior to March 1, 1987.

[2005 c 6 § 9; 1987 c 283 § 5; 1986 c 184 § 4; 1983 c 35 § 3.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent -- Severability -- 2005 c 6: See notes following RCW 41.05.600.

     Severability -- Savings -- 1987 c 283: See notes following RCW 43.20A.020.

     Legislative intent -- Effective date -- Severability -- 1986 c 184: See notes following RCW 48.21.240.

     Effective date -- Severability -- 1983 c 35: See notes following RCW 48.21.240.