RCW 70.96B.020
Selection of areas for pilot programs -- Pilot program requirements.

(1) The secretary, after consulting with the Washington state association of counties, shall select and contract with regional support networks or counties to provide two integrated crisis response and involuntary treatment pilot programs for adults and shall allocate resources for both integrated services and secure detoxification services in the pilot areas. In selecting the two regional support networks or counties, the secretary shall endeavor to site one in an urban and one in a rural regional support network or county; and to site them in counties other than those selected pursuant to RCW 70.96A.800, to the extent necessary to facilitate evaluation of pilot project results.

     (2) The regional support networks or counties shall implement the pilot programs by providing integrated crisis response and involuntary treatment to persons with a chemical dependency, a mental disorder, or both, consistent with this chapter. The pilot programs shall:

     (a) Combine the crisis responder functions of a designated mental health professional under chapter 71.05 RCW and a designated chemical dependency specialist under chapter 70.96A RCW by establishing a new designated crisis responder who is authorized to conduct investigations and detain persons up to seventy-two hours to the proper facility;

     (b) Provide training to the crisis responders as required by the department;

     (c) Provide sufficient staff and resources to ensure availability of an adequate number of crisis responders twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week;

     (d) Provide the administrative and court-related staff, resources, and processes necessary to facilitate the legal requirements of the initial detention and the commitment hearings for persons with a chemical dependency;

     (e) Participate in the evaluation and report to assess the outcomes of the pilot programs including providing data and information as requested;

     (f) Provide the other services necessary to the implementation of the pilot programs, consistent with this chapter as determined by the secretary in contract; and

     (g) Collaborate with the department of corrections where persons detained or committed are also subject to supervision by the department of corrections.

     (3) The pilot programs established by this section shall begin providing services by March 1, 2006.

[2005 c 504 § 203.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent -- Severability -- Application -- Construction -- Captions, part headings, subheadings not law -- Adoption of rules -- Effective dates -- 2005 c 504: See notes following RCW 71.05.027.

     Alphabetization -- Correction of references -- 2005 c 504: See note following RCW 71.05.020.