The regional support network shall:

     (1) Contract as needed with licensed service providers. The regional support network may, in the absence of a licensed service provider entity, become a licensed service provider entity pursuant to minimum standards required for licensing by the department for the purpose of providing services not available from licensed service providers;

     (2) Operate as a licensed service provider if it deems that doing so is more efficient and cost effective than contracting for services. When doing so, the regional support network shall comply with rules promulgated by the secretary that shall provide measurements to determine when a regional support network provided service is more efficient and cost effective;

     (3) Monitor and perform biennial fiscal audits of licensed service providers who have contracted with the regional support network to provide services required by this chapter. The monitoring and audits shall be performed by means of a formal process which insures that the licensed service providers and professionals designated in this subsection meet the terms of their contracts;

     (4) Assure that the special needs of minorities, the elderly, disabled, children, and low-income persons are met within the priorities established in this chapter;

     (5) Maintain patient tracking information in a central location as required for resource management services and the department's information system;

     (6) Collaborate to ensure that policies do not result in an adverse shift of mentally ill persons into state and local correctional facilities;

     (7) Work with the department to expedite the enrollment or re-enrollment of eligible persons leaving state or local correctional facilities and institutions for mental diseases;

     (8) If a regional support network is not operated by the county, work closely with the county designated mental health professional or county designated crisis responder to maximize appropriate placement of persons into community services; and

     (9) Coordinate services for individuals who have received services through the community mental health system and who become patients at a state mental hospital to ensure they are transitioned into the community in accordance with mutually agreed upon discharge plans and upon determination by the medical director of the state mental hospital that they no longer need intensive inpatient care.

[2006 c 333 § 105; 2005 c 503 § 8; 2001 c 323 § 12; 1992 c 230 § 5. Prior: 1991 c 363 § 147; 1991 c 306 § 5; 1991 c 29 § 2; 1989 c 205 § 4; 1986 c 274 § 5; 1982 c 204 § 5.]

NOTES:

     Finding -- Purpose -- Intent -- Severability -- Part headings not law -- Effective dates -- 2006 c 333: See notes following RCW 71.24.016.

     Correction of references--Savings--Severability--2005 c 503: See notes following RCW 71.24.015.

     Effective date -- 1992 c 230 § 5: "Section 5 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1995." [1992 c 230 § 8.]

     Intent -- 1992 c 230: See note following RCW 72.23.025.

     Purpose -- Captions not law -- 1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.

     Conflict with federal requirements -- 1991 c 306: See note following RCW 71.24.015.

     Effective date -- 1986 c 274 §§ 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9: See note following RCW 71.24.015.