(1) To the extent that funds are specifically appropriated for this purpose the department shall revise its medicaid healthy options managed care and fee-for-service program standards under medicaid, Title XIX of the federal social security act to improve access to mental health services for children who do not meet the regional support network access to care standards. Effective July 1, 2008, the program standards shall be revised to allow outpatient therapy services to be provided by licensed mental health professionals, as defined in RCW 71.34.020, or by a mental health professional regulated under Title 18 RCW who is under the direct supervision of a licensed mental health professional, and up to twenty outpatient therapy hours per calendar year, including family therapy visits integral to a child's treatment. This section shall be administered in a manner consistent with federal early periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment requirements related to the receipt of medically necessary services when a child's need for such services is identified through developmental screening.

     (2) The department and the children's mental health evidence-based practice institute established in RCW 71.24.061 shall collaborate to encourage and develop incentives for the use of prescribing practices and evidence-based and research-based treatment practices developed under RCW 74.09.490 by mental health professionals serving children under this section.

[2009 c 388 § 1; 2007 c 359 § 11.]

NOTES:

     Captions not law -- 2007 c 359: See note following RCW 71.36.005.