Bill > SB5242

This bill establishes an interactive screening program designed to improve behavioral health resources for health care providers. The program will be run by a nonprofit entity contracted by the Washington State Department of Health and will offer an evidence-based, anonymous, and confidential service for professionals licensed under chapter 18.130 RCW (which covers various health care professional credentials). The program includes a screening questionnaire reviewed by a counselor to assess the user's level of distress, with options for the user to interact via email or receive treatment referrals. Additionally, the program will help facilitate paid medical leave requests for mental health conditions related to clinician distress and burnout. The program will be funded by an annual surcharge added to the licensing fees for health professionals, with the amount set uniformly across professions by the secretary. The collected surcharges will be deposited into a newly created interactive screening program account, which can only be used to support the program, and expenditures will be authorized solely by the secretary or their designee.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5242&Year=2025&Initiative=false