Bill > HB1469

This bill delays the implementation of the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) Criteria, 4th edition, for treatment of addictive, substance-related, and co-occurring conditions. Specifically, the bill extends the deadline for medicaid managed care organizations and insurance carriers to adopt the updated ASAM Criteria from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028. The health care authority and the office of the insurance commissioner will retain the joint authority to determine whether to use the updated version of the ASAM Criteria and to set the specific date of implementation. If they jointly decide that the updated criteria should not be used, they can choose not to implement it. The bill amends two existing laws (RCW 71.24.619 and RCW 48.43.764) to reflect this delay, and requires both agencies to post their decision regarding the implementation of the updated ASAM Criteria on their respective websites.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1469&Year=2025&Initiative=false