Bill > SB5765

This bill concerns psychiatric pharmacists and makes several amendments to existing laws related to mental health treatment and commitment. The bill adds a new definition for a "board-certified psychiatric pharmacist" as a pharmacist licensed in Washington who holds a psychiatric pharmacy specialty certification. It expands the range of healthcare professionals who can participate in mental health evaluations, petitions, and treatment plans to include board-certified psychiatric pharmacists. Specifically, the bill allows psychiatric pharmacists to be included in processes such as filing petitions for assisted outpatient treatment, signing commitment petitions, providing medical opinions for involuntary medication orders, and participating in less restrictive alternative treatment plans. The changes aim to broaden the role of specialized pharmacists in mental health care by recognizing their expertise in psychiatric medications and treatment. The bill makes technical corrections to existing statutes, updates numbering and terminology, and includes provisions for when certain sections of the act will take effect. The modifications are designed to provide more comprehensive and flexible mental health treatment options while maintaining patient safety and professional standards.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5765&Year=2025&Initiative=false