[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6125089,"mediaKeyId","2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628","parentId",2678677,"title","Committee hears bill to delay adoption of ASAM fourth-edition criteria for substance use disorder placements","audioSeconds",955,"startMs",136000,"endMs",1091000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628&start=136&end=1091","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628/thumbnail_136000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6125089/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-delay-adoption-of-ASAM-fourth-edition-criteria-for-substance-use-disorder-placements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125089-babdb73657c7a78b252db7c6244ca2b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567224&Signature=Qg2BwJmwU0HleMaZgZXaLWD9L0wBrQzI7jYnGRV1gTI8vTPxALUeM~MmV2qiYXrDsrLijecGzMKmdkDpPJAzX9yI6h~F5fC~Cb2VVgqs2ujQ8seWYR0dY1TLmCG4rV~c0W3VwvFDV7J60DFSFpuxthwMimybSJsri2~rQmIMQcw1TC00Cgdi9YskrbHMEvAhO7qVDRFLe2CkG6euJs~58kY04hcdSXxm-foj7Zh7XW9Y3I8VeeJlxzfZy26SyZ3FNnDkuoNNSzL4Ddf65gExH8OKZ1nr~YiXErNlvmpFXDKY8clku0ZOPj9SWgp8qgnhTpOtEfGvewrgONuGZucmWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Health Care & Wellness","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 5361, an OFM-request bill sponsored in the House by Sen. Manka Dhingra, would delay the statewide mandatory adoption of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) fourth-edition criteria for determining medical necessity and placement for persons with substance use disorder from Jan. 1, 2026, to Jan. 1, 2028.

Chris Blake, staff to the committee, summarized the background: since 2020 the Health Care Authority and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner have required managed care organizations and health carriers to use a single standard for medical necessity for substance use disorder treatment, and the legislature directed agencies last year to adopt the ASAM fourth edition by Jan. 1, 2026 unless they found a reason not to. Senate Bill 5361 would extend that transition period by two years.

Sen. Manka Dhingra, sponsor, said that adopting the newest ASAM criteria is best practice because it reflects updated, evidence-based approaches, but described the bill as an Office of Financial Management request aimed at reducing near-term state costs during a constrained budget environment. Dhingra said she “reluctantly” sought the committee’s support for the delay to save money now while planning to implement the updated standards later.

Sherry Sawyer of the Office of Financial Management testified in support, noting the bill was included in the governor’s proposed operating budget and described it as preserving the long-term policy goal of adopting the science while delaying near-term costs. Committee staff and OFM answered procedural questions and closed public comment; the hearing record shows no committee vote on the bill during this session.

Details and record: The ASAM criteria are a clinical placement standard used by agencies and payers to determine levels of care for substance use disorder. Testimony emphasized that the change is a timing and budget decision rather than a policy change to reject the ASAM evidence base.

Next steps: Public testimony concluded and the committee moved on; no formal action on SB 5361 was recorded in the transcript for this hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Health Care & Wellness - 3/18/2025 1:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 5361, an OFM-request bill sponsored by Sen. Manka Dhingra, would delay the required adoption of the American Society of Addiction Medicine fourth-edition criteria for substance use disorder placement from Jan. 1, 2026, to Jan. 1, 2028.","taxTitle","Health Care & Wellness, House of Representatives, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20262,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6125094,"Bill would exempt VA-overseen medical foster homes from adult family home licensing under state oversight requirements",410,316000,726000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628&start=316&end=726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628/thumbnail_316000.jpg","/articles/6125094/Washington/Bill-would-exempt-VA-overseen-medical-foster-homes-from-adult-family-home-licensing-under-state-oversight-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125094-fbb9aed8afe1c80115a09cea8e137d99/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567224&Signature=lhfkyZlNgfn7IFaTpegtJICBW1EsDYGcV2pBERsez~LH0-N2JG4Tlmbu-lVVqNXcp~xLQYi4PwGwGMyyddXKWVVVYgq9XiUChz8HPswrVm4bcycDGK6~J-M0Z2g6S4VXQtsm60ftGN16pAajXoRs5KXDUnSrz5apNGobP0BG2AdfwC0JPZLdvG4QGTnAIE2wcDtOFK3cJlqyjFPHPYgblJudvnbGegr~dJATIs4lGYCNi5dCoNbmN7eFI8c02heS9cu0NgtwpE3NgllLIoJlTSBVfCiejReZCUZSHdof~wFw0cNpmKPnUkDUZiRhsSVgbBDAGKeg43qNJLMSQ98j4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5200, which would exempt medical foster homes for veterans from adult family home licensing when those homes are overseen and annually reviewed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), drew testimony from the bill sponsor and veterans and clinical professionals in support.

Emily Poole, staff to the committee, described medical foster homes as private homes where trained caregivers provide support such as assistance with activities of daily living, limited nursing assistance, meals and planned recreation to a small number of residents. Under the bill as presented, medical foster homes caring for three or fewer veterans and under VA oversight would be exempt from certain state licensing and adult family home requirements, provided caregivers comply with applicable state laws, including training, Department of Health certification and background checks. The bill also adds medical foster homes to the list of facilities that, if a person is admitted, would be considered a vulnerable adult for purposes of DSHS protection.

Sen. Keith Wagoner, prime sponsor, said the program is managed by the federal VA and, in his view, “doesn't cost us anything” because VA manages the program. He told the committee medical foster homes allow veterans to “age in place” in family-like settings and noted the program exists in other states.

Veteran and advocate Wanda Tapp Kratzer testified in support, calling the model a family-like alternative to nursing homes that can improve dignity and community for veterans. Occupational therapist Zebra Ritter described the model as person-centered and potentially more cost-effective than traditional skilled nursing facilities, and urged passage.

Details and record: Committee staff summarized eligibility and regulatory crossovers during the briefing, including that long-term care workers must generally complete 75 hours of training, pass a certification exam through the Department of Health and clear state and federal background checks. Witnesses said the proposal avoids duplicative state oversight where the VA already provides program management and annual review. The committee took public testimony from three remote witnesses and one in-person, and closed public testimony without recording a committee vote in the hearing record.

Next steps: The hearing concluded after public comment; no committee action was recorded in the transcript during this session.","Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5200 would recognize medical foster homes for veterans under U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs oversight, exempting them from adult family home licensing if caregivers meet state training, certification, and background-check requirements; the committee heard veterans and clinical testimony in support.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6125097,"Committee hears bill to set Medicaid network standards for post-acute care to speed discharges",996,17000,1013000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628&start=17&end=1013","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628/thumbnail_17000.jpg","/articles/6125097/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-set-Medicaid-network-standards-for-post-acute-care-to-speed-discharges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125097-86c8af8d91e02efcce570acf00a8e98a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567224&Signature=AeBs0mFgFmt-RxagncnX5vHS5IMlUW~bHRWPqWt4XooW51aojBY~N4jmL~wWcjmAO50mJWeOn2WVArHd9MFLEMoOzOkDI2qQsQ~XEY9I1ejAz1UbvqM-3g9rUSL-t3NjehqwA59mPfUXC7jXhawFZ86eoWJfBN82QwU3bs1o~O1Oe6pEhcypVMdHQnXSAEztIBkTwwWqHT-hzF5tP~wHx0tln6vFHoyNWm3-rJmtqI590yMNoKg4la-aDo9cszeZ30Lydf2ONlpQdpoFVqHxt6vgg30kLyEyArmhaMb0KmhK49xk1saT9RmdQDSOrkuOpgnCtC12mtn6luoFu3UDJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Substitute Senate Bill 5124, which would require the Health Care Authority to adopt network adequacy standards for post-acute services for Medicaid managed care, was presented to the Washington House Health Care & Wellness Committee during a public hearing.

The bill, explained by Kim Weidner, staff to the committee, directs the Health Care Authority to develop standards for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities by Jan. 1, 2027, and to consider the Washington Medicaid principle of keeping care local, regional provider availability and timeliness of care. It would also require managed care organization contracts effective on or after July 1, 2027, to meet the new standards and would direct the Health Care Authority to monitor and periodically report the share of services provided by contracted and nonparticipating providers by county for each Medicaid managed care organization.

Why it matters: Advocates and health system representatives told the committee that predictable, timely placement into post-acute settings can improve patient outcomes and free hospital beds. Katie Cohen of the State Hospital Association said patients “stuck” in hospitals awaiting placement receive poorer outcomes and that prolonged hospital stays are expensive, saying it can be “up to $1,000 a day just to hold a patient there.” She and other witnesses urged network standards to reduce reliance on single-case agreements and shorten discharge delays.

Details and record: Federal Medicaid managed care rules require states to adopt network adequacy standards for certain provider types; SB 5124 would extend that focus to post-acute care and ask the Health Care Authority to obtain stakeholder feedback during standards development. Staff said the standards must account for access across counties and allow reporting on contracted versus nonparticipating providers. Committee staff answered procedural questions and the hearing concluded with no immediate vote on the bill.

Next steps: The committee suspended the hearing and proceeded to other bills. No formal committee action on SB 5124 was recorded in the transcript during this hearing.","House Health Care & Wellness Committee reviewed Substitute Senate Bill 5124, which would require the Health Care Authority to adopt network adequacy standards for post-acute services including skilled nursing and inpatient rehabilitation to improve timely access and reduce hospital discharge delays.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6125080,"Committee reports three bills out of committee with unanimous support; roll-call tallies recorded",85,1373000,1458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628&start=1373&end=1458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628/thumbnail_1373000.jpg","/articles/6125080/Washington/Committee-reports-three-bills-out-of-committee-with-unanimous-support-roll-call-tallies-recorded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125080-53a2664ed0d506d6ba76fb842f748d81/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567224&Signature=S15yjVGh9Y7Y3G3gUjf0Sv41YQzks0iaO-b8ahifZIcgzOGLxkUNsto37l5JaP2cTQxxYCEI0UZlckn4QbSd3~ee1tkJkFWjkTb~w7MMBI7Y1WGYRj6IzngumrSurGvECfYZhy~Nra6eumEL6dKp2ZWoib7v-kFK2anfs-dSZ3hRpdJxFPu8aL5RijKYZ5vYXdnhYo~eJUDEmhfR8rHzPr~YM4iXlblrMaA0pUKxoaKrSkW7C~b2SFoE0H9ygyv4li0qyYpS5r8sIL4KTCYejDYwYx2ERNECh3RLxuZwGDGXm~lHMBtA-xsQYZq3eeJBSGDbvnHgzYYAdzadFeqaYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the executive session at the close of the May 18 hearing, the House Health Care & Wellness Committee moved three Senate bills out of committee with due-pass recommendations. The committee recorded roll-call tallies for each motion: 17 ayes, 0 nays, 2 excused.

Key actions and results:

- Senate Bill 5051: Motion to report SB 5051 out of committee with a due pass recommendation. Staff said the bill shifts disciplining authority for nursing assistants from the Department of Health to the Washington State Board of Nursing and expands board membership. Motion moved by Vice Chair Rule; committee vote: 17 ayes, 0 nays, 2 excused. Outcome: approved and reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

- Senate Bill 5084: Motion to report SB 5084 out of committee with a due pass recommendation. The bill authorizes the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to require health carriers to annually report primary-care expenditures and to consider Health Care Authority-developed definitions and data specifications when setting reporting requirements. Motion moved by Vice Chair Rule; committee vote: 17 ayes, 0 nays, 2 excused. Outcome: approved and reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

- Senate Bill 5244: Motion to report SB 5244 out of committee with a due pass recommendation. Staff summarized the bill as relating to the WIC program and exempting certain point-of-care blood tests performed at WIC clinics from medical assistance requirements. Motion moved by Vice Chair Rule; committee vote: 17 ayes, 0 nays, 2 excused. Outcome: approved and reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

Record details: Committee members who spoke in favor during the brief remarks included Representative Obras (who described SB 5051 as an agency request better suited to the Board of Nursing), Representative Schmick (urging yes votes), and Representative Stoner (supporting SB 5244 on the merits). The transcript shows expedited voice or roll-call votes for these items and staff announced the tallies and results. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills out.","In executive session, the House Health Care & Wellness Committee reported three Senate bills out of committee with due-pass recommendations: SB 5051 (nursing assistant discipline moved to Board of Nursing), SB 5084 (primary-care expenditure reporting by health carriers), and SB 5244 (WIC point-of-care testing exemption). Each passed the committee ",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6125085,"Committee hears testimony backing bill to expand 12-month contraceptive supply coverage to initial prescriptions",83,1129000,1212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628&start=1129&end=1212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2678677-4340071d8ee95e8077b712607d663628/thumbnail_1129000.jpg","/articles/6125085/Washington/Committee-hears-testimony-backing-bill-to-expand-12-month-contraceptive-supply-coverage-to-initial-prescriptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125085-beecd2721e6c8bba9bf2c38efabb0f56/orig.mp4?Expires=1773567224&Signature=gBliGJrVyu5~mhwJ-FPGimXQemHoNhsNSvxteU4435KxqZ1kuOl24gVXtOD789WSFubyErF6a0o4An4fEBWuO7wH8DVyT2dznZMcrBQeeI0P3Pjw0h01SoiBpBf5yDY1grV5b6UuvCuQPN0u99R8QVJU4XR~hAC9gHzZpaK8Rtb3vCYBd7vIjJzdOXhwld1ceFovLgvWb233ortu4xnBcUIMEbIbGsQK8e9ae5o02Zbial21EwU5boIjeVNrU4gWCTLHcuqX~evk0oAWCjvJlJX6pUoSVOmdJfmZGc0aeiPcSbz1shZOWkk3ukE9JqM~CDg1FLxUK~0fdpYWa7L6hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 5498, which would expand the existing 12-month contraceptive supply coverage requirement to apply to all prescriptions including initial prescriptions, was presented to the House Health Care & Wellness Committee with testimony from Planned Parenthood and committee staff.

Jim Morishima, staff to the committee, said the bill is identical to a House bill the committee heard in January and summarized the current requirement that health carriers reimburse for a 12-month supply only for refills; SB 5498 would apply that requirement to initial prescriptions as well. Nicole Curran of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates told the committee that the change would remove barriers for survivors of domestic violence, students and others who face hurdles obtaining birth control and asserted that “patients and their providers, not insurance carriers, should have the ability to determine prescription duration.” She urged the committee to pass the bill to expand access.

Details and record: Staff noted that carriers currently reimburse a 12-month supply for refills but not for initial prescriptions; SB 5498 would remove that distinction. Planned Parenthood reiterated prior testimony from January and asked the committee to move the bill forward. Remote witness testimony that was scheduled did not appear in person and the committee asked absent witnesses to submit written testimony.

Next steps: Public testimony concluded and no committee vote on the bill was recorded in the hearing transcript during this session.","Senate Bill 5498 would require health carriers to cover a 12-month supply of contraceptive drugs at once for all prescriptions, not only refills. Staff and reproductive health advocates testified that extended supply improves access for patients facing barriers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears bill to delay adoption of ASAM fourth-edition criteria for substance use disorder placements

Bill would exempt VA-overseen medical foster homes from adult family home licensing under state oversight requirements

Committee hears bill to set Medicaid network standards for post-acute care to speed discharges

Committee reports three bills out of committee with unanimous support; roll-call tallies recorded

Committee hears testimony backing bill to expand 12-month contraceptive supply coverage to initial prescriptions