POLICY & PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY COmmittee
Committee Mission StatementThe Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee provides proactive leadership in the development of state-level mental health policies and statutes. WMHCA is responsive to the expressed needs of the profession and community-at-large by identifying and reducing barriers through collaborative relationships with stakeholders. We seek to elevate marginalized and underserved populations through active engagement via direct lobbying, advocacy, and activism. |
| Committee PurposeThe Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee shall work to increase the public’s and legislature’s awareness of the importance and benefits of professional counseling and shall seek to enhance and protect the profession of mental health counseling by responding to legislative issues and by establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with legislators, legislative staff, the governor’s office, and administrative agencies. |
Meeting Minutes Coming Soon |
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Continuing Education Update
Attestation Due Dates for Master's Level TherapistsAttestation is due every two years. After Proclaimation 20-32
Policy Updates and ChangesWhat We're Paying Attention toApple Health Provider Rate Increases-The 2021-23 state operating budget includes a 2 percent increase for all services paid through the behavioral health portion of the managed care capitation rates. This rate increase is retroactively effective back to April 1, 2021. Providers will see this change effective in their payments beginning in October 2021; however, there are multiple contracting arrangements and other factors that may affect timing for these distributions. Provider Billing Guides and Fee Schedules Telemedicine and Audio-Only ESHB 1196 removes this exclusion from the coverage requirement, establishes conditions for coverage of such services and amends statutory language related to telemedicine payment parity. Rules may be needed to clarify terms related to several components of the new law. Such rules will facilitate implementation of the law by ensuring that all affected entities understand their rights and obligations under the new law. WMHCA is working with legislators to define what audio-only means for therapist and to clarify definitions around established relationships. Telemedicine and audio-only telemedicine services (R 2021-06)- We attended the Stakeholder meeting on August 6, 2021. After the meeting we provided additional written comments. Here is the link for more information from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. On September 23rd, a CR-101 was filed with the Code Reviser regarding the implementation of Engrossed Senate Substitute Bill 5229. This bill requires health professions licesees to complete health equity training every 4 years. WMHCA will continue to maintain a voice in this process and attend the meetings and provide public comment. April 6, 2020 Regarding Governor's Proclamations and Secretary of Health License Renewal Extensions |
