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Washington Mental Health
Counselors Association





                           

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POLICY & PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY COmmittee

Committee Mission Statement


The 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.

Contact information


Chair: Sharon Shadwell, LMHC

Vice-Chair: Dennis McCarthy, LMHC


If you are a member and would like to schedule a meeting with your Senator or Representatives Sara can help facilitate that.  Legislators are always interested in hearing about the issues that impact their constitutes.  Please reach out to Sara if you want to schedule something. 

Sara Stewart is retained by WMHCA as our lobbyist.  She advocates for us during legislative session and keeps us up to date with information throughout the year.

MONTHLY LOBBYIST REPORTS

Current Legislative Priorities

Call to Action

Updated Bill Status Report


Policy Updates and Changes-Updates Coming Soon

Past Initiatives

Apple 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

Meeting Information

  • The PPAC committee meets the 1st Thursday of every month at 12:00 PM. 
  • Meeting Registration is Below

Upcoming Meetings

    • 03/06/2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee.  Meetings are typically held the 1st Thursday of the month.

    • 03/21/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register
    The mission of this task force is focused around creating transparency and increasing knowledge regarding Mental Health Insurance credentialing, contracting, and billing. Currently the task force is working on the development of an Insurance Usage and Satisfaction Survey for practicing clinicians with questions intended to help us develop Rating Score Cards for Insurance Companies that will be accessible to the general clinical population; the development of a Navigating Insurance Company Credentialing, Contracting and Billing Resource List; and the development of a more active relationship with the Office of the Insurance Commission.
    • 04/03/2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee.  Meetings are typically held the 1st Thursday of the month.

    • 04/18/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register
    The mission of this task force is focused around creating transparency and increasing knowledge regarding Mental Health Insurance credentialing, contracting, and billing. Currently the task force is working on the development of an Insurance Usage and Satisfaction Survey for practicing clinicians with questions intended to help us develop Rating Score Cards for Insurance Companies that will be accessible to the general clinical population; the development of a Navigating Insurance Company Credentialing, Contracting and Billing Resource List; and the development of a more active relationship with the Office of the Insurance Commission.
    • 05/01/2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee.  Meetings are typically held the 1st Thursday of the month.

    • 05/16/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register
    The mission of this task force is focused around creating transparency and increasing knowledge regarding Mental Health Insurance credentialing, contracting, and billing. Currently the task force is working on the development of an Insurance Usage and Satisfaction Survey for practicing clinicians with questions intended to help us develop Rating Score Cards for Insurance Companies that will be accessible to the general clinical population; the development of a Navigating Insurance Company Credentialing, Contracting and Billing Resource List; and the development of a more active relationship with the Office of the Insurance Commission.
    • 06/05/2025
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    The monthly meeting for the Policy and Professional Advocacy Committee.  Meetings are typically held the 1st Thursday of the month.

    • 06/20/2025
    • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register
    The mission of this task force is focused around creating transparency and increasing knowledge regarding Mental Health Insurance credentialing, contracting, and billing. Currently the task force is working on the development of an Insurance Usage and Satisfaction Survey for practicing clinicians with questions intended to help us develop Rating Score Cards for Insurance Companies that will be accessible to the general clinical population; the development of a Navigating Insurance Company Credentialing, Contracting and Billing Resource List; and the development of a more active relationship with the Office of the Insurance Commission.

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