Official Text and Analysis.

Encourages a pathway for dual licensure as both an evaluation and treatment facility and a secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility.

Prohibits the Department of Health (DOH) from requiring an applicant for registration as an agency-affiliated counselor (AAC) for the purpose of work as a peer counselor to participate in a voluntary substance abuse monitoring program as a condition of registration if the person has at least one year of recovery from a substance use disorder. (2) Prohibits DOH and certain employers from automatically denying applications for registration as an AAC or employment as a peer counselor based on a history of theft 2 or 3, assault 4, prostitution, or forgery if the offense was the result of a substance use disorder or untreated mental illness and the person has at least one year of recovery. (3) Directs the Health Care Authority to certify substance use disorder peer counselors and to include reimbursement for substance use disorder peer services in the Medicaid state plan. (4) Directs DOH to conduct sunrise reviews to evaluate transfer of the current peer support counselor certification program to DOH with modifications to establish oversight and disciplinary authority and to evaluate the need for creation of an advanced peer support specialist credential that provides more stringent requirements and provides a path for career progression to more advanced credentials. (5) Removes a 60-day time limit for an applicant for registration as an AAC to work while their application is pending with DOH.