Behavioral health providers are essential businesses

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 03/26/2020 03:39 PM PDT

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Behavioral health providers are essential businesses

Behavioral health provider community,

As you know, Gov. Jay Inslee issued his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation on Monday. The proclamation:

Requires every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
Bans all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes.
Closes all businesses except essential businesses.

We have gotten some questions about whether behavioral health providers are considered essential businesses. Under the Governor’s proclamation, behavioral health providers are essential businesses. The proclamation includes:

“Behavioral health workers (including mental and substance use disorder) responsible for coordination, outreach, engagement, and treatment to individuals in need of mental health and/or substance use disorder services.”

Now more than ever, the services you provide are needed to support the health and safety of our communities. Please continue offering your services as fully as you are able while practicing social distancing and other public health best practices.

We have resources on our COVID-19 page about a variety of issues, including how to offer and be paid for telehealth.

If you have COVID-19 behavioral health questions, please email HCADBHRBHCOVID19@hca.wa.gov and add the topic to the email subject line (for example, Foundational Community Supports, Residential SUD, prevention).

Thank you for all you do.

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.