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.
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