New policies will help to prevent drug overdose

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 05/05/2022 08:00 AM PDT

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New policies will help to prevent drug overdose

Last year, more than 100,000 people lost their lives to a drug overdose. Here in Washington, more than 2,000 people lost their lives. Increases in the use of methamphetamine and cocaine, the introduction of fentanyl into the state’s illicit opioid supply, and the stress, strain, and anxiety of the last several years have all contributed to this rise.

Two new laws require providers to not only offer patients medications for opioid use disorder, they also prevent providers from not accepting patients with a substance use disorder:

RCW 71.24.585(2) requires the Health Care Authority, as of January 1, 2020, to “prioritize state resources for the provision of treatment and recovery support services to Health Service Providers.
A U.S. Department of Justice memo dated Tuesday, April 5, explains that the federal government considers substance use disorders as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Failure to allow medications for the use of opioid use disorder in substance use disorder agencies can lead to a loss of Medicaid payments. Failure to allow the admission or treatment of people with opioid use disorder in any setting can lead to a federal complaint related to violating the ADA.

The Health Care Authority would be happy to partner or work with any agency looking to implement these policies. Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to your patients.

For more information

Read the letter addressed to medical professionals and health advocates
Please contact Kodi Campbell at kodi.campbell@hca.wa.gov if you are interested in learning more.

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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