Revised: Updates to Mental Health Attestation for providers working with children and youth

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 09/12/2023 12:05 PM PDT

September 12, 2023

Revised: Updates to Mental Health Attestation for providers working with children and youth

On June 18, 2023, a permanent rule adoption (or CR-103P) of WAC 182-531-1400 (6) went in effect changing the requirements for qualified health care professionals who diagnose and treat clients 18 years and younger.

To read the filing notice and view the permanent rules, see WSR 23-11-097. Learn more about HCA’s rulemaking process, visit our rulemaking webpage.

Which providers does this apply to?

Mental health professionals providing Apple Health (Medicaid) outpatient mental health services authorized under Section 6 of Washington’s Medicaid State Plan. These services align with HCA’s Mental Health Billing Guide Part 1.

Learn more about professional services delivered in an outpatient setting in the most recent Mental health services billing guide on HCA’s provider billing guides and fee schedules webpage.

Which providers does this not apply to?

Mental health professionals providing Apple Health outpatient mental health services within a licensed Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) under Section 13d of Washington’s Medicaid State Plan. These services align with HCA’s Service Encounter Reporting Instructions Guide (SERI), Mental Health Billing Guide Part 2, and the Substance Use Disorder Services Billing Guide.

This update does NOT apply to BHA providers, tribal providers attesting to be a BHA, or mental health professionals working within a BHA or tribal BHA.

What are the requirements?

Except for licensed child psychiatrists, as defined in RCW 71.34.020, qualified health care professionals who diagnose and treat clients up to age 18 and younger must submit a Mental Health Professionals Attestation Form (HCA 13-951) indicating one of the following:

Meeting the following education and experience requirements:

A minimum of 100 hours of special training in child development and the treatment of children, youth, and their families; and
The equivalent of 1 year experience in the treatment of children, youth, and their families under the supervision of a practitioner who meets these requirements.

Working under the supervision of a practitioner who meets these requirements.

What do I need to do next?

For mental health professionals already working with children and youth authorized under Section 6 of Washington’s State Plan (i.e. services aligned with HCA’s Mental Health Billing Guide Part 1), and you have previously submitted a Mental Health Attestation Form, no action is needed.

For mental health professional within a BHA, no action is needed.

Only mental health professionals who do not have a Mental Health Attestation Form on file with HCA and will be providing services to children and youth under Section 6 of Washington’s State Plan (i.e. services aligned with HCA’s Mental Health Billing Guide Part 1) need to submit this form. This includes new mental health professionals enrolling in Apple Health, and mental health professionals who want to begin providing these services to children and youth.

View Mental Health Professionals Attestation Form

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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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.