HCA publishes work group recommendations to address overdose crisis through safer supply

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 02/13/2025 03:00 PM PST

February 13, 2024

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HCA publishes work group recommendations to address overdose crisis through safer supply

In alignment with the Washington State Legislature’s directive outlined in Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5187 (2023), section 215, proviso 124, Health Care Authority (HCA) convened a safer supply work group from March through October 2024. This work group was tasked with evaluating
and recommending a “safer supply” framework, and submitting recommendations to the legislature in order to integrate within the Washington State Substance Use Recovery Services (SURS) plan (RCW 71.24.546).

Safer supply refers to a regulated, prescription alternative to the illicit drug market to mitigate the dangers of the toxic, unpredictable supply that is fueling the current overdose crisis. Safer supply programs have been implemented in other countries and shown success as an important and effective part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent overdose deaths for people at the highest risk.

Key objectives and actions of the safer supply work group:

Comprehensive evaluation: Assess potential models for implementing safer supply frameworks drawing from domestic and international public health initiatives.
Collaborative engagement: Incorporate insights from individuals with living and lived experience, healthcare providers, harm reduction advocates, and public health experts.
Harm reduction focus: Prioritize interventions that reduce overdose risks and related harms, acknowledging the value of safer supply as a critical component in addressing the toxic drug supply crisis.
Legislative recommendations: Develop actionable recommendations for the Washington State Legislature on the integration of safer supply into the state’s substance use recovery service.
Learn more about the work group.

View the full work group recommendations

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

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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