Process for behavioral health providers with pending DOH credentials

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 11/14/2025 08:00 AM PST

November 14, 2025

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Pending behavioral health DOH credentials?

Effective October 1, 2025, there are new Department of Health (DOH) Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) related to processing claims for behavioral health providers whose DOH credential applications are pending.

The Health Care Authority (HCA) and DOH have developed a temporary solution to comply with the new WACs.

To confirm pending status, use provider rosters and the DOH website.

Apply to become an Apple Health (Medicaid) provider

Behavioral health providers with pending DOH credentials can now apply to become Apple Health (Medicaid) providers.

HCA requires a screenshot from Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) showing:

Your DOH credential application submission date. This date marks the start of the 120-day period or 90-day period, depending on the credential type.
- Master's level and psychological associate: 120 days
- Agency-affiliated counselors: 90 days
Any enforcement actions, sanctions, or limitations viewable in HELMS.

Want to become an Apple Health provider?

Follow the instructions on the Become an Apple Health provider webpage to start a ProviderOne application.
Go to the last step of the ProviderOne application titled "Final Steps".
Select "Upload Attachments" and upload your HELMS document.
Select "Submit Enrollment" to submit the application.

Track and revisit your incomplete or pending application by using your 14-digit ProviderOne application ID and your Social Security number (SSN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).

Already submitted your application?

If your application has been submitted, shows a status of “in review,” and you have pending DOH credentials, you may submit your HELMS documents to HCA Provider Enrollment via the HCA support portal.

Visit the HCA support portal.
Select Public inquiry or Agency to agency inquiry.
Select Make a request.
Select the Provider Enrollment tile.
Complete all required fields and submit with your HELMS documents attached.

Questions?

Online: HCA support portal
Phone: 1-800-562-3022, ext. 16137
- Phones are open: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
- Phones are closed: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Visit: HCA's Provider Enrollment webpage for more information.

HCA directive

All claims and encounters for Behavioral Health Integrated Managed Care and Apple Health (Medicaid) fee-for-service must be processed and paid for medically necessary services by qualified DOH pending-status providers.

WAC information

WAC 246-809-097 and WAC 246-924-152: Master's-level and psychological associate applicants may practice for up to 120 days while their credential applications are pending.
WAC 246-810-015: Agency affiliated counselors (AAC) who are registered, certified, and licensed, continue to be permitted to practice while in a pending status for up to 90 days.

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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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.