Section 246-341-0670 - Crisis telephone support services-Service standardsCrisis telephone support services are services provided as a means of first contact for an individual in crisis or need of assistance. These services may include de-escalation and referral.
(1) A behavioral health agency providing crisis telephone support services must:(a) Have services available 24 hours per day, seven days per week;(b) Assure communication and coordination with the individual's mental health or substance use treatment provider, if indicated and appropriate;(c) Remain on the phone with an individual in crisis in order to provide stabilization and support until the crisis is resolved or referral to another service is accomplished;(d) As appropriate, refer individuals to voluntary or involuntary treatment facilities for admission on a seven day a week, 24 hour a day basis, including arrangements for contacting the designated crisis responder; and(e) Develop and implement policies and procedures for training staff to identify and assist individuals in crisis before assigning the staff member to unsupervised duties.(2) Documentation of a crisis telephone support service must include the following: (a) A brief summary of each service encounter, including the date, time, and duration of the encounter;(b) The names of the participants;(c) A follow-up plan or disposition, including any referrals for services, including emergency medical services;(d) Whether an individual has a crisis plan and any request to obtain the crisis plan; and(e) The name and credential, if applicable, of the staff person providing the service.(3) A behavioral health agency providing crisis telephone services for substance use disorder must ensure a professional appropriately credentialed to provide substance use disorder treatment is available or on staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Wash. Admin. Code § 246-341-0670
Adopted by WSR 22-24-091, Filed 12/6/2022, effective 12/10/2022 and 5/1/2023