The Washington State Health Care Authority (WA HCA) purchases health care for Medicaid eligible Washington residents and public employees. The agency also procures funding for the development and implementation of substance use treatment and prevention programs with the intention of "integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents."
Washington State Health Care Authority
(WA HCA)
Public
Observations
The Week Ahead
(September 3, 2024)
A long-time leader in the prevention community would co-chair their final meeting of the State research collaborative the same day as a focus group on implementing the cannabis waste bill.
The Week Ahead
(August 26, 2024)
Aside from the growing trickle of WSLCB rulemaking, agency Finance division leaders were headed to Spokane Valley to provide a presentation to licensed cannabis operators.
The Week Ahead
(July 29, 2024)
After opening the week with guidance on the medical excise tax exemption, WSLCB board members planned to advance three rulemaking efforts with language proposed by staff.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(July 9, 2024) - Healthy Youth Survey
The latest Healthy Youth Survey responses showed a downward trend in underage cannabis use, but board members were troubled by the enduring popularity of vapor products.
WIDAC - Council Meeting
(July 11, 2024) - High THC Products
A WSLCB staffer briefed on the popularity and health risks of high THC products as well as outreach to interested parties in a search for policy alternatives.
WSLCB - Focus Group - High THC Products
(July 10, 2024) - Summary
Staff and attendees traded ideas for collaboration around messaging and regulation of high THC items, along with developing more respectful dialogue between industry and public health groups.
The Week Ahead
(July 8, 2024)
Concerns about youth substance use and high THC products predominated agendas at multiple agencies, but perspectives of public health and prevention interests remained hidden.
WSLCB - Focus Group - High THC Products
(June 26, 2024) - Summary
Participants had so much feedback for WSLCB staff soliciting ideas on education and policy changes related to high THC cannabis products that officials considered additional meetings.
The Week Ahead
(June 24, 2024)
Responding to the interests of a board member, WSLCB staff planned to host a focus group on “high THC” cannabis products - though participation was constrained to industry “networks.”
The Week Ahead
(June 10, 2024)
Cannabis and prevention researchers across Washington planned to convene quarterly confabs before WSLCB staff leadership were scheduled to share monthly public updates.