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
(May 27, 2024)
Following Memorial Day remembrance, only the Health Care Authority Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery planned to convene their monthly meeting to update service providers.
The Week Ahead
(April 22, 2024)
As the WSLCB Policy and Rules team jettisoned previously planned public engagements to accommodate backlogged work, WSDA staff would review their expanding cannabis programs.
The Week Ahead
(April 15, 2024)
WSLCB leaders would meet privately with public health and prevention advocates to hear their perspectives, presenting another opportunity to ask why these events remain hidden.
WA Governor - Bill Action
(March 29, 2024) - SB 5950
In his final bill signing, Governor Jay Inslee offered hope Washington would continue to prosper under a supplemental budget with rates of cannabis spending largely the same as 2023.
The Week Ahead
(March 25, 2024)
The cannabis waste bill was lined up for Inslee’s signature, rules on THC legislation from 2023 were ready for review, and WSDA staff kept their eyes on the calendar for lab accreditation.
The Week Ahead
(March 11, 2024)
Regulators were ready to continue or initiate rulemaking processes in the week following the end of the legislative session while prevention researchers reviewed their findings.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 8, 2024)
The first cannabis bill of 2024 was signed into law before a dynamic conclusion to the session as the “high THC” legislation criss-crossed the rotunda for a last minute change which may have fiscal consequences.
WA Legislature - Update
(March 7, 2024)
All cannabis bills were funded in the operating budget; the patient excise tax exemption bill was passed; a bill action was scheduled by the Governor; and lawmakers would conclude the 2024 regular session.
WA Senate -
(February 29, 2024) - HB 2320 - Second and Third Reading
Senators made changes to data gathering requirements in a bill regulating “high THC” products before almost unanimously passing the measure and returning it to the House for concurrence.
WA Senate WM - Committee Meeting
(February 22, 2024) - Summary
Senators decided the “high THC” bill was similar enough to a companion to skip a public hearing; all testimony on the bill to exempt patients from cannabis excise taxes was supportive.