The authority must contract with an association that represents designated crisis responders in Washington to develop and begin delivering by July 1, 2025, a training program for social workers licensed under chapter 18.225 RCW who practice in an emergency department with responsibilities related to civil commitments under this chapter. The training must include instruction emphasizing standards and procedures relating to the civil commitment of persons with substance use disorders and mental illness, including which clinical presentations warrant summoning a designated crisis responder. The training must emphasize the manner in which a patient with a primary substance use disorder may present as a risk of harm to self or others, or gravely disabled. Each hospital shall ensure that, by July 1, 2026, or within three months of hire, all social workers employed in the emergency department with responsibilities relating to civil commitments under this chapter complete the training every three years.

Findings—Intent—2024 c 366: See note following RCW 71.24.847.