WAC 182-531-1710

(1) The medicaid agency covers alcohol and substance misuse counseling through screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) services when delivered by, or under the supervision of, a qualified licensed physician or other qualified licensed health care professional within the scope of their practice.

(2) SBIRT is a comprehensive, evidence-based public health practice designed to identify, reduce and prevent problematic use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs. SBIRT can be used to identify people who are at risk for or have some level of substance use disorder which can lead to illness, injury, or other long-term morbidity or mortality. SBIRT services are provided in a wide variety of medical and community health care settings such as primary care centers, hospital emergency rooms, trauma centers, and dental offices.

(3) The following health care professionals are eligible to become qualified SBIRT providers to deliver SBIRT services or supervise qualified staff to deliver SBIRT services:

(a) Advanced registered nurse practitioners, in accordance with chapters 18.79 RCW and 246-840 WAC;

(b) Certified behavioral health support specialist, in accordance with chapters 18.227 RCW and 246-821 WAC;

(c) Dental hygienist, in accordance with chapters 18.29 RCW and 246-815 WAC;

(d) Dentist, in accordance with chapters 18.260 RCW and 246-817 WAC;

(e) Independent and advanced social worker, in accordance with chapters 18.225 RCW and 246-809 WAC;

(f) Licensed practical nurse, in accordance with chapters 18.79 RCW and 246-840 WAC;

(g) Marriage and family therapist, in accordance with chapters 18.225 RCW and 246-809 WAC;

(h) Marriage and family therapist associate, in accordance with chapters 18.225 RCW and 246-809 WAC;

(i) Mental health counselor, in accordance with chapters 18.225 RCW and 246-809 WAC;

(j) Mental health counselor associate, in accordance with chapters 18.225 RCW and 246-809 WAC;

(k) Psychological associate, in accordance with chapters 18.83 RCW and 246-924 WAC;

(l) Psychologist, in accordance with chapters 18.83 RCW and 246-924 WAC;

(m) Physician, in accordance with chapters 18.71 RCW and 246-919 WAC;

(n) Physician assistant, in accordance with chapters 18.71A RCW and 246-918 WAC;

(o) Registered nurse, in accordance with chapters 18.79 RCW and 246-840 WAC; and

(p) Substance use disorder professional (SUDP), in accordance with chapters 18.205 RCW and 246-811 WAC.

(4) To become a qualified SBIRT provider, eligible licensed or certified health care professionals must:

(a) Complete agency-approved SBIRT training and mail or fax the SBIRT training certificate or other proof of this training completion to the agency; or

(b) Have an addiction specialist certification and mail or fax proof of this certification to the agency.

(5) The agency pays for SBIRT as follows:

(a) Screenings, which are included in the reimbursement for the evaluation and management code billed;

(b) Brief interventions, limited to four sessions per client, per provider, per calendar year; and

(c) When billed by one of the following qualified SBIRT health care professionals:

(i) Advanced registered nurse practitioner;

(ii) Dental hygienist;

(iii) Dentist;

(iv) Independent and advanced social worker;

(v) Marriage and family therapist;

(vi) Mental health counselor;

(vii) Physician; and

(viii) Psychologist.

(6) The agency evaluates a request for additional sessions in excess of the limitations or restrictions according to WAC 182-501-0169.

(7) To be paid for providing alcohol and substance misuse counseling through SBIRT, providers must bill the agency using the agency's published billing instructions.