Bill to increase mental health care access first from freshman Rep. Matt Marshall to be signed by governor

Freshman Rep. Matt Marshall, R-Eatonville, saw his first bill signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday, April 7. House Bill 1190 expands access to the Health Evidence Resource for Washington State, known as HEAL-WA, to psychological associates and mental health counselor associates. HEAL-WA provides eligible healthcare providers with online access to clinical information and education resources, which helps increase access to treatment.

“We have a mental health crisis in Washington state that is impacting families and communities every day,” said Marshall. “While there is still much work to be done to address this crisis, as a medical professional, I am proud to have sponsored a bill that helps increase access to this vital care and serves as a small step in the right direction.”

Supporters of the bill say HEAL-WA is an important tool for providers to access medical information, which can help close the gap in mental health care.

House Bill 1190 passed the Legislature unanimously. It takes effect 90 days after session adjourns.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov