Providing access to behavioral health services to children using licensed clinicians colocated within the school.

SB 5481 requires Washington state managed care organizations to reimburse schools for behavioral health services provided by licensed clinicians directly within school settings to Medicaid-enrolled students. This applies even if the service provider is not part of the managed care organization's network, unless equivalent in-network services are already available at the school. The bill aims to address barriers like transportation and stigma by making these services more accessible, particularly for children in rural or underserved communities. It updates state law (chapter 71.24 RCW) to mandate this reimbursement structure for school-based care.