WA HB1809

Requires the University of Washington's Behavioral Health Crisis Outreach Response and Education Center to develop a nine-hour behavioral health training course for EMS personnel by July 1, 2026, available in-person, online, or hybrid formats

Creates a voluntary behavioral health endorsement for certified EMTs, advanced EMTs, and paramedics beginning July 1, 2027, requiring completion of advanced training in medical clearance, overdose response, crisis de-escalation, and suicide prevention

Mandates Medicaid reimbursement for fire departments and EMS agencies providing behavioral health services through personnel with the behavioral health endorsement

Establishes a pilot project from January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in four behavioral health administrative services organizations to develop best practices for coordinating 911/988 responses and billing strategies for first responders

Creates a co-response education training academy in three regions initially, expanding to all 10 behavioral health administrative services organizations by 2027, with optional certification in crisis response best practices