WA HB1811

Establishes a statutory definition of "co-response" as a multidisciplinary partnership between first responders (law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics) and human services professionals (social workers, behavioral health clinicians, nurses, peer support specialists) responding to behavioral health crises via 911, 988, and dispatch requests

Extends peer support communication privilege protections to individuals engaged in co-response services, allowing peer supporters to refuse testimony about confidential communications made during peer support sessions

Adds co-response team members to the definition of "frontline employees" eligible for workers' compensation presumption that infectious diseases contracted during public health emergencies are occupational diseases

Requires the University of Washington School of Social Work to establish a crisis responder training academy by January 1, 2026, offering certification in crisis response best practices covering de-escalation tactics, culturally responsive care, suicide intervention, and overdose response

Mandates expansion of the training academy to all behavioral health administrative services organizations by January 1, 2027, with certification remaining optional and not required for licensure