WA SB5242

Department of Health must contract with a nonprofit to establish an evidence-based interactive behavioral health screening program for licensed health care providers under chapter 18.130 RCW

Program requires anonymous, confidential screening questionnaires reviewed by counselors to triage distress levels, with options for email counselor interaction or treatment referrals

Program must facilitate paid medical leave requests for mental health conditions related to clinician distress and burnout

Funding comes from a uniform annual surcharge added to licensing fees for all health professionals subject to chapter 18.130 RCW, with the surcharge amount set by the secretary through rulemaking

Creates the interactive screening program account in state treasury to hold surcharge revenues, with expenditures authorized only by the secretary without requiring legislative appropriation