WA SB5273

Health Care Authority must fund at least four community violence prevention and intervention programs serving youth and adults who have been violently injured, are at risk of violent injury, or have chronic exposure to community violence, with at least one program east and one west of the Cascade mountains

Programs may be hospital-based or community organization-based with licensed health care provider referrals, and those serving youth must coordinate with local school districts; funding prioritized for communities with high rates of firearm violence

By July 1, 2026, the Health Care Authority must seek federal approval from CMS to secure Medicaid reimbursement for community violence prevention and intervention services

Department of Health must establish training curriculum standards by January 1, 2026, in consultation with Harborview Medical Center, covering trauma-informed care, prevention strategies, case management, referral and advocacy practices, and privacy requirements

Beginning January 1, 2027, all community violence professionals (mentors, violence interrupters, credible messengers, community health workers, etc.) must complete the required training before providing services