Involuntary Treatment Act training for social workers delayed until July 2027

Hospital emergency departments will have more time to prepare for new Involuntary Treatment Act training requirements for social workers.

The Health Care Authority has announced a one-year delay, extending the compliance deadline to July 1, 2027. WSHA welcomes this decision as a practical and necessary step that supports implementation and avoids placing hospitals in an untenable position. WSHA will keep hospitals informed as soon as the training becomes available.

Legislation passed in 2024 required emergency department social workers to complete training by July 1, 2026. The training was intended to be available by July 1, 2025, but delays from the Health Care Authority’s contractor have prevented its release.

WSHA raised concerns with the Health Care Authority, emphasizing the need for the full year envisioned by the Legislature to properly schedule, deliver and complete training. With training still unavailable, the 2026 deadline was becoming increasingly unrealistic.

WSHA welcomes this extension as practical and necessary to support implementation and avoid placing hospitals in an untenable position. (Remy Kerr)