(1) A program for (a) year-round integrated problem gambling prevention efforts that include community engagement and the treatment of problem gambling and gambling disorder; and (b) the support, certification, and training of professionals in the identification and treatment of problem gambling and gambling disorder is established within the authority. The department of health may license or certify behavioral health agencies for problem gambling treatment. The authority may contract for any services provided under the program. The authority shall conduct a program evaluation, including tracking program participation and evaluating outcomes. (2) To receive treatment under subsection (1) of this section, a person must: (a) Need treatment for problem gambling or gambling disorder, or be impacted by a loved one experiencing problem gambling or gambling disorder; (b) Be identified by the authority as being most amenable to and likely to benefit from treatment; and (c) Be unable to afford treatment. (3) Treatment under this section is available only to the extent of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the authority for this purpose. The authority may solicit and accept for use any gift of money or property made by will or otherwise, and any grant of money, services, or property from the federal government, any tribal government, the state, or any political subdivision thereof or any private source, and do all things necessary to cooperate with the federal government or any of its agencies or any tribal government in making an application for any grant. (4)(a) The authority shall establish and facilitate an ongoing advisory committee that will hold quarterly meetings to: (i) Track progress of recommendations from the 2022 legislative problem gambling task force final report; (ii) Provide advice and feedback on the state problem gambling program upon request by the authority; and (iii) Discuss emerging issues related to problem gambling and identify possible strategies for improvement. (b) The advisory committee membership must include, at a minimum, at least one representative from each of the following: (i) The Washington state gambling commission; (ii) The Washington state lottery commission; (iii) The Washington state horse racing commission; (iv) The Washington state health care authority; (v) The tribal gaming industry; (vi) An established business primarily engaged in the selling of food or drink for consumption on the premises and that offers punchboards, pull-tabs, and social card games as a commercial stimulant; (vii) The gambling counselor certification committee; (viii) A nonprofit problem gambling organization; and (ix) The recovery community including at least one member with lived experience of problem gambling. [ 2023 c 284 s 2; 2018 c 201 s 2004; 2010 c 171 s 1; 2005 c 369 s 2; 2002 c 349 s 4. Formerly RCW 43.20A.890, 67.70.350.]
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