Apple Health Second Opinion Program

The Health Care Authority (HCA) requires a review by an agency-designated mental health specialist from the Second Opinion Network when drugs used to treat mental health conditions are prescribed outside of the established guidelines set by the pediatric children’s mental health workgroup.

What is the second opinion program?

As mandated by the legislator in RCW 74.09.490, HCA has developed the second opinion program to improve prescribing practices in children.

In collaboration with The Pediatric Mental Health Advisory Group and the Drug Utilization Review Board, HCA has established pediatric mental health guidelines to identify children who may be at high risk due to off-label use of prescription medication, use of multiple medications, high medication dosage, or lack of coordination among multiple prescribing providers.

What are the pediatric mental health guidelines?

The guidelines include: