SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 1150

     AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES,

                        MARCH 26, 1993

Brief Description:  Repealing the sunset provisions of the counselor registration statute.

SPONSORS: Representatives Anderson, Veloria, Pruitt, King, Brough, Vance, Forner, Valle, Eide and Jacobsen

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Wojahn, Vice Chairman; Deccio, Erwin, Franklin, McAuliffe, McDonald, Moyer, Prentice, Quigley, Sheldon, and Winsley.

Staff:  Scott Plack (786‑7409)

Hearing Dates: March 26, 1993

BACKGROUND:

In 1987, the Legislature established the counselor registration and certification program.  Under the program, all counselors who charge a fee for their services are required to register with the Department of Health.  Counselors may be certified as social workers, mental health counselors, or marriage and family therapists if they pass an examination and meet specific requirements as to education and experience.

The counselor registration and certification program was enacted to educate the public as to the qualifications and practices of counselors and to protect the public against abusive practitioners.  Under the program, counselors are subject to the provisions of the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

The Department of Health currently administers the counselor registration and certification program.  According to the department, there are approximately 12,000 registered and certified counselors in the state.

The counselor registration and certification program is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 1994.

SUMMARY:

The termination provisions of the counselor registration and certification statute are repealed.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

A program review of the counselor practice act was conducted by the Department of Health.  It was found that the regulatory program was doing a good job and should be continued.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Bonita Hickman, MFT; Foster Brown, NASW; Michael Doctor, Counselors; Laurie Lippold, CHS