Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
HB 1007
Brief Description: Concerning the completion of supervised experience through distance supervision.
Sponsors: Representative Klippert.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the 60-hour limitation on the number of supervised experience hours that a person pursuing a license as an independent clinical social worker may complete through distance supervision and allows all hours to be completed through distance learning. 
Hearing Date: 1/13/21
Staff: Christopher Blake (786-7392).
Background:

Independent clinical social workers are licensed by the Department of Health to diagnose and treat emotional and mental disorders.  To become a licensed independent clinical social worker, an applicant must have: (1) graduated from an approved master's or doctorate level social work educational program; (2) passed an approved examination; and (3) completed a supervised experience requirement.  The supervised experience requirement consists of 4,000 hours of experience under an approved supervisor.  At least 1,000 of those hours must have direct client contact and no more than 60 supervised hours may be completed through distance supervision.
Summary of Bill:

The 60-hour limitation on the number of supervised experience hours that a person pursuing a license as an independent clinical social worker may complete through distance supervision is removed; all hours may be completed through distance learning. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.