WSR 14-16-097

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed August 5, 2014, 2:48 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-809 WAC, Licensure for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers, the department of health is considering establishing requirements to implement HB 1213 (chapter 73, Laws of 2013) regarding continuing education and other licensing standards; clarifying terms and conditions; deleting obsolete sections, and making general housekeeping changes.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.225.040 and 43.70.442.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: HB 1213 (chapter 73, Laws of 2013) requires the department of health to establish continuing education and other licensing standards for those holding an associate license (associates) as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, advanced social worker or independent clinical social worker. Rule making could also clarify who may supervise associates working towards full licensure to ensure state laws are applied consistently. Deletion of obselete sections and other general housekeeping of chapter 246-809 WAC could increase clarity and readability.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Interested members of the public will be notified and invited to participate in rule-making workshops and may also submit written comments for consideration. Individuals may join the listserv for this rule making at listserv.wa.gov/cgi-bin/wa?A0=LICENSED-COUNSELORS.

For all other questions, the public can contact Mariama Gondo, MPH, Department of Health, Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, e-mail mariama.gondo@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-2912, fax (360) 236-2901.

August 5, 2014

Dennis E. Worsham

Deputy Secretary

for John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary