WSR 16-20-048
PROPOSED RULES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
[Filed September 29, 2016, 10:26 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 15-13-125.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-809-210 Definitions, specific to licensed mental health counselors and licensed mental health counselor associates, amending the definition of "approved education program."
Hearing Location(s): Department of Health, Town Center Building #2, Room 145, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, on November 8, 2016, at 1:00 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: November 15, 2016.
Submit Written Comments to: Brad Burnham, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, e-mail https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/policyreview, fax (360) 236-2901, by November 8, 2016.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Brad Burnham by November 1, 2016, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposal would amend the definition of an "approved educational program" for licensed mental health counselors and licensed mental health counselor associates in WAC 246-809-210 to accept as approved those programs accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) will remain as another option for recognizing accrediting bodies in Washington state.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The current rule only permits education programs to be accredited by accrediting bodies recognized by CHEA. Allowing accrediting bodies to be recognized by the United States Department of Education provides an acceptable level of flexibility in accreditation while maintaining the accrediting bodies' integrity.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.225.040 and 18.225.090.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 18.225 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Department of health, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Brad Burnham, 111 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, (360) 236-4912.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rule would not impose more than minor costs on businesses in an industry.
A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Brad Burnham, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone (360) 236-4912, fax (360) 236-2901, e-mail brad.burnham@doh.wa.gov. The agency did not complete a cost-benefit analysis under RCW 34.05.328. RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(iv) exempts rules that only correct typographical errors, make address or name changes or clarify the language of a rule without changing its effect.
September 28, 2016
John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH
Secretary
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 09-15-039, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09)
WAC 246-809-210 Definitions.
The following definitions apply to the licensure of mental health counselors and mental health counselor associates.
(1) "Approved educational program" means any college or university accredited by an accreditation body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or ((its successor, at the time the applicant completed the required)) United States Department of Education.
(2) "Approved setting" includes facilities, agencies or private practice where an applicant works with individuals, families, couples or groups under the supervision of an approved supervisor.
(3) "Approved supervisor" means a qualified licensed mental health counselor or equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner who has been licensed without restrictions for at least two years.
(4) "Equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner" means a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed psychologist, licensed physician practicing as a psychiatrist, or licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner.
(5) "Group supervision" means face-to-face supervision with an approved supervisor, involving one supervisor and no more than six licensure candidates.
(6) "Immediate supervision" means a meeting with an approved supervisor, involving one supervisor and no more than two licensure candidates.
(7) "Licensure candidate" means an individual that is accruing supervised clinical experience required for licensure.
(8) "Supervision of supervision" means supervision by an approved supervisor for the purpose of training and qualifying a licensee to act as an approved supervisor for purposes of chapter 18.225 RCW and WAC 246-809-234.
(9) "Peer" means a co-worker who is not the licensure candidate's employer or supervisor.