SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2467

        AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR, FEBRUARY 28, 1992

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

SPONSORS: Representatives Moyer, Brekke, Dellwo, Paris and Anderson

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Matson, Chairman; Bluechel, McMullen, Moore, Murray, and Skratek.

Staff:  Traci Anderson (786‑7452)

Hearing Dates: February 28, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Individuals in Washington who meet the statutory definition of a "counselor" must register with the state before engaging in the practice of counseling.  This registration program began in 1987 and was originally administered by the Department of Licensing.  In 1989, administrative responsibility was transferred to the Department of Health.  The Secretary of the Department of Health determines what information an applicant must submit in order to be registered as a counselor, and counselors are subject to the Uniform Disciplinary Act.  More than 12,000 counselors are registered under this program.

In addition to registration as counselors, individuals who meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements may be certified as social workers, mental health counselors, or marriage and family therapists.

The program regulating the registration of counselors and the certification of social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 1994.

SUMMARY:

The termination date on the program regulating counselors, social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists is removed.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The registration and certification program for counselors has helped to protect the public from unethical counselors and should be continued.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Moyer, prime sponsor; Chris Ingersoll, National Association of Social Workers; Bonita Hickman and Symma Winston, Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Don Donham, Washington Mental Health Counselors Association