FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1150

                     Synopsis as Enacted

                         C 165 L 93

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

By Representatives Anderson, Veloria, Pruitt, King, Brough, Vance, Forner, Valle, Eide and Jacobsen.

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on Government Operations

Senate Committee on Health & Human Services

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.  Additionally, 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Summary:  The termination provisions of the counselor registration and certification statute are repealed.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  97 0

Senate 43 0

Effective:  July 25, 1993