SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5656

                    As of February 20, 1995

Title:  An act relating to chemical dependency counselors.

Brief Description:  Providing for certification of chemical dependency counselors.

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl, Palmer, Moyer, C. Anderson, Deccio, Quigley and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/21/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

Background:  Under current law, chemical dependency counselors are registered as counselors in Washington State.  They are therefore subject to the state's disciplinary process for health care practitioners under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.  If they work in treatment programs certified by the Department of Social and Health Services, they are also required to meet the state's chemical dependency program requirements. 

Private certification is available through two private chemical dependency counselor certification boards in the state. 

Summary of Bill: A certification for chemical dependency counselors is established under the Department of Health. A five-person chemical dependency counselor certification advisory committee is established to consider rules, educational requirements, tests and procedures to implement a counselor certification program. 

Appropriation:   None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.