FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1855

C 108 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Clarifying licensed independent clinical social worker education and experience requirements.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, Campbell, McDermott and Skinner).

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Committee on Children & Family Services & Corrections

Background:

A licensed clinical social worker is an independent health care provider licensed by a state to work with patients. States grant the licenses to clinical social workers who meet specific requirements prescribed by state laws and regulations for the practice of social work. The requirements include education, supervision, experience, and a written examination.

In Washington there are two classifications of social workers: licensed advanced social worker and licensed independent clinical social worker. The qualifications for a licensed independent clinical social worker include:

•    Graduation from a master's or doctorate level social work educational program;

•    Successful completion of an approved examination;

•    Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement; and

•    Successful completion of continuing education requirements.

Summary:

In order to supervise a candidate seeking to qualify as a licensed independent clinical social worker, the supervisor must be a licensed independent clinical social worker who has been licensed or certified for at least five years and who has had at least one year of experience in supervising the clinical social work practice of others.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 94  0

Senate 49  0

Effective: July 27, 2003