BILL REQ. #:  H-0650.1 

Read first time 02/10/2003.   Referred to Committee on Health Care.

     AN ACT Relating to disclosure of client information by mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers; and adding a new section to chapter 18.225 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 18.225 RCW to read as follows:
     A person licensed under this chapter shall not disclose the written acknowledgment of the disclosure statement pursuant to RCW 18.225.100, nor any information acquired from persons consulting the individual in a professional capacity when the information was necessary to enable the individual to render professional services to those persons except:
     (1) With the written authorization of that person or, in the case of death or disability, the person's personal representative;
     (2) If the person waives the privilege by bringing charges against the person licensed under this chapter;
     (3) In response to a subpoena from the secretary. The secretary may subpoena only records related to a complaint or report under RCW 18.130.050; or
     (4) As required under chapter 26.44 or 74.34 RCW or RCW 71.05.250.