| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Early Learning & Children's Services Committee | |
HB 2112
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Clarifying the definition of social worker.
Sponsors: Representative Pettigrew.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/27/07
Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).
Background:
The Department of Health (DOH) licenses numerous health and health-related occupations.
Licensing by the DOH typically includes a definition of the occupation and specified criteria in
the areas of experience and/or education. Health and health-related professions licensed by the
DOH are subject to the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) for unlicensed practice and for
complaints alleging a violation of standards of practice of the profession.
Current licencure of social workers is limited to two classifications:
(1) "independent clinical social worker" with a master's or doctorate level degree and the
authority to independently diagnose and treat emotional and mental disorders; and
(2) "advanced social worker" with a master's or doctorate level degree but who practices under
the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker until completion of the requisite 3,200 hours
of supervised practice.
For the purposes of preventing and reporting abuse of patients in state hospitals for the care of
the mentally ill, a "social worker" is defined as "anyone engaged in a professional capacity
during the regular course of employment in encouraging or promoting the health, welfare,
support, or education of patients, or providing social services to patients, whether in an
individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or
institution."
Summary of Bill:
A definition of "social worker" is established for the purpose of DOH licencure and application
of the UDA. To be licensed as a social worker, a person must have earned a bachelor's, master's
or doctorate degree from an accredited social work educational program. "Social worker"
includes persons currently licensed as clinical social workers and advanced clinical social
workers.
The definition of social worker in the abuse of patients statute is revised to be consistent with the
definition for licencure by DOH and application of the UDA.
Beginning January 1, 2008, public and private agencies may not use the term "social worker" for
volunteers or employees unless such persons meet the qualifications to be a licensed social
worker.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.