FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6804

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: Allowing the department of social and health services to adopt rules establishing standards for the review and certification of treatment facilities under the problem and pathological gambling treatment program.

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

House Committee on Human Services

Background: The Problem and Pathological Gambling Program (Program) was established in the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and is administered by the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. The Program provides for the prevention and treatment of problem and pathological gambling, and the training of professionals in the identification and treatment of problem and pathological gambling. When the Program was established, DSHS was permitted to contract for any services provided under the program but was not provided with rulemaking authority.

The Department of Health currently recognizes the Registered Counselor designation for Chemical Dependency Practitioners (CDPs) as sufficient to allow them to treat problem gamblers. The majority of CDPs in Washington State hold the Registered Counselor designation. Beginning July 1, 2010, the Registered Counselor credential is abolished.

An agency affiliated counselor is a person who registers as a counselor, who is engaged in counseling, and is employed by a state agency to provide a specific counseling service or services.

Summary: DSHS is permitted to certify and contract with treatment facilities for services provided under the Program and to adopt rules establishing standards for the review and certification of treatment facilities under the Program.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	44	0
House	97	0	(House amended)
House	95	2	(House receded)