Prefiled 01/09/25.Read first time 01/13/25.Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

AN ACT Relating to the mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee; and amending RCW 18.225.060.

Sec. 1. RCW 18.225.060 and 2001 c 251 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

The Washington state mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee is established.

(1) The committee shall be comprised of nine members((.))as follows:

(a) Two members ((shall))must be licensed mental health counselors((.));

(b) Two members ((shall))must be licensed marriage and family therapists((.));

(d) One member ((shall))must be either a licensed advanced social worker((.))or a licensed independent clinical social worker; and

(e) Three members must be consumers and represent the public at large and may not be licensed mental health care providers.

(2) Three members shall be appointed for a term of one year, three members shall be appointed for a term of two years, and three members shall be appointed for a term of three years. Subsequent members shall be appointed for terms of three years. A person must not serve as a member for more than two consecutive terms.

(3)(a) Each member must be a resident of the state of Washington.

(b) Each member must not hold ((an))a governing office or board position in a professional association for mental health, social work, or marriage and family therapy and must not be employed by the state of Washington.

(c) Each professional member must have been actively engaged as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, or social worker for five years immediately preceding appointment.

(d) The consumer members must represent the general public and be unaffiliated directly or indirectly with the professions licensed under this chapter.

(5) Committee members are immune from suit in an action, civil or criminal, based on the department's disciplinary proceedings or other official acts performed in good faith.

(6) Committee members shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240, including travel expenses in carrying out his or her authorized duties in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.