(1) A substance use disorder professional must complete a training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral. The training must be provided by a single provider and must be at least three hours in length, which may be provided in one or more sessions.

(a) Until July 1, 2017, the training must be approved by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; the Suicide Prevention Resource Center; an industry-recognized organization or an institution of higher learning listed in WAC 246-811-200; or an association which approves training programs based on observation and experiment or best available practices.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2017, the training must be on the department's model list for training programs in suicide assessment, treatment and management. The model list is developed in accordance with rules adopted by the department that establish minimum standards for training programs. The establishment of the model list does not affect the validity of training completed prior to July 1, 2017.

(2) A certified substance use disorder professional who is a state or local government employee is exempt from the requirements of this section if he or she receives a total of at least three hours of training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral from his or her employer every six years. For purposes of this subsection, the training may be provided in one three-hour block or may be spread among shorter training sessions at the employer's discretion.

(3) A certified substance use disorder professional who is an employee of a community mental health agency licensed under chapter 71.24 RCW or a substance use disorder program certified under chapter 70.96A RCW is exempt from the requirements of this section if he or she receives a total of at least three hours of training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral from his or her employer every six years. For purposes of this subsection, the training may be provided in one three-hour block or may be spread among shorter training sessions at the employer's discretion.