(1) Approved qualifying training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral must:

(a) Until July 1, 2017, be approved by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, entities listed in WAC 246-810-0293, or an equivalent organization, educational institution or association which approves training based on observation and experiment or best available practices. The training must be empirically supported training and meet other requirements in RCW 43.70.442;

(b) Beginning July 1, 2017, must be on the department's model list developed in accordance with RCW 43.70.442. Nothing in this section invalidates trainings completed according to this chapter before July 1, 2017; and

(c) Be provided by a single provider and be at least three hours in length, which may be provided in one or more sessions.

(2) A certified counselor or certified adviser who is an employee of a state or local government employer 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 counselor or certified adviser who is an employee of a licensed or certified behavioral health agency under chapter 71.05 or 71.24 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.

(4) A certified counselor or certified adviser that obtained training under the exemptions listed in subsections (2) and (3) of this section may obtain CE credit subject to documentation as defined in WAC 246-810-0297.