FINAL BILL REPORT

                 EHB 2920

                          C 32 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Clarifying continuing education requirements for counselors.

Sponsors:  Representatives Skinner, Cody, Dyer and Wood.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  Social workers, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists are certified for practice by the Department of Social and Health Services under the Omnibus Credentialing Act for Counselors.  The Secretary of Health is authorized, but not required, to establish continuing competency requirements for these professions.

Summary:  The Secretary of Health is required to establish by rule continuing competency requirements for certified counselors.  There must be at least 36 hours of continuing education during the two-year reporting period preceding the renewal of certification, including subjects in professional ethics and law.

Votes on Final Passage:

House941

Senate442

Effective:June 11, 1998