Brief Description: Clarifying licensed independent clinical social worker education and experience requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Campbell, McDermott and Skinner.

Hearing Date: 2/27/03

Staff: Sonja Hallum (786-7092).

Background:

A licensed clinical social worker is an independent health care provider licensed by a state to work with patients. States grant the licenses to clinical social workers who meet specific requirements prescribed by state laws and regulations for the practice of social work. The requirements include education, supervision, experience, and a written examination.

In Washington there are two classifications of social workers: licensed advanced social worker and licensed independent clinical social worker. The qualifications for a licensed independent clinical social worker include:

(a)       Graduation from a master's or doctorate level social work educational program;

(b)       Successful completion of an approved examination;

(c)       Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement; and

(d)       Successful completion of continuing education requirements.

The supervised experience requirement requires that the person seeking to qualify as a licensed independent clinical social worker must be supervised by a licensed independent clinical social worker.

Summary of Bill:

In order to supervise a candidate seeking to qualify as a licensed independent social worker the supervisor must be a licensed independent clinical social worker who has been licensed for at least five years and who has had at least one year of experience in supervising the clinical social work practice of others.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.