BILL REQ. #:  H-3243.2 

Prefiled 12/30/11. Read first time 01/09/12.   Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring certain health professionals to complete continuing education in suicide assessment, treatment, and management; amending RCW 18.19.020, 18.19.090, 18.19.100, 18.205.020, 18.205.090, 18.225.010, 18.225.090, 18.225.150, 18.83.010, 18.83.070, 18.83.090, 18.79.020, 18.79.160, 18.79.210, 18.57.001, 18.57.020, 18.57.050, 18.71.010, 18.71.050, and 18.71.080; adding a new section to chapter 18.205 RCW; creating new sections; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that:
     (a) According to the centers for disease control and prevention:
     (i) In 2008, more than thirty-six thousand people died by suicide in the United States, making it the tenth leading cause of death nationally.
     (ii) During 2007-2008, an estimated five hundred sixty-nine thousand people visited hospital emergency departments with self-inflicted injuries in the United States, seventy percent of whom had attempted suicide.
     (iii) During 2008-2009, the average percentages of adults who thought, planned, or attempted suicide in Washington were higher than the national average.
     (b) According to a national study, veterans face an elevated risk of suicide as compared to the general population, more than twice the risk among male veterans. Another study has indicated a positive correlation between posttraumatic stress disorder and suicide.
     (i) Washington state is home to more than sixty thousand men and women who have deployed in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
     (ii) Research continues on how the effects of wartime service and injuries such as traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, or other service-related conditions, may increase the number of veterans who attempt suicide.
     (iii) As more men and women separate from the military and transition back into civilian life, community mental health providers will become a vital resource to help these veterans and their families deal with issues that may arise.
     (c) Suicide has an enormous impact on the family and friends of the victim as well as the community as a whole.
     (d) Approximately ninety percent of people who die by suicide had a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of death. Most suicide victims exhibit warning signs or behaviors prior to an attempt.
     (e) Improved training and education in suicide assessment, treatment, and management has been recommended by a variety of organizations, including the United States department of health and human services and the institute of medicine.
     (2) It is therefore the intent of the legislature to help lower the suicide rate in Washington by requiring certain mental health professionals to:
     (a) Complete training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management prior to licensure; and
     (b) Engage in continued training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management as part of their continuing education requirements.
     (3) The legislature does not intend to expand or limit the existing scope of practice of any mental health professional affected by this act.

Sec. 2   RCW 18.19.020 and 2011 c 86 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Agency" means (a) an agency or facility operated, licensed, or certified by the state of Washington; (b) a federally recognized Indian tribe located within the state; or (c) a county.
     (2) "Agency affiliated counselor" means a person registered under this chapter who is engaged in counseling and employed by an agency. "Agency affiliated counselor" includes juvenile probation counselors who are employees of the juvenile court under RCW 13.04.035 and 13.04.040 and juvenile court employees providing functional family therapy, aggression replacement training, or other evidence-based programs approved by the juvenile rehabilitation administration of the department of social and health services.
     (3) "Certified adviser" means a person certified under this chapter who is engaged in private practice counseling to the extent authorized in RCW 18.19.200.
     (4) "Certified counselor" means a person certified under this chapter who is engaged in private practice counseling to the extent authorized in RCW 18.19.200.
     (5) "Client" means an individual who receives or participates in counseling or group counseling.
     (6) "Counseling" means employing any therapeutic techniques, including but not limited to social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and hypnotherapy, for a fee that offer, assist or attempt to assist an individual or individuals in the amelioration or adjustment of mental, emotional, or behavioral problems, and includes therapeutic techniques to achieve sensitivity and awareness of self and others and the development of human potential. For the purposes of this chapter, nothing may be construed to imply that the practice of hypnotherapy is necessarily limited to counseling.
     (7) "Counselor" means an individual, practitioner, therapist, or analyst who engages in the practice of counseling to the public for a fee, including for the purposes of this chapter, hypnotherapists.
     (8) "Department" means the department of health.
     (9) "Hypnotherapist" means a person registered under this chapter who is practicing hypnosis as a modality.
     (10) "Private practice counseling" means the practice of counseling by a certified counselor or certified adviser as specified in RCW 18.19.200.
     (11) "Psychotherapy" means the practice of counseling using diagnosis of mental disorders according to the fourth edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, published in 1994, and the development of treatment plans for counseling based on diagnosis of mental disorders in accordance with established practice standards.
     (12) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department or the secretary's designee.
     (13) "Suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program" means:
     (a) A training program in the assessment, treatment, and management of suicide of at least six hours in length that is listed on the best practices registry of the American foundation for suicide prevention and the suicide prevention resource center including, but not limited to: Applied suicide intervention skills training; assessment and management of suicide risk; recognizing and responding to suicide risk; or question, persuade, respond, and treat; or
     (b) A training program approved by the secretary that is substantially equivalent to the training programs in (a) of this subsection.

Sec. 3   RCW 18.19.090 and 2008 c 135 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Application for agency affiliated counselor, certified counselor, certified adviser, or hypnotherapist must be made on forms approved by the secretary. The secretary may require information necessary to determine whether applicants meet the qualifications for the credential and whether there are any grounds for denial of the credential, or for issuance of a conditional credential, under this chapter or chapter 18.130 RCW. The application for agency affiliated counselor, certified counselor, or certified adviser must include a description of the applicant's orientation, discipline, theory, or technique. Each applicant shall pay a fee determined by the secretary as provided in RCW 43.70.250, which shall accompany the application.
     (2) Applicants for agency affiliated counselor must provide satisfactory documentation that they are employed by an agency or have an offer of employment from an agency.
     (3) At the time of application for initial certification, applicants for certified counselor prior to July 1, 2010, are required to:
     (a) Have been registered for no less than five years at the time of application for an initial certification;
     (b) Have held a valid, active registration that is in good standing and be in compliance with any disciplinary process and orders at the time of application for an initial certification;
     (c) Show evidence of having completed coursework in risk assessment, ethics, appropriate screening and referral, and Washington state law and other subjects identified by the secretary;
     (d) Pass an examination in risk assessment, ethics, appropriate screening and referral, and Washington state law, and other subjects as determined by the secretary; and
     (e) Have a written consultation agreement with a credential holder who meets the qualifications established by the secretary.
     (4) Unless eligible for certification under subsection (3) of this section, applicants for certified counselor or certified adviser are required to:
     (a)(i) Have a bachelor's degree in a counseling-related field, if applying for certified counselor; or
     (ii) Have an associate degree in a counseling-related field and a supervised internship, if applying for certified adviser;
     (b) Pass an examination in risk assessment, ethics, appropriate screening and referral, and Washington state law, and other subjects as determined by the secretary; ((and))
     (c)(i)(A) Successfully complete at least fifteen hours of coursework in suicide assessment, treatment, and management while obtaining the degree required in (a) of this subsection; or
     (B) Complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program no more than six years prior to applying for certification under this section.
     (ii) Nothing in this subsection (4)(c) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter; and
     (d) Have a written supervisory agreement with a supervisor who meets the qualifications established by the secretary.
     (5) Each applicant shall include payment of the fee determined by the secretary as provided in RCW 43.70.250.

Sec. 4   RCW 18.19.100 and 2008 c 135 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary shall establish administrative procedures, administrative requirements, continuing education, and fees for renewal of credentials as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. When establishing continuing education requirements for agency affiliated counselors, the secretary shall consult with the appropriate state agency director responsible for licensing, certifying, or operating the relevant agency practice setting.
     (2)(a) During the first full continuing education reporting period following the effective date of this section, a certified adviser or certified counselor who obtained his or her initial certification prior to the effective date of this section shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program.
     (b) All certified advisers and certified counselors shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program every six years after:
     (i) Initially completing a training program under (a) of this subsection; or
     (ii) Obtaining initial certification on or after the effective date of this section.
     (c) The hours spent completing a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program under this section count toward meeting any continuing education requirements established under this chapter.
     (d) Nothing in this subsection (2) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.

Sec. 5   RCW 18.205.020 and 2008 c 135 s 15 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Certification" means a voluntary process recognizing an individual who qualifies by examination and meets established educational prerequisites, and which protects the title of practice.
     (2) "Certified chemical dependency professional" means an individual certified in chemical dependency counseling, under this chapter.
     (3) "Certified chemical dependency professional trainee" means an individual working toward the education and experience requirements for certification as a chemical dependency professional.
     (4) "Chemical dependency counseling" means employing the core competencies of chemical dependency counseling to assist or attempt to assist an alcohol or drug addicted person to develop and maintain abstinence from alcohol and other mood-altering drugs.
     (5) "Committee" means the chemical dependency certification advisory committee established under this chapter.
     (6) "Core competencies of chemical dependency counseling" means competency in the nationally recognized knowledge, skills, and attitudes of professional practice, including assessment and diagnosis of chemical dependency, chemical dependency treatment planning and referral, patient and family education in the disease of chemical dependency, individual and group counseling with alcoholic and drug addicted individuals, relapse prevention counseling, and case management, all oriented to assist alcoholic and drug addicted patients to achieve and maintain abstinence from mood-altering substances and develop independent support systems.
     (7) "Department" means the department of health.
     (8) "Health profession" means a profession providing health services regulated under the laws of this state.
     (9) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
     (10) "Suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program" means:
     (a) A training program in the assessment, treatment, and management of suicide of at least six hours in length that is listed on the best practices registry of the American foundation for suicide prevention and the suicide prevention resource center including, but not limited to: Applied suicide intervention skills training; assessment and management of suicide risk; recognizing and responding to suicide risk; or question, persuade, respond, and treat; or
     (b) A training program approved by the secretary that is substantially equivalent to the training programs in (a) of this subsection.

Sec. 6   RCW 18.205.090 and 2001 c 251 s 30 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary shall issue a certificate to any applicant who demonstrates to the secretary's satisfaction that the following requirements have been met:
     (a) Completion of an educational program approved by the secretary or successful completion of alternate training that meets established criteria;
     (b) Successful completion of an approved examination, based on core competencies of chemical dependency counseling; ((and))
     (c) Successful completion of an experience requirement that establishes fewer hours of experience for applicants with higher levels of relevant education. In meeting any experience requirement established under this subsection, the secretary may not require more than one thousand five hundred hours of experience in chemical dependency counseling for applicants who are licensed under chapter 18.83 RCW or under chapter 18.79 RCW as advanced registered nurse practitioners; and
     (d)(i)(A) Successful completion of at least fifteen hours of coursework in suicide assessment, treatment, and management as part of his or her educational program or alternate training; or
     (B) Completion of a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program no more than six years prior to applying for certification under this section.
     (ii) Nothing in this subsection (1)(d) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.
     (2) The secretary shall establish by rule what constitutes adequate proof of meeting the criteria.
     (3) Applicants are subject to the grounds for denial of a certificate or issuance of a conditional certificate under chapter 18.130 RCW.
     (4) Certified chemical dependency professionals shall not be required to be registered under chapter 18.19 RCW or licensed under chapter 18.225 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   A new section is added to chapter 18.205 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) During the first full continuing competency reporting period following the effective date of this section, a certified chemical dependency professional who obtained his or her initial certification prior to the effective date of this section shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program.
     (2) All certified chemical dependency professionals shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program every six years after:
     (a) Initially completing a training program under subsection (1) of this section; or
     (b) Obtaining initial certification on or after the effective date of this section.
     (3) The hours spent completing a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program under this section count toward meeting any continuing competency requirements established under this chapter.
     (4) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.

Sec. 8   RCW 18.225.010 and 2008 c 135 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Advanced social work" means the application of social work theory and methods including emotional and biopsychosocial assessment, psychotherapy under the supervision of a licensed independent clinical social worker, case management, consultation, advocacy, counseling, and community organization.
     (2) "Applicant" means a person who completes the required application, pays the required fee, is at least eighteen years of age, and meets any background check requirements and uniform disciplinary act requirements.
     (3) "Associate" means a prelicensure candidate who has a graduate degree in a mental health field under RCW 18.225.090 and is gaining the supervision and supervised experience necessary to become a licensed independent clinical social worker, a licensed advanced social worker, a licensed mental health counselor, or a licensed marriage and family therapist.
     (4) "Committee" means the Washington state mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee.
     (5) "Department" means the department of health.
     (6) "Disciplining authority" means the department.
     (7) "Independent clinical social work" means the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders based on knowledge of human development, the causation and treatment of psychopathology, psychotherapeutic treatment practices, and social work practice as defined in advanced social work. Treatment modalities include but are not limited to diagnosis and treatment of individuals, couples, families, groups, or organizations.
     (8) "Marriage and family therapy" means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of relationships, including marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders. The practice of marriage and family therapy means the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services to individuals, couples, and families, singly or in groups, whether such services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for a fee, monetary or otherwise.
     (9) "Mental health counseling" means the application of principles of human development, learning theory, psychotherapy, group dynamics, and etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations, for the purpose of treatment of mental disorders and promoting optimal mental health and functionality. Mental health counseling also includes, but is not limited to, the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, as well as the application of a wellness model of mental health.
     (10) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
     (11) "Suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program" means:
     (a) A training program in the assessment, treatment, and management of suicide of at least six hours in length that is listed on the best practices registry of the American foundation for suicide prevention and the suicide prevention resource center including, but not limited to: Applied suicide intervention skills training; assessment and management of suicide risk; recognizing and responding to suicide risk; or question, persuade, respond, and treat; or
     (b) A training program approved by the secretary that is substantially equivalent to the training programs in (a) of this subsection.

Sec. 9   RCW 18.225.090 and 2008 c 141 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary shall issue a license to any applicant who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the secretary that the applicant meets the following education and experience requirements for the applicant's practice area.
     (a) Licensed social work classifications:
     (i) Licensed advanced social worker:
     (A) Graduation from a master's or doctorate social work educational program accredited by the council on social work education and approved by the secretary based upon nationally recognized standards;
     (B) Successful completion of an approved examination;
     (C) Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement. The supervised experience requirement consists of a minimum of three thousand two hundred hours with supervision by an approved supervisor who has been licensed for at least two years. Of those supervised hours:
     (I) At least ninety hours must include direct supervision as specified in this subsection by a licensed independent clinical social worker, a licensed advanced social worker, or an equally qualified licensed mental health professional. Of those hours of directly supervised experience:
     (1) At least fifty hours must include supervision by a licensed advanced social worker or licensed independent clinical social worker; the other forty hours may be supervised by an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner; and
     (2) At least forty hours must be in one-to-one supervision and fifty hours may be in one-to-one supervision or group supervision;
     (II) Distance supervision is limited to forty supervision hours; and
     (III) Eight hundred hours must be in direct client contact; and
     (D) Successful completion of continuing education requirements of thirty-six hours, with six in professional ethics.
     (ii) Licensed independent clinical social worker:
     (A) Graduation from a master's or doctorate level social work educational program accredited by the council on social work education and approved by the secretary based upon nationally recognized standards;
     (B) Successful completion of an approved examination;
     (C) Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement. The supervised experience requirement consists of a minimum of four thousand hours of experience, over a three-year period, with supervision by an approved supervisor who has been licensed for at least two years and, as specified in this subsection, may be either a licensed independent clinical social worker who has had at least one year of experience in supervising the clinical social work of others or an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner. Of those supervised hours:
     (I) At least one thousand hours must be direct client contact;
     (II) Hours of direct supervision must include:
     (1) At least one hundred thirty hours by a licensed mental health practitioner;
     (2) At least seventy hours of supervision with a licensed independent clinical social worker meeting the qualifications under this subsection (1)(a)(ii)(C); the other sixty hours may be supervised by an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner; and
     (3) At least sixty hours must be in one-to-one supervision and seventy hours may be in one-to-one supervision or group supervision; and
     (III) Distance supervision is limited to sixty supervision hours; and
     (D) Successful completion of continuing education requirements of thirty-six hours, with six in professional ethics.
     (b) Licensed mental health counselor:
     (i) Graduation from a master's or doctoral level educational program in mental health counseling or a related discipline from a college or university approved by the secretary based upon nationally recognized standards;
     (ii) Successful completion of an approved examination;
     (iii) Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement. The experience requirement consists of a minimum of thirty-six months full-time counseling or three thousand hours of postgraduate mental health counseling under the supervision of a qualified licensed mental health counselor or equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner, in an approved setting. The three thousand hours of required experience includes a minimum of one hundred hours spent in immediate supervision with the qualified licensed mental health counselor, and includes a minimum of one thousand two hundred hours of direct counseling with individuals, couples, families, or groups; and
     (iv) Successful completion of continuing education requirements of thirty-six hours, with six in professional ethics.
     (c) Licensed marriage and family therapist:
     (i) Graduation from a master's degree or doctoral degree educational program in marriage and family therapy or graduation from an educational program in an allied field equivalent to a master's degree or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy approved by the secretary based upon nationally recognized standards;
     (ii) Successful passage of an approved examination;
     (iii) Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement. The experience requirement consists of a minimum of two calendar years of full-time marriage and family therapy. Of the total supervision, one hundred hours must be with a licensed marriage and family therapist with at least five years' clinical experience; the other one hundred hours may be with an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner. Total experience requirements include:
     (A) A minimum of three thousand hours of experience, one thousand hours of which must be direct client contact; at least five hundred hours must be gained in diagnosing and treating couples and families; plus
     (B) At least two hundred hours of qualified supervision with a supervisor. At least one hundred of the two hundred hours must be one-on-one supervision, and the remaining hours may be in one-on-one or group supervision.
     Applicants who have completed a master's program accredited by the commission on accreditation for marriage and family therapy education of the American association for marriage and family therapy may be credited with five hundred hours of direct client contact and one hundred hours of formal meetings with an approved supervisor; and
     (iv) Successful completion of continuing education requirements of thirty-six hours, with six in professional ethics.
     (2)(a) Every applicant under this section shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the secretary:
     (i) Successful completion of at least fifteen hours of coursework in suicide assessment, treatment, and management as part of his or her educational program or alternate training; or
     (ii) Completion of a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program no more than six years prior to applying for licensure under this section.
     (b) Nothing in this subsection (2) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.
     (3) The department shall establish by rule what constitutes adequate proof of meeting the criteria.
     (((3))) (4) In addition, applicants shall be subject to the grounds for denial of a license or issuance of a conditional license under chapter 18.130 RCW.

Sec. 10   RCW 18.225.150 and 2008 c 135 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary shall establish by rule the procedural requirements and fees for renewal of a license or associate license. Failure to renew shall invalidate the license or associate license and all privileges granted by the license. ((If an associate license has lapsed, the person shall submit an updated declaration, in accordance with rules adopted by the department, that the person is working toward full licensure.)) If a license has lapsed for a period longer than three years, the person shall demonstrate competence to the satisfaction of the secretary by taking continuing education courses, or meeting other standards determined by the secretary. If an associate license has lapsed, the person shall submit an updated declaration, in accordance with rules adopted by the department, that the person is working toward full licensure.
     (2)(a) During the first full continuing education reporting period following the effective date of this section, a person licensed under this chapter who obtained his or her initial license prior to the effective date of this section shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program.
     (b) All persons licensed under this chapter shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program every six years after:
     (i) Initially completing a training program under (a) of this subsection; or
     (ii) Obtaining an initial license on or after the effective date of this section.
     (c) This subsection (2) does not apply to associate licenses.
     (d) The hours spent completing a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program under this section shall count toward meeting any continuing education requirements established under this chapter.
     (e) Nothing in this subsection (2) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.

Sec. 11   RCW 18.83.010 and 1994 c 35 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     When used in this chapter:
     (1) "Board" means the examining board of psychology.
     (2) "Department" means the department of health.
     (3) The "practice of psychology" means the observation, evaluation, interpretation, and modification of human behavior by the application of psychological principles, methods, and procedures for the purposes of preventing or eliminating symptomatic or maladaptive behavior and promoting mental and behavioral health. It includes, but is not limited to, providing the following services to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and the public, whether or not payment is received for services rendered:
     (a) Psychological measurement, assessment, and evaluation by means of psychological, neuropsychological, and psychoeducational testing;
     (b) Diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, and psychological aspects of illness, injury, and disability; and
     (c) Counseling and guidance, psychotherapeutic techniques, remediation, health promotion, and consultation within the context of established psychological principles and theories.
     This definition does not include the teaching of principles of psychology for accredited educational institutions, or the conduct of research in problems of human or animal behavior.
     Nothing in this definition shall be construed as permitting the administration or prescribing of drugs or in any way infringing upon the practice of medicine and surgery as defined in chapter 18.71 RCW.
     (((2))) (4) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
     (((3) "Board" means the examining board of psychology.
     (4) "Department" means the department of health.)) (5) "Suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program" means:
     (a) A training program in the assessment, treatment, and management of suicide of at least six hours in length that is listed on the best practices registry of the American foundation for suicide prevention and the suicide prevention resource center including, but not limited to: Applied suicide intervention skills training; assessment and management of suicide risk; recognizing and responding to suicide risk; or question, persuade, respond, and treat; or
     (b) A training program approved by the board that is substantially equivalent to the training programs in (a) of this subsection.

Sec. 12   RCW 18.83.070 and 2004 c 262 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     An applicant for a license as "psychologist" must submit proof to the board that:
     (1) The applicant is of good moral character.
     (2) The applicant holds a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution, obtained from an integrated program of graduate study in psychology as defined by rules of the board.
     (3) The applicant has had no fewer than two years of supervised experience. The board shall adopt rules defining the circumstances under which supervised experience shall qualify the candidate for licensure.
     (4) The applicant has passed the examination or examinations required by the board.
     (5)(a) The applicant has:
     (i) Successfully completed at least fifteen hours of coursework in suicide assessment, treatment, and management as part of his or her doctoral program; or
     (ii) Completed a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program no more than six years prior to applying for licensure under this section.
     (b) Nothing in this subsection (5) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.
     Any person holding a valid license to practice psychology in the state of Washington on June 7, 1984, shall be considered licensed under this chapter.

Sec. 13   RCW 18.83.090 and 2009 c 492 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The board shall establish rules governing mandatory continuing education requirements which shall be met by any psychologist applying for a license renewal.
     (2) The office of crime victims advocacy shall supply the board with information on methods of recognizing victims of human trafficking, what services are available for these victims, and where to report potential trafficking situations. The information supplied must be culturally sensitive and must include information relating to minor victims. The board shall disseminate this information to licensees ((by)): By providing the information on the board's web site; including the information in newsletters; by holding trainings at meetings attended by organization members; or through another distribution method determined by the board. The board shall report to the office of crime victims advocacy on the method or methods it uses to distribute information under this subsection.
     (3) Administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees for renewal and reissue of licenses shall be established as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280.
     (4)(a) During the first full continuing education reporting period following the effective date of this section, a licensed psychologist who obtained his or her initial certification prior to the effective date of this section shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program.
     (b) All licensed psychologists shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program every six years after:
     (i) Initially completing a training program under (a) of this subsection; or
     (ii) Obtaining an initial license on or after the effective date of this section.
     (c) The hours spent completing a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program under this section count toward meeting any continuing education requirements established under this chapter.
     (d) Nothing in this subsection (4) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.

Sec. 14   RCW 18.79.020 and 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 402 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context, the definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Commission" means the Washington state nursing care quality assurance commission.
     (2) "Department" means the department of health.
     (3) (("Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
     (4))) "Diagnosis," in the context of nursing practice, means the identification of, and discrimination between, the person's physical and psychosocial signs and symptoms that are essential to effective execution and management of the nursing care regimen.
     (((5))) (4) "Diploma" means written official verification of completion of an approved nursing education program.
     (((6))) (5) "Nurse" or "nursing," unless otherwise specified as a practical nurse or practical nursing, means a registered nurse or registered nursing.
     (6) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
     (7) "Suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program" means:
     (a) A training program in the assessment, treatment, and management of suicide of at least six hours in length that is listed on the best practices registry of the American foundation for suicide prevention and the suicide prevention resource center including, but not limited to: Applied suicide intervention skills training; assessment and management of suicide risk; recognizing and responding to suicide risk; or question, persuade, respond, and treat; or
     (b) A training program approved by the commission that is substantially equivalent to the training programs in (a) of this subsection.

Sec. 15   RCW 18.79.160 and 2004 c 262 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) An applicant for a license to practice as a registered nurse shall submit to the commission:
     (a) An attested written application on a department form;
     (b) An official transcript demonstrating graduation and successful completion of an approved program of nursing; and
     (c) Any other official records specified by the commission.
     (2) An applicant for a license to practice as an advanced registered nurse practitioner shall submit to the commission:
     (a) An attested written application on a department form;
     (b) An official transcript demonstrating graduation and successful completion of an advanced registered nurse practitioner program meeting criteria established by the commission; ((and))
     (c)(i) For an applicant who intends to practice as a psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner, proof acceptable to the commission that he or she has:
     (A) Successfully completed at least fifteen hours of coursework in suicide assessment, treatment, and management at his or her advanced registered nurse practitioner program; or
     (B) Completed a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program no more than six years prior to applying for licensure under this section.
     (ii) Nothing in this subsection (2)(c) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter; and
     (d) Any other official records specified by the commission.
     (3) An applicant for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall submit to the commission:
     (a) An attested written application on a department form;
     (b) Written official evidence that the applicant is over the age of eighteen;
     (c) An official transcript demonstrating graduation and successful completion of an approved practical nursing program, or its equivalent; and
     (d) Any other official records specified by the commission.
     (4) At the time of submission of the application, the applicant for a license to practice as a registered nurse, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse must not be in violation of chapter 18.130 RCW or this chapter.
     (5) The commission shall establish by rule the criteria for evaluating the education of all applicants.

Sec. 16   RCW 18.79.210 and 1996 c 191 s 63 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A license issued under this chapter must be renewed, except as provided in this chapter. The licensee shall comply with administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees as determined under RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280.
     (2) The commission shall request advanced registered nurse practitioners to inform the commission whether they practice as psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioners at the time of license renewal.
     (3)(a) During the first full continuing education reporting period following the effective date of this section, an advanced registered nurse practitioner who identifies himself or herself as a psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioner under subsection (2) of this section and who obtained his or her initial licensure prior to the effective date of this section shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program.
     (b) All advanced registered nurse practitioners who have identified themselves as psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioners under subsection (2) of this section shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program every six years after:
     (i) Initially completing a training program under (a) of this subsection; or
     (ii) Obtaining an initial license on or after the effective date of this section.
     (c) The hours spent completing a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program under this section count toward meeting any continuing education requirements established under this chapter.
     (d) Nothing in this subsection (3) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.

Sec. 17   RCW 18.57.001 and 1996 c 178 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     As used in this chapter:
     (1) "Board" means the Washington state board of osteopathic medicine and surgery;
     (2) "Department" means the department of health;
     (3) (("Secretary" means the secretary of health; and
     (4))) "Osteopathic medicine and surgery" means the use of any and all methods in the treatment of disease, injuries, deformities, and all other physical and mental conditions in and of human beings, including the use of osteopathic manipulative therapy.
     (5) "Secretary" means the secretary of health; and
     (6) "Suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program" means:
     (a) A training program in the assessment, treatment, and management of suicide of at least six hours in length that is listed on the best practices registry of the American foundation for suicide prevention and the suicide prevention resource center including, but not limited to: Applied suicide intervention skills training; assessment and management of suicide risk; recognizing and responding to suicide risk; or question, persuade, respond, and treat; or
     (b) A training program approved by the board that is substantially equivalent to the training programs in (a) of this subsection.

Sec. 18   RCW 18.57.020 and 1991 c 160 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A license shall be issued by the secretary authorizing the holder to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery. In order to procure a license to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery, the applicant must provide the board evidence that a diploma has been issued to the applicant by an accredited school of osteopathic medicine and surgery, approved by the board. The application shall be made upon a form prepared by the secretary, with the approval of the board, and it shall contain such information concerning said osteopathic medical instruction and the preliminary education of the applicant as the board may by rule provide. Applicants who have failed to meet the requirements must be rejected.
     (2) An applicant for a license to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery must furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she has served for not less than one year in a postgraduate training program approved by the board.
     (3) In addition, the applicant may be required to furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that he or she is physically and mentally capable of safely carrying on the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery. The board may require any applicant to submit to such examination or examinations as it deems necessary to determine an applicant's physical and/or mental capability to safely practice osteopathic medicine and surgery. The applicant shall also show that he or she has not been guilty of any conduct which would constitute grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of such license under the laws of the state of Washington.
     (4) An applicant who intends to practice psychiatry is required to have successfully completed at least fifteen hours of coursework in suicide assessment, treatment, and management while obtaining his or her diploma from an accredited school of osteopathic medicine and surgery or to have completed a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program no more than six years prior to applying for licensure under this section. Nothing in this subsection (4) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.
     (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the board from requiring such additional information from applicants as it deems necessary.
     (6) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require any applicant for licensure, or any licensee, as a requisite of retaining or renewing licensure under this chapter, to be a member of any political and/or professional organization.

Sec. 19   RCW 18.57.050 and 1996 c 191 s 36 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The board may establish rules and regulations governing mandatory continuing education requirements which shall be met by physicians applying for renewal of licenses.
     (2) The board shall request licensees to inform the board whether they practice as psychiatrists at the time of license renewal.
     (3) Administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees for applications and renewals shall be established as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. The board shall determine prerequisites for relicensing.
     (4)(a) During the first full continuing education reporting period following the effective date of this section, an osteopathic physician and surgeon who identifies himself or herself as a psychiatrist under subsection (2) of this section and who obtained his or her initial licensure prior to the effective date of this section shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program.
     (b) All osteopathic physicians and surgeons who have identified themselves as psychiatrists under subsection (2) of this section shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program every six years after:
     (i) Initially completing a training program under (a) of this subsection; or
     (ii) Obtaining an initial license on or after the effective date of this section.
     (c) The hours spent completing a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program under this section count toward meeting any continuing education requirements established under this chapter.
     (d) Nothing in this subsection (4) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.

Sec. 20   RCW 18.71.010 and 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 302 are each amended to read as follows:
     The following terms used in this chapter shall have the meanings set forth in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
     (1) "Commission" means the Washington state medical quality assurance commission.
     (2) (("Secretary" means the secretary of health.)) "Emergency medical care" or "emergency medical service" has the same meaning as in chapter 18.73 RCW.
     (3) "Resident physician" means an individual who has graduated from a school of medicine which meets the requirements set forth in RCW 18.71.055 and is serving a period of postgraduate clinical medical training sponsored by a college or university in this state or by a hospital accredited by this state. For purposes of this chapter, the term shall include individuals designated as intern or medical fellow.
     (4) (("Emergency medical care" or "emergency medical service" has the same meaning as in chapter 18.73 RCW.)) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
     (5) "Suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program" means:
     (a) A training program in the assessment, treatment, and management of suicide of at least six hours in length that is listed on the best practices registry of the American foundation for suicide prevention and the suicide prevention resource center including, but not limited to: Applied suicide intervention skills training; assessment and management of suicide risk; recognizing and responding to suicide risk; or question, persuade, respond, and treat; or
     (b) A training program approved by the commission that is substantially equivalent to the training programs in (a) of this subsection.

Sec. 21   RCW 18.71.050 and 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 307 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Each applicant who has graduated from a school of medicine located in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Dominion of Canada, shall file an application for licensure with the commission on a form prepared by the secretary with the approval of the commission. Each applicant shall furnish proof satisfactory to the commission of the following:
     (a) That the applicant has attended and graduated from a school of medicine approved by the commission;
     (b) That the applicant has completed two years of postgraduate medical training in a program acceptable to the commission, provided that applicants graduating before July 28, 1985, may complete only one year of postgraduate medical training;
     (c) That the applicant is of good moral character; ((and))
     (d) That the applicant is physically and mentally capable of safely carrying on the practice of medicine. The commission may require any applicant to submit to such examination or examinations as it deems necessary to determine an applicant's physical and/or mental capability to safely practice medicine; and
     (e)(i) That an applicant who intends to practice psychiatry has:
     (A) Successfully completed at least fifteen hours of coursework in suicide assessment, treatment, and management at his or her school of medicine; or
     (B) Completed a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program no more than eight years prior to applying for licensure under this section.
     (ii) Nothing in this subsection (1)(e) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.
     (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the commission from requiring such additional information from applicants as it deems necessary. The issuance and denial of licenses are subject to chapter 18.130 RCW, the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

Sec. 22   RCW 18.71.080 and 2011 c 178 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) Every person licensed to practice medicine in this state shall pay licensing fees and renew his or her license in accordance with administrative procedures and administrative requirements adopted as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. A physician who resides and practices in Washington and obtains or renews a retired active license is exempt from licensing fees imposed under this section.
     (b) The commission shall request licensees to submit information about their current professional practice at the time of license renewal. This information may include practice setting, medical specialty, board certification, or other relevant data determined by the commission.
     (c) ((A physician who resides and practices in Washington and obtains or renews a retired active license shall be exempt from licensing fees imposed under this section.)) The commission may establish rules governing mandatory continuing education requirements which shall be met by physicians applying for renewal of licenses. The rules shall provide that mandatory continuing education requirements may be met in part by physicians showing evidence of the completion of approved activities relating to professional liability risk management. The number of hours of continuing education for a physician holding a retired active license shall not exceed fifty hours per year.
     (d)(i) During the first full continuing education reporting period following the effective date of this section, a physician who identifies himself or herself as a psychiatrist under (b) of this subsection and who obtained his or her initial licensure prior to the effective date of this section shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program.
     (ii) All physicians who have identified themselves as psychiatrists under (b) of this subsection shall complete a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program every eight years after:
     (A) Initially completing a training program under (d)(i) of this subsection; or
     (B) Obtaining an initial license on or after the effective date of this section.
     (iii) The hours spent completing a suicide assessment, treatment, and management training program under this section count toward meeting any continuing education requirements established under this chapter.
     (iv) Nothing in this subsection (1)(d) may be interpreted to expand or limit the scope of practice of any profession regulated by this chapter.
     (2) The office of crime victims advocacy shall supply the commission with information on methods of recognizing victims of human trafficking, what services are available for these victims, and where to report potential trafficking situations. The information supplied must be culturally sensitive and must include information relating to minor victims. The commission shall disseminate this information to licensees by: Providing the information on the commission's web site; including the information in newsletters; holding trainings at meetings attended by organization members; or another distribution method determined by the commission. The commission shall report to the office of crime victims advocacy on the method or methods it uses to distribute information under this subsection.
     (3) The commission, in its sole discretion, may permit an applicant who has not renewed his or her license to be licensed without examination if it is satisfied that such applicant meets all the requirements for licensure in this state, and is competent to engage in the practice of medicine.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 23   The secretary of health and the disciplining authorities affected by this act shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 24   Sections 1 through 21 of this act take effect January 1, 2013.