BILL REQ. #:  S-3842.1 

Read first time 01/18/12.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to the creation of a retired active license for mental health professionals; and adding a new section to chapter 18.225 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 18.225 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary may issue a retired active license to any mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, licensed advanced social worker, or licensed independent clinical social worker who:
     (a) Holds an active license under this chapter or has held an active license under this chapter no more than ten years prior to applying for an initial license under this section; and
     (b) Does not have any current restriction on the ability to obtain a license for violation of chapter 18.130 RCW.
     (2) A mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, licensed advanced social worker, or licensed independent clinical social worker who obtains or renews a retired active license is exempt from continuing education or competency requirements.