SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 1311
As of March 4, 2021
Title: An act relating to authorizing the issuance of substance use disorder professional certifications to persons participating in apprenticeship programs.
Brief Description: Authorizing the issuance of substance use disorder professional certifications to persons participating in apprenticeship programs.
Sponsors: Representatives Bronoske, Ryu, Simmons, Leavitt, Sells, Berry, Cody, Ortiz-Self, Chopp, Davis, Bateman, Lovick, Callan, Pollet, Macri and Peterson.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/21, 85-11.
Committee Activity: Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care: 3/12/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows the Department of Health (DOH) to issue a substance use disorder professional trainee credential to a person participating in an approved apprenticeship program.
  • Requires DOH to establish educational requirements for substance use disorder professional trainee apprenticeships.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUBCOMMITTEE TO HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
Background:

Apprenticeships Under the Department of Labor and Industries.  The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is responsible for appointing a regulatory apprenticeship council, which authorizes apprenticeship programs, sets program standards, and other requirements, through agency rulemaking.  Approved apprenticeship programs in Washington range from positions in aerospace, construction, and energy efficiency services.

 

Substance Use Disorder Professionals and Trainees.  A substance use disorder professional is a person certified by the Department of Health (DOH) in substance use disorder counseling who assists others with substance use disorder in their recovery.  DOH certifies substance use disorder professionals who complete an approved educational program or complete alternate training that meets established criteria; successfully complete an approved examination, based on core competencies of substance use disorder counseling; and successfully complete the experience requirements, which vary depending upon the education level of the applicant.  A substance use disorder professional trainee certification allows certificate holders to work towards the education and experience requirements for certification as a substance use disorder professional under the supervision of a certified professional.   A trainee may provide substance use disorder assessments, counseling, clinical services, and case management to patients consistent with their training under supervision of an approved professional.
Summary of Bill:

DOH may issue a substance use disorder trainee certificate to a person participating in an approved apprenticeship program, instead of an approved education program.  DOH must establish educational requirements for a substance use disorder trainee apprenticeship, which must be registered and approved by L&I and approved by DOH.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.