Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
HB 1190
Brief Description: Allowing additional health professions to access the University of Washington health sciences library.
Sponsors: Representatives Marshall, Leavitt, Jacobsen, Couture, Barkis and Timmons.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Expands access to the Health Evidence Resource for Washington State to psychological associates and mental health counselor associates.
Hearing Date: 1/22/25
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:

The Health Evidence Resource for Washington State.

The Health Evidence Resource for Washington State, known informally as HEAL-WA, provides online access to clinical information and education resources to eligible health care providers. ?The licensing fees for providers authorized to use the resource include an additional amount of up to $25 to fund the program. ?Professions authorized to use the resource include physicians, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, mental health counselors, psychologists, social workers, social worker associates, marriage and family therapists, and marriage and family therapist associates.?

?

Behavioral Health Associate Licenses.

Several behavioral health professions have associate licenses that allow holders of the credential to obtain supervised experience hours prior to full licensure. ?Professions that have associate licenses include psychologists, mental health counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists.
Summary of Bill:

Psychological associates and mental health counselor associates are granted access to the HEAL-WA library.?
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 14, 2025.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.