Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee
HB 1259
Brief Description: Concerning supervision requirements for behavioral health professionals in elementary and secondary public schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Shavers, Callan and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Directs the Washington Student Achievement Council and institutions of higher education that have behavioral health programs to collaborate with the Office of?Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish standards for behavioral health graduates to satisfy supervision requirements while serving as behavioral health professionals in elementary and secondary public schools.
Hearing Date: 1/22/25
Staff: Elizabeth Allison (786-7129).
Background:

Licensed Advanced and Independent Clinical Social Workers.

Licensed advanced social workers and independent clinical social workers must complete, among other requirements, a master's level social work degree from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or a social work doctorate program at a university accredited by a recognized accrediting organization.? Both licensed advanced social workers and advanced clinical social workers must complete 3,000 hours of supervision by a qualified licensed social worker.? Prior to completing these requirements, a graduate is an associate licensed social worker.

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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists.

A licensed marriage and family therapist must complete, among other requirements, a master's or a doctoral degree in marriage or family therapy or a master's or doctoral degree in behavioral science.? A licensed marriage and family therapist must complete experience requirements and at least 3,000 hours of qualified supervision with an approved supervisor. ?Prior to completing these requirements, a graduate is an associate licensed marriage and family therapist.

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Mental Health Counselors.

A licensed mental health counselor must complete, among other requirements, a master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a doctoral degree in marriage or family therapy or a master's or doctoral degree in behavioral science in a field relating to mental health counseling.? A licensed mental health counselor must complete experience requirements and at least 3,000 hours of qualified supervision with an approved mental health counselor or equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner.? Prior to completing these requirements, a graduate is an associate mental health counselor.
Summary of Bill:

The Washington Student Achievement Council and public institutions of higher education that have behavioral health programs must collaborate with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish standards for behavioral health graduates to satisfy supervision requirements for licensing and certification while serving as behavioral health professionals in elementary or secondary schools.

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A behavioral health professional includes licensed advanced and independent clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 17, 2025.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.