Subject of Possible Rule Making: The regulation of chemical dependency professionals, this effort includes implementing a continuing competency program for chemical dependency professionals.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.205.060(12).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The current rules for chemical dependency professionals gives authority to adopt rules implementing a continuing competency program. Prior to the chemical dependency professionals implementation of the 1998 legislation, the Department of Social and Health Services issued a "certificate of qualification" for counselors working in state approved agencies. With this certificate of qualifications, a continuing education requirement was imposed. This requirement will cease on July 1, 1999. The field of chemical dependency is growing and changing rapidly. There is concern that counselors working in the chemical dependency field need to continually seek out opportunities to keep up with current information.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making. Develop in consultation with stakeholders through public meetings, telephone, and correspondence.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kris Waidely, Department of Health, Chemical Dependency Professionals, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, phone (360) 236-4905, fax (360) 236-4909.

July 12, 1999

M. C. Selecky

Secretary

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