PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-809 WAC, Licensed counselors, amending chapter 246-809 WAC to include requirements for independent clinical social worker associate, licensed advanced social worker associate, licensed mental health counselor associate, and licensed marriage and family therapist associate.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 135, Laws of 2008 and RCW 18.225.040.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: To implement chapter 135, Laws of 2008 (2SHB 2674) that creates eight new counselor professions and abolishes the registered counselor credential. Rules will establish requirements for licensure as an associate.
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.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Stakeholders and other interested parties can participate in the development of any new rules by attending the Washington state mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and social workers advisory committee meetings on September 5, 2008, and December 12, 2008. Individuals can join the licensed counselor listserv mailing list at www.listserv.wa.gov and select licensed counselors. You can also access the department's rule comment web page at www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/.
July 1, 2008
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary