PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
(Counselor Programs)
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Continuing education for licensed mental health counselor, marriage and family therapists, and social workers.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 251, Laws of 2001, WAC 246-809-600 - 246-809-650.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These rules require licensed counselors to obtain continuing education. These rules were adopted, without material change, from the existing rules from the certified counselor program. The licensed counselor program has replaced the certified counselor program and the rules were transferred and adopted under the new statutory authority. The statute does not provide sufficient information and requires further definitions through rule making.
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.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Shellie Pierce, Program Manager, Department of Health, Counselor Programs, 1300 S.E. Quince Street, Olympia, 98504, (360) 236-4907, fax (360) 236-4909.
October 29, 2001
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary