Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establish boundary requirements for licensed mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 18.225 RCW.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The new statute, chapter 18.225 RCW, for licensed mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers allows licensed counselors to establish boundary requirements. The boundary requirements will establish guidelines for licensed counselors to separate counselor/client relationships and will establish clear boundaries that could reduce or eliminate disciplinary action against the counselor and protect the client from harm.

     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.

January 28, 2002

Nancy Ellison

for Mary C. Selecky

Secretary

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