HB 2466 — Social workers board

Summary

Creating the Washington state board of governors for licensed social workers.

Bill Text

Compared against the Revised Code of Washington as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 25 section(s) of the Revised Code of Washington: RCW 18.320.005; RCW 18.225.010; RCW 18.225.020; RCW 18.225.030; RCW 18.225.060; RCW 18.225.070.

• RCW 18.320.005

  to enhance the quality of life and develop the full potential of each client; (b) The practice of social work is a complex discipline that, appropriately undertaken, can address client problems, needs, and concerns, with the goal that clients achieve the maximum possible enhancement of their quality of life and develop to their full potential. However, improper assessment of client problems and needs by unqualified persons can lead to client harm; (c) It is in the state's interest to take steps to safeguard state residents from misrepresentations about qualifications for practicing social work. Because such misrepresentations could lead to the improper practice of social work by unqualified persons, those who represent themselves as social workers should have a qualifying degree from an accredited and approved social work program. (2) The legislature declares that chapter 89, Laws of 2011 to regulate social workers constitutes an exercise of the state's police power to protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the state in general. Accordingly, while chapter 89, Laws of 2011 is intended to protect the public generally, it does not create a duty owed by the state or its instrumentalities to any individual or entity. (3) The legislature further finds that licensed advanced social workers and licensed independent clinical social workers represent different specializations within the social work profession, with each license signifying the highest degree of licensure as it pertains to each specialty. The legislature further finds that practitioners in each specialty exercise independent judgment and operate independently within their area of practice. (4) Therefore, for purposes of job classification, licensed advanced social workers and licensed independent clinical social workers licensed under this chapter shall both be considered the top tier of licensure for the profession.

  amended

• RCW 18.225.010

  "Advanced social work" means the application of social work theory and methods, including: (a) Emotional and biopsychosocial assessment; (b) Psychotherapy under the supervision of a licensed independent clinical social worker, psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse, psychiatric nurse, or other mental health professionals as may be defined by rules adopted by the secretary; (c) Case management; (d) Consultation; (e) Advocacy; (f) Counseling; or (g) Community organization. (2) eighteen (3) a licensed independent clinical social worker, a licensed advanced social worker, , (4) , , and social workers (5) (6) (7) "Independent clinical social work" means the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders based on knowledge of human development, the causation and treatment of psychopathology, psychotherapeutic treatment practices, and social work practice as defined in advanced social work. Treatment modalities include but are not limited to diagnosis and treatment of individuals, couples, families, groups, or organizations. p. 15 HB 2466 (8) (9) (10) → read as follows: The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Applicant" means a person who completes the required application, pays the required fee, is at least 18 years of age, and meets any background check requirements and uniform disciplinary act requirements. (2) "Associate" means a prelicensure candidate who has a graduate degree in a mental health field under RCW 18.225.090 and is gaining the supervision and supervised experience necessary to become a licensed mental health counselor or a licensed marriage and family therapist. (3) "Committee" means the Washington state mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists advisory committee. (4) "Department" means the department of health. (5) "Disciplining authority" means the department. (6) "Marriage and family therapy" means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of relationships, including marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders. The practice of marriage and family therapy means the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy services to individuals, couples, and families, singly or in groups, whether such services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for a fee, monetary or otherwise. (7) "Mental health counseling" means the application of principles of human development, learning theory, psychotherapy, group dynamics, and etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations, for the purpose of treatment of mental disorders and promoting optimal mental health and functionality. Mental health counseling also includes, but is not limited to, the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, as well as the application of a wellness model of mental health. (8) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.

  amended

• RCW 18.225.020

  a licensed advanced social worker, a licensed independent clinical social worker, a licensed social work associate advanced, a —31 licensed social work associate independent clinical, → read as follows: A person must not represent himself or herself as a licensed mental health counselor, a licensed marriage and

  amended

• RCW 18.225.030

  , , or social work , , or social work , , or social work , , or social work → (1) The practice of marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling by an individual otherwise regulated under this title and performing services within the authorized scope of practice; (2) The practice of marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling by an individual employed by the government of the United States or state of Washington while engaged in the performance of duties prescribed by the laws of the United States or state of Washington; (3) The practice of marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling by a person who is a regular student in an educational program based on recognized national standards and approved by the secretary, and whose performance of services is pursuant to a regular course of instruction or assignments from an instructor and under the general supervision of the instructor; (4) The practice of marriage and family therapy or mental health counseling under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization.

  amended

• RCW 18.225.060

  , , and social workers nine Two Two One member must be a licensed independent clinical social worker; (d) One member must be either a licensed advanced social worker or a licensed independent clinical social worker; and (e) Three members must be consumers providers , social work, , , or social worker → read as follows: The Washington state mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists advisory committee is established. (1) The committee shall be comprised of seven members as follows: (a) Three members must be licensed mental health counselors; (b) Three members must be licensed marriage and family therapists; and (c) ⟦INS⟧One member must be a consumer t the pu c at lar a provider members shall be appointed for a term of three years. Subsequent members shall be appointed for terms of three years. A person must not serve as a member for more than two consecutive terms. (3)(a) Each member must be a resident of the state of Washington. (b) Each member must not hold a governing office or board position in a professional association for mental health or marriage and family therapy and must not be employed by the state of Washington. (c) Each professional member must have been actively engaged as a mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist for five years immediately preceding appointment. (d) The consumer members must represent the general public and be unaffiliated directly or indirectly with the professions licensed under this chapter. (4) The secretary shall appoint the committee members. (5) Committee members are immune from suit in an action, civil or criminal, based on the department's disciplinary proceedings or other official acts performed in good faith. (6) Committee members shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.240, including travel expenses in carrying out his or her authorized duties in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. (7) The committee shall elect a chair and vice chair.

  amended

• RCW 18.225.070

  , licensed clinical social workers, licensed advanced social workers, the [this] → read as follows: The department of health may seek the advice and assistance of the advisory committee in administering this chapter, including, but not limited to: (1) Advice and recommendations regarding the establishment or implementation of rules related to the administration of this chapter; (2) Advice, recommendations, and consultation regarding case disposition guidelines and priorities related to unprofessional conduct cases regarding licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists; (3) Assistance and consultation of individual committee members as needed in the review, analysis, and disposition of reports of unprofessional conduct and consumer complaints; p. 18 HB 2466 ⟦INS⟧(4) Assistance and recommendations to enhance consumer education; and (5) Assistance and recommendations regarding any continuing education and continuing competency programs administered under the provisions of this chapter.

  amended

• RCW 18.225.090

  Licensed social work classifications: (i) Licensed advanced social worker: (A) Graduation from a master's social work 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, and approved by the secretary based upon nationally recognized standards; (B) Successful completion of an approved examination; (C) Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement. The supervised experience requirement consists of a minimum of 3,000 hours with supervision by an approved supervisor who has been licensed for at least two years. Of those supervised hours: (I) At least 90 hours must include direct supervision as specified in this subsection by a licensed independent clinical social worker, a licensed advanced social worker, or an equally qualified licensed mental health professional. Of those hours of directly supervised experience at least 40 hours must be in one-to- one supervision and 50 hours may be in one-to-one supervision or group supervision; and (II) 800 hours must be in direct client contact; and (D) Successful completion of continuing education requirements established in rule by the secretary in consultation with the committee, including a minimum number of hours in professional ethics. (ii) Licensed independent clinical social worker: (A) Graduation from a master's level social work educational program accredited by the council on social work education or a social work doctorate program at a university accredited by a p. 19 HB 2466 recognized accrediting organization, and approved by the secretary based upon nationally recognized standards; (B) Successful completion of an approved examination; (C) Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement. The supervised experience requirement consists of a minimum of 3,000 hours of experience, over a period of not less than two years, with supervision by an approved supervisor who has been licensed for at least two years and, as specified in this subsection, may be either a licensed independent clinical social worker who has had at least one year of experience in supervising the clinical social work of others or an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner. Of those supervised hours: (I) At least 1,000 hours must be direct client contact; and (II) Hours of direct supervision must include: (1) At least 100 hours by a licensed mental health practitioner; (2) At least 70 hours of supervision with a licensed independent clinical social worker meeting the qualifications under this subsection (1)(a)(ii)(C); the remaining hours may be supervised by an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner; and (3) At least 60 hours must be in one-to-one supervision and the remaining hours may be in one-to-one supervision or group supervision; and (D) Successful completion of continuing education requirements established in rule by the secretary in consultation with the committee, including a minimum number of hours in professional ethics. (b) (b) (b) (c) → read as follows: (1) The secretary shall issue a license to any applicant who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the secretary that the applicant meets the following education and experience requirements for the applicant's practice area. (a) Licensed mental health counselor: (i)(A) Graduation from a master's or doctoral level educational program in counseling that consists of at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours, or includes at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of graduate coursework that includes the following topic areas: (I) Mental health counseling orientation and ethical practice; (II) Social and cultural diversity; (III) Human growth and development; (IV) Career development; (V) Counseling and helping relationships; (VI) Group counseling and group work; (VII) Diagnosis and treatment; (VIII) Assessment and testing; and p. 20 HB 2466 (I⟦INS⟧X) ear eva ion r ) dua ast o oct l m i re e f a leg un e ret n nal re niz ant ho edu ona req men th su (a) (B) s se e r c ish in th ast ed tio dis lin 60 est s, inc er urs gr ate es t (a) f t su i) ces ii) Suc eme Th f -ti c sel he h tio , enc inc isi wit es mi dua co v) ces ish in tee inc . (b) with an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner. T al experience requirements include: (A) 1,000 hours of direct client contact; at least 500 hours st be gained in diagnosing and treating couples and families; plus (B) At least 200 hours of qualified supervision wit a supervisor. At least 100 of the 200 hours must be one-on ne supervision, and the remaining hours may be in one-on-one or g up supervision. Applicants who have completed a master's program accredite by the commission on accreditation for marriage and family the py education of the American association for marriage and family the py may be credited with 500 hours of direct client contact and 100 h rs of formal meetings with an approved supervisor; and (iv) Successful completion of continuing education requirem ts established in rule by the secretary in consultation with he committee, including a minimum number of hours in professi al ethics. (2) The department shall establish by rule what constit es adequate proof of meeting the criteria. Only rules in effect on he date of submission of a completed application of an associate for er or his license shall apply. If the rules change after a compl ed application is submitted but before a license is issued, the ew rules shall not be reason to deny the application. (3) In addition, applicants shall be subject to the grounds or denial of a license or issuance of a conditional license u er chapter 18.130 RCW.

  amended

• RCW 18.225.130

  an advanced social worker, an independent clinical social worker, , → to read as follows: Any person certified under chapter 18.19 RCW who has met he applicable experience and education requirements under chapter 1 19

  amended

• RCW 18.225.140

  an advanced social worker, an independent clinical social worker, , an advanced social worker, an independent clinical social worker, , licensed advanced social workers, independent clinical social workers, , → secretary determines that the other state's credentialing standards are substantially equivalent to the licensing standards in this state. (2)(a)(i) The department shall establish a reciprocity program for applicants for licensure as a mental health counselor or a marriage and family therapist in Washington. (ii) The reciprocity program applies to applicants for a license as a mental health counselor or a marriage and family therapist who: (A) Hold or have held within the past 12 months a credential in good standing from another state or territory of the United States which has a scope of practice that is substantially equivalent to or greater than the scope of practice for the corresponding license as established under this chapter; and (B) Have no disciplinary record or disqualifying criminal history. (b) The department shall issue a probationary license to an applicant who meets the requirements of (a)(ii) of this subsection. The department must determine what deficiencies, if any, exist between the education and experience requirements of the other state's credential and, after consideration of the experience and capabilities of the applicant, determine whether it is appropriate to require the applicant to complete additional education or experience requirements to maintain the probationary license and, within a reasonable time period, transition to a full license. The department may place a reasonable time limit on a probationary license and may, if appropriate, require the applicant to pass a jurisprudential examination. (c) The department must maintain and publish a list of credentials in other states and territories that the department has determined to have a scope of practice that is substantially equivalent to or greater than the scope of practice for licensed advanced social workers, independent clinical social workers, mental health counselors, or marriage and family therapists as established under this chapter. The department shall prioritize identifying and publishing the department's determination for the five states or territories that have historically had the most applicants for reciprocity under subsection (1) of this section with a scope of p. 23 HB 2466 ⟦INS⟧practice that is substantially equivalent to or greater than the scope of practice for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists under this chapter.

  amended

• RCW 18.225.145

  Licensed social worker associate advanced or licensed —13 social worker associate independent clinical: Graduation from a master's degree or doctoral degree educational program in social work accredited by the council on social work education and approved by the secretary based upon nationally recognized standards. (b) (c) social work, , eighteen → read as follows: (1) The secretary shall issue an associate license to any applicant who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the secretary that the applicant meets the following requirements for the applicant's practice area and submits a declaration that the applicant is working toward full licensure in that category: (a) ens h Graduation fr er' egr o gram in ment c sel a college sit pro ally recogniz rds (b) m ist associat s ee education ation from to a master i apy approved t s. o 18.225.100, disclosing that he or she is an associate under the supervision of an approved supervisor. (4) The department shall adopt by rule what constitutes adequate proof of compliance with the requirements of this section. (5) Applicants are subject to the denial of a license or issuance of a conditional license for the reasons set forth in chapter 18.130 (6)(a) An associate license may be renewed. Until October 1, 2025, the applicant for renewal must have successfully completed 18 hours of continuing education in the preceding year. After October 1, 2025, the applicant for renewal must have successfully completed, in the preceding year, continuing education requirements established in rule by the secretary in consultation with the committee. Beginning with the second renewal, the continuing education requirements established in rule by the secretary in consultation with the committee must require the applicant to complete a minimum number of continuing education hours in the preceding two years in professional ethics. (b) A person whose associate license was not renewed due to the person exceeding the six-renewal limit in place prior to June 6, 2024, shall be treated as if the person's license expired. The secretary shall allow such a person to return the person's associate license to active status pursuant to standard rules and procedures in place for returning an expired credential to active status.

  amended

• RCW 18.225.170

  , , advanced social workers, and independent clinical social workers → read as follows: The secretary of the department of health shall promulgate rules relating to issuance of a retired active license under RCW 18.130.250 for mental health counselors and marriage and family

  amended

• RCW 5.60.060

  , independent clinical social worker, , independent clinical social worker, → (9) A mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist licensed under chapter 18.225 RCW or an independent clinical social worker licensed under chapter 18.320 RCW may not disclose, y about, any information acquired f e individual in a professional capaci s necessary to enable the individual to r o those persons except: (a) With the written authorization e of death or disability, the person's pe (b) If the person waives the p s against the mental health counselor 5 (c) In response to a subpoena from e secretary may subpoena only records re t under RCW 18.130.050; (d) As required under chapter 26.44 7 (6) or (7); or (e) To any individual if the

  amended

• RCW 18.120.020

  , , and social workers → 18.57 RCW; pharmacy under chapters 64 and 18.64A RCW; medicine under chapters 18.71 and 18.71A RCW; rgency medicine under chapter 18.73 RCW; physical therapy under cha r 18.74 RCW; practical nurses under chapter 18.79 RCW; psycholog s under chapter 18.83 RCW; registered nurses under chapter 18. licensed under chapter 18.59 RCW; piratory care practitioners licensed under chapter 18.89 RCW; eterinarians and veterinary technicians under chapter 18.92 RCW; sage therapists under chapter 18.108 RCW; acupuncturists or acu cture and Eastern medicine practitioners licensed under chapter .06 RCW; persons registered under chapter 18.19 RCW; persons icensed as mental health counselors or marriage and fa y therapists under chapter 18.225 RCW persons licensed as social workers under chapter 18.320 RCW; (8) ractit owledg nd sk ecifie ealth (9) ofessi thoriz on to ich in de: (a d (b) eptabl exami ions. (10) ublic s, a m er of a mem , or terial inanci ofessi l serv the p ession (11) egistr nderin servic tting th the ture a operat quired the r ovided (12) Regula vision or ot gulate one siness or ot (13) State ard, c ission ere pr ded b e full sponsi

  amended

• RCW 19.410.010

  read as fo lows: (1) S bject to amounts appropriated for this purpose, the psilocybin therapy services pilot program is established within, and administer d by, the University of Washington department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. No later than January 1, 2025, the Univer ity of Washington department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences m st implement this section. (2) Th pilot program must: (a) Offer psilocybin therapy services through pathways approved by the fed ral food and drug administration, to populations including first resp nders and veterans who are: (i) 21 years of age or older; and (ii) E periencing posttraumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, or substan e use disorders; (b) Of er psilocybin therapy services facilitated by: (i) ( A (ii) A physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW; or (iii) A psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW as defined in RCW 71.05.020; or (iv) An advanced social worker or independent clinical social worker licensed under chapter 18.320 RCW

  amended

• RCW 43.70.110

  18.225 twenty-five dollars → l inclu amounts in addition to th ost he follo ing circumstances: rses an licensed practical nurses cen and fo nurses who hold a valid m ist ate of ashington under chapter 1 0 R rsing source center as provide n re prov ders licensed under RCW 18 0.0 activi es for retired volunteer edi ded in R W 18.130.360; and icensed nder chapter 18.71 RCW, sic chapte 18.71A RCW, osteopathic p ici .57 RCW naturopaths licensed unde hap s lic sed under chapter 18. R nder ch pter 18.25 RCW, psycholog s license under chapter 18.83 RCW, r ste tical rses licensed under chap 18 alid mu istate license issued by st ter 18. 0 RCW, optometrists licen un tal he th counselors and menta hea censed nder chapter 18.225 RCW, ass chapte 18.108 RCW, advanced socia ork ( 18.320 RCW, independent ini penden clinic l social worker a cia 18.320 un therapists and mar ge under chapter 18. R therapy assistants cen utritionists certif un athologists licens un uncture and Eastern dic 6 RCW, and veterina ns pter 18.92 RCW, th ice $25

  amended

• RCW 43.70.442

  18.225 18.225 → 2025 8 s 50 ended read a (1 g prof ionals licens under least e eve comple traini , trea nt, a that approv nt dis lining (i certif under (i r pro sional chapt 18.205 (i ly th pist l chapt 18.225 (i or lic ed und 25 RCW (v prac ioner chapt 18.59 (v under apter (v orker indep l soci worker 18.320 (v work associ 18.320 ains t follow and re ral, s disc ining creeni and n ques n base occupa nal th creeni and rapy p tition rnment mploye he o he re suici asses yer ev six y y be vided traini sessi unity tal h hemica epende mpt f the a tot of at reatme and or pur es of ix-hou lock employ s disc

  amended

• RCW 43.70.903

  18.225 → 2023 25 s ltatio with t ard a the sure r iremen to s utes nd re ning horten e cred s and ndepen 18.320 (e) Psy (2) The d department shall incl t uirements, administrat a renewal, English lan p experience requirement n associated with comple . (3) Whe b 1) of this section, th r owing: (a) Th e and other evidence, i e ating the necessity ring that behavioral tice with reasonable (b) Cha f d, out-of- state and i c including the adoptio (c) Ch cy across licensure r n ers 18.225 and 18.320 p ofessional supervised s and 18.320 e on actions and recommendations to remove lic nd improve credentialing time frames. November 1, 2024, the department shall provide a the appropriate committees of the legislature on a mendations to remove licensing barriers and i ing time frames.

  amended

• RCW 48.43.087

  and , , and social workers → llows: r purposes of this section: ealth carrier" includes disability insurers regulated 8.20 or 48.21 RCW, health care services contr under chapter 48.44 RCW, plans operating under the ority under chapter 41.05 RCW, the basic health under chapter 70.47 RCW, the state health insurance under chapter 48.41 RCW, insuring entities regulated ter, and health maintenance organizations regulated .46 RCW. ntermediary" means a person duly authorized to neg te provider contracts with health carriers on beha lth care practitioners. onsistent with their lawful scopes of practice, " e practitioners" includes only the following: Any gen medical specialty of practitioners licensed under c 18.71 RCW who provide mental health services, ad psychiatric nurses as authorized by the state boa der chapter 18.79 RCW, psychologists licensed under c , mental health counselors and marriag erapists licensed under c , and social workers licensed under chapter 18.320 RCW (b) During an appeal or an adverse certification p (c) When an enrollee's condition is excluded from (d) For any other clinically appropriate reason at (3) If a mental health care practitioner provides enrollee during an appeal or adverse certificatio practitioner must provide to the enrollee written no the enrollee is responsible for payment of these serv health carrier elects to pay for services provided. (4) This section does not apply to a ment practitioner who is employed full time on the sta carrier.

  amended

• RCW 70.02.180

  , , and social workers → read as follows: Mental health counselors and marriag therapists licensed under cha and social workers licensed under chapter 18.320 RCW

  amended

• RCW 71.05.76

  18.225 → 5 and c 36 tract an a rs in shingt 5, a ning p 18.320

  amended

• RCW 71.24.025

  urce m haviora r the p itals. s orga to a pter 7 s in a health commun alcoh such certifi ervice he prov licen 18.320,

  amended

• RCW 13.40.162

  (5) e offende r this co (6) c or appr y the vic (b) e respons e offende e school (c) d restric s sibling l attend, d the pu n which t e sent at r days af (7) y reports d the pa d include s complia s relativ y the cou (b) t review (c) d treatme y qualifi , certifi e sex off (d) e sex of e certifi W if the , 18.320,

  amended

• RCW 18.100.050

  Title 18 RCW → other provision of thi stered engineers may own s rofessional services th n. professionals, providing rectly or through arrangem registered under chapter 4 tenance organization, may o professional services t n. nize a nonprofit nonstock r 24.03A RCW to provide p f this chapter relating t l not apply to any such cor y other pro ision of thi are licensed or certified 18.25, 18.29, 18.34, 18. 18.59, 18.64, 18.71, 18. ( )) 18.138, and 18.320 ividual profe onal servi ration and a to be cons rofessional vice corpo c profession services" ar terms. ional servic orporation t the appli ion of t 18.130 RCW, applicable this title

  amended

• RCW 25.05.510

  and → y authorized a iction other of d liability pa eri me professiona its d liability p vic e this state t ed ise legally a vic this state. )(a) Notwiths pte care professi nt rs 18.06, 18. .36 18.53, 18.55 , and 18.320

  amended

• RCW 49.44.220

  (ii) [(iii)] or → (i) Authorized disclosures under (ii) Disclosures to an emp employee's attendance in an employee assistanc mployee was required to attend as a condition of and (iii) Disclosur (A) Made to prevent or lessen a e health or safety of an individual or the publi (B) Permitted or required under 050, 71.05.120, or section 11 of this act (2) An emp ion in an employee assist a decision affecting an e ortunities, corrective or di hts.

  amended

Action History

1. January 14, 2026

   First reading, referred to Health Care & Wellness.

Sponsors

• (Rule) · Primary

Subjects