The bill establishes the Interstate Counseling Compact for licensed mental health counselors in Washington State, which aims to improve public access to mental health services by permitting licensed counselors to practice across state lines. It creates a framework for mutual recognition of licenses among member states while ensuring that each state's regulatory authority is preserved to protect public health and safety. The compact includes objectives such as increasing access to services, supporting military spouses, and promoting telehealth technology. It also sets forth specific requirements for member states, including the necessity for a nationally recognized exam and a master's degree in counseling, while allowing for the recognition of telehealth services and granting remote states the authority to take adverse actions against counselors.

Additionally, the bill introduces a Counseling Compact Commission to oversee the regulation and collaboration among member states. This commission will facilitate investigations, share information, and enforce adverse actions based on findings from other states. It includes provisions for public participation in the rule-making process, mandates transparency, and allows for emergency rule adoption in response to public health threats. The bill also amends existing licensing requirements for various mental health professionals, ensuring consistency across member states while clarifying that conflicting state laws are superseded by the compact. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the regulation of mental health counseling practices and promote cooperation among states.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.225.090