The bill seeks to improve the behavioral health workforce in Washington by amending existing laws related to the licensure and certification of mental health professionals. Key provisions include establishing reciprocity programs for psychologists and substance use disorder professionals, allowing applicants from other states to obtain licenses without examination if their qualifications are substantially equivalent. It also introduces probationary licenses for applicants who meet specific criteria, enabling them to practice while completing additional education or experience requirements. The bill modifies educational and experience requirements for various mental health professions, streamlining the credentialing process, and mandates the Department of Health to work with relevant boards to identify further changes to reduce barriers to entering the healthcare workforce.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and requirements for agency-affiliated counselors, allowing for a clearer understanding of their roles and qualifications. It establishes terms such as "certified agency affiliated counselor" and "licensed agency affiliated counselor," detailing their scopes of practice and educational requirements. The bill also modifies the application process for agency-affiliated counselors, allowing student interns to work while their applications are processed, and includes provisions for applicants with certain criminal convictions to apply under specific conditions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in counseling practices and outlines the responsibilities of various facilities and services in providing care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the standards and oversight of counseling practices within the state.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.83.170, 18.205.140, 18.225.090, 18.225.140
Substitute Bill: 18.83.170, 18.205.140, 18.225.090, 18.225.140
Second Substitute: 18.83.170, 18.205.140, 18.225.090, 18.225.140
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.83.170, 18.205.140, 18.225.090, 18.225.140, 18.122.100, 18.205.110, 18.225.110, 18.130.050, 18.19.020, 18.19.030, 18.19.040, 43.70.250, 18.19.180, 18.19.210, 71.05.020, 43.43.842, 18.205.105, 18.130.175, 18.130.040
Session Law: 18.83.170, 18.205.140, 18.225.090, 18.225.140, 18.122.100, 18.205.110, 18.225.110, 18.130.050, 18.19.020, 18.19.030, 18.19.040, 43.70.250, 18.19.180, 18.19.210, 71.05.020, 43.43.842, 18.205.105, 18.130.175, 18.130.040