The bill amends RCW 18.225.090 to provide alternative routes for social worker licensure in Washington State. It specifies that the Secretary shall issue licenses to applicants who meet certain education and experience requirements. For licensed advanced social workers, the bill removes the requirement for successful completion of an approved examination and instead emphasizes the completion of a supervised experience requirement, which includes a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised practice. Additionally, it introduces a new provision allowing applicants for licensed independent clinical social workers to substitute an approved examination with enhanced supervision, provided they receive an attestation of their skills and safety to practice from an approved supervisor.

The bill also clarifies the supervised experience requirements for various licensed social work classifications, including licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists. It maintains the necessity for continuing education requirements established by the Secretary, including professional ethics. Overall, the amendments aim to create more flexible pathways for social worker licensure while ensuring that applicants still meet rigorous standards of education and supervised experience.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.225.090