Revised Washington Code (Law) Flashcards
“Advanced social work”
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 registered nurse practitioner, 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.
Applicant
A person who completes the required application, pays the required fee, is at least eighteen years of age, and meets any background check requirements and uniform disciplinary act requirements
Associate
a pre-licensure 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 independent clinical social worker, a licensed advanced social worker, a licensed mental health counselor, or a licensed marriage and family therapist.
Committee
The Washington state mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee.
Department
The department of health.
Disciplining authority
The department.
Independent clinical social work
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.
Marriage and family therapy
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
Mental health counseling
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.
Secretary
The secretary of health or the secretary’s designee
Misrepresentation—Licensed by department.
A person must not represent himself or herself as a licensed advanced social worker, a licensed independent clinical social worker, a licensed mental health counselor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed social work associate—advanced, a licensed social work associate—independent clinical, a licensed mental health counselor associate, or a licensed marriage and family therapist associate, without being licensed by the department.
Limitation of chapter
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit or restrict The practice of marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, or social work
(1) by an individual otherwise regulated under this title and performing services within the authorized scope of practice;
(2) 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) 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) under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization.
Record of proceedings.
The secretary shall keep an official record of all proceedings. A part of the record shall consist of a register of all applicants for licensing under this chapter and the results of each application.
Washington state mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee—Established—Composition.
The Washington state mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee is established.
(1) The committee shall be comprised of nine members. Two members shall be licensed mental health counselors. Two members shall be licensed marriage and family therapists. One member shall be a licensed independent clinical social worker, and one member shall be a licensed advanced social worker. Three members must be consumers and represent the public at large and may not be licensed mental health care providers.
(2) Three members shall be appointed for a term of one year, three members shall be appointed for a term of two years, and three 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 an office in a professional association for mental health, social work, 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, marriage and family therapist, or social worker 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.
Department of Health—Advice/assistance of an advisory committee
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, licensed clinical social workers, licensed advanced social workers, 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;
(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 the [this] chapter.
