RCW 18.205.010 Substance use disorder professional certification. The legislature recognizes substance use disorder professionals as discrete health professionals. Substance use disorder professional certification serves the public interest. [ 2019 c 444 § 1; 1998 c 243 § 1.]
RCW 18.205.020 Definitions. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) “Agency” means (a) a community behavioral health agency or facility operated, licensed, or certified by the state of Washington; (b) a federally recognized Indian tribe located within the state; (c) a county; (d) a federally qualified […]
RCW 18.205.030 Title or description of services. No person may represent oneself as a certified substance use disorder professional, certified substance use disorder professional trainee, or co-occurring disorder specialist or use any title or description of services of a certified substance use disorder professional, certified substance use disorder professional trainee, or co-occurring disorder specialist without […]
RCW 18.205.050 Practice not prohibited or restricted by chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit or restrict: (1) The practice by an individual licensed, certified, or registered under the laws of this state and performing services within the authorized scope of practice; (2) The practice by an individual employed by the government […]
RCW 18.205.060 Authority of secretary. In addition to any other authority provided by law, the secretary has the authority to: (1) Adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW necessary to implement this chapter, in consultation with the committee; (2) Establish all certification, examination, and renewal fees in accordance with RCW 43.70.250; (3) Establish forms and procedures […]
RCW 18.205.070 Official 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 certification under this chapter and the results of each application. [ 1998 c 243 § 7.]
RCW 18.205.080 Substance use disorder certification advisory committee—Composition—Terms. (1) The secretary shall appoint a substance use disorder certification advisory committee to further the purposes of this chapter. The committee shall be composed of seven members, one member initially appointed for a term of one year, three for a term of two years, and three for […]
RCW 18.205.090 Certification requirements. (1) The secretary shall issue a certificate to any applicant who demonstrates to the secretary’s satisfaction that the following requirements have been met: (a) Completion of: (i) An educational program approved by the secretary; (ii) An apprenticeship program reviewed by the substance use disorder certification advisory committee, approved by the secretary, […]
RCW 18.205.095 Certification requirements—Trainees. (1) The secretary shall issue a trainee certificate to any applicant who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the secretary that he or she is working toward the education and experience requirements in RCW 18.205.090. (2) A trainee certified under this section shall submit to the secretary for approval a declaration, in […]
RCW 18.205.097 Certification—Impermissible grounds for denial. The department may not automatically deny an applicant for certification under this chapter for a position as a substance use disorder professional or substance use disorder professional trainee based on a conviction history consisting of convictions for simple assault, assault in the fourth degree, prostitution, theft in the third […]
RCW 18.205.100 Educational programs and alternative training—Supervision—Standards and procedures—Established by rule. The secretary may establish by rule the standards and procedures for approval of educational programs and alternative training. The requirements for who may provide approved supervision towards training must be the same for all applicants in the regular or alternative training pathways. The requirements […]
RCW 18.205.102 Education requirements—Secretary to define. All education requirements established as defined by the secretary under RCW 18.205.100 credited by an approved education program for participants in the apprenticeship program for substance use disorder professionals must meet or exceed competency requirements established by the secretary. [ 2021 c 165 § 4.] NOTES: Rules—2021 c 165: […]
RCW 18.205.105 Co-occurring disorder specialist enhancement—Training standards. (1) The department shall develop training standards for the creation of a co-occurring disorder specialist enhancement which may be added to the license or registration held by one of the following: (a) Psychologists licensed under chapter 18.83 RCW; (b) Independent clinical social workers licensed under chapter 18.225 RCW; […]
RCW 18.205.107 Co-occurring disorder specialist enhancement—Contracted educational program—Telephonic consultation service. (Expires July 1, 2025.) (1) Beginning July 1, 2020, subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department shall contract with an educational program to offer the training developed under RCW 18.205.105. The contracted educational program shall offer the training at […]
RCW 18.205.110 Examination. (1) The date and location of examinations shall be established by the secretary. Applicants who have been found by the secretary to meet the other requirements for certification shall be scheduled for the next examination following the filing of the application. The secretary shall establish by rule the examination application deadline. (2) […]
RCW 18.205.120 Application for certification—Fee. Applications for certification shall be submitted on forms provided by the secretary. The secretary may require any information and documentation that reasonably relates to the need to determine whether the applicant meets the criteria for certification provided for in this chapter and chapter 18.130 RCW. Each applicant shall pay a […]
RCW 18.205.130 Waiver of examination—Certification of applicants—Intent. (1) Within two years after July 1, 1999, the secretary shall waive the examination and certify a person who pays a fee and produces a valid chemical dependency counselor certificate of qualification from the department of social and health services. (2) Within two years after July 1, 1999, […]
RCW 18.205.140 Applicant credentialed in another state—Certification without examination—Reciprocity program. (1) An applicant holding a credential in another state may be certified to practice in this state without examination if the secretary determines that the other state’s credentialing standards are substantially equivalent to the standards in this state. (2)(a)(i) The department shall establish a reciprocity […]
RCW 18.205.150 Uniform disciplinary act. The uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, shall govern the issuance and denial of certificates, unauthorized practice, and the discipline of persons certified under this chapter. The secretary shall be the disciplining authority under this chapter. [ 1998 c 243 § 15.]
RCW 18.205.160 Co-occurring disorder specialist enhancement—Substance use disorder counseling services. The department of health must amend its rules, including WAC 246-341-0515, to allow persons with a co-occurring disorder specialist enhancement under chapter 18.205 RCW to provide substance use disorder counseling services that are equal in scope with the scope and practice of a substance use […]
