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Revised October, 2006
These FAQ's have been written in response to many inquiries that have been received by NASW since the social work licensure bill went into effect. There have been many delays in getting reasonable accurate information to our members due to the length of time it has taken to write rules and hold public hearings.
This document is written in two sections:
- The law on the LASW and the LICSW
- Rules on
- Continuing education
- Client disclosure information
- Supervision for licensees
Social Work Licensure Law
- When was the social work licensure bill signed?
- The Governor signed the bill into law in May 2001 as RCW 18.225
- When did social work licensure go into effect?
- On July 22, 2001, through the Department of Health, Counselors Program, two social work licenses went into effect.
- What are the licensure categories?
- There are two:
- Licensed Advanced Social Work (LASW)
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work (LICSW)
- What is the difference between the two licenses?
-
The LASW is intended for the social worker that is employed in a clinical (working under supervision) or non-clinical setting. This could be in any client system in either micro or macro level of practice. It also is a license that a non-clinical social worker (ex: community organizer, faculty, administrator, researcher, etc.) would want to obtain to show that advanced social work competency has been attained. It is an indicator of high standards of practice and professionalism
The LICSW is the license necessary to obtain third party reimbursement. This licensee would most likely be in private practice, or at some point in their career, see private practice as a possibility, and work in a setting where licensure is necessary for agency reimbursement or to meet the qualifications of an employer.
WAC 246-809-32000 LASW - Education requirements and supervised postgraduate experience. The following are education and experience requirements for the applicant's practice area:
Licensed advanced social worker. LASW
- (a) Graduation from a master's or doctoral social work educational program accredited by the council on social work education and approved by the secretary based upon nationally recognized standards; and
- (b) Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement. The experience requirement consists of a minimum of three
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker/LICSW:
- (a) Graduation from a master's or doctorate level social work educational program accredited by the council on social work education and approved by the secretary based upon nationally recognized standards; and
- (b) Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement. The experience requirement consists of a minimum of four thousand hours of experience, of which one thousand hours must be direct client contact, over a three-year period supervised by a licensed independent clinical social worker, with supervision of at least one hundred thirty hours by a licensed mental health practitioner. Of the total supervision, seventy hours must be with an independent clinical social worker; the other sixty hours may be with an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner. Sixty hours must be in one-to-one supervision and seventy hours may be in one-to-one supervision or group supervision. Distance supervision is limited to sixty supervision hours.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.225.040 and [18.225.]090. 06-18-043, § 246-809-320, filed 8/30/06, effective 9/30/06. Statutory Authority: 2001 c 251, RCW 43.70.250. 01-17-113, § 246-809-320, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01.]
WAC 246-809-321 Education and experience equivalency.
- (a) Persons who obtained the Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work from the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work (ABECSW) shall be considered to have met the education and postgraduate experience requirements to be eligible for Washington state licensure examination.
(b) Documentation of ABECSW Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work must be sent directly to the department from the ABECSW.
- (a) Persons who obtained the Diplomat in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) or Qualified Clinical Social Work (QCSW) from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) shall be considered to have met the education and postgraduate experience requirements to be eligible for Washington state licensure examination.
(b) Documentation of DCSW or QCSW must be sent directly to the department from NASW.
[Statutory Authority: 2001 c 251, RCW 43.70.250. 01-17-113, 246-809-321, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01.]
WAC 246-809-334 Approved supervisor standards and responsibilities
- The approved supervisor must hold a license without restrictions that has been in good standing for at least two years.
- The approved supervisor shall not be a blood or legal relative or cohabitant of the licensure candidate, licensure candidate's peer, or someone who has acted as the licensure candidate's therapist within the past two years.
- The approved supervisor, prior to the commencement of any supervision, shall provide the licensure candidate a declaration, on a form provided by the department, that the supervisor has met the requirements of WAC 246-809-334 and qualifies as an approved supervisor.
- The approved supervisor shall have completed the following:
- A minimum of fifteen clock hours of training in clinical supervision obtained through:
- A supervision course; or
- Continuing education credits on supervision; or
- Supervision of supervision; and
- Twenty-five hours of experience in supervision of clinical practice; and
- Has had two years of clinical experience post-licensure (LASWs only) or five years of clinical experience post-certification or licensure (for LICSWs only).
- The approved supervisor shall attest to having thorough knowledge of the licensure candidate's practice activities including:
- Specific practice setting;
- Recordkeeping
- Financial management
- Ethics of clinical practice; and
- The licensure candidate's backup plan for coverage in times when he/she is not available to their clients.
- Licensure candidates whose supervised postgraduate experience began prior to the effective date of these rules are exempt from the requirements of subsection (4) of this section.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.225.040 and [18.225.]090. 06-18-043, § 246-809-334, filed 8/30/06, effective 9/30/06.]
WAC 246-809-340 Examination required.
- Either the American Association of State Social Work Board's advanced or clinical examination is approved for use as the state examination for licensure of social workers.
- The passing score established by the testing company is the passing score accepted by the department of health.
[Statutory Authority: 2001 c 251, RCW 43.70.250. 01-17-113, 246-809-340, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01.]
- Can I take the written exam anytime after graduation'
- The Counselors program states that candidates for licensure should take the written examination after they have completed their experience and supervision.
- WAC 246-809-080 AIDS prevention and information education is required.
-
Applicants (for licensure) must complete four clock hours of AIDS education as required in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 8.
[Statutory Authority: 2001 c 251, RCW 43.70.250. 01-17-113, 246-809-080, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01.]
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FAQ's on Applying for Licensure
- How do I apply for licensure?
- You should call or write to the agency below, and ask for a Licensed Social Worker application. They will send a packet of information that should be carefully read and followed. After completing the requirements, you will then apply for licensure.. Your license is renewable annually upon receiving notification from the Department of Health.
Contact information for the DOH Counselor's Program:
DOH Customer Service Center
Phone: 360-236-4700
FAX: 360-236-4818
Web: www.doh.wa.gov
Email: hpqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
Address: 101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
- What group oversees social work licensees?
- The Department of Health's Counselor's Program administers the licensing program for social workers, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. The Mental Health Advisory Committee, overseen by the Counselor's Program, includes two LMFTs, two LMHCs, one LICSW, one LASW and three public members, works in consultation with DOH to develop rules and review complaints.
- How much does it cost to apply to become licensed?
-
- Licenses must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 2. The secretary may require payment of renewal fees less than those established in this section if the current level of fees is likely to result in a surplus of funds. Surplus funds are those in excess of the amount necessary to pay for the costs of administering the program and to maintain a reasonable reserve. Notice of any adjustment in the required payment will be provided to practitioners. The adjustment in the required payment shall remain in place for the duration of a renewal cycle to assure practitioners an equal benefit from the adjustment.
- The following nonrefundable fees will be charged for licensed marriage and family therapist:
| Application |
$50.00 |
| Initial license |
$25.00 |
| Renewal |
$83.00 |
| Late renewal penalty |
$50.00 |
| Expired License re-issuance |
$50.00 |
| Duplicate license |
$10.00 |
| Certification of license |
$10.00 |
- The following nonrefundable fees will be charged for licensed mental health counselors:
| Application |
$25.00 |
| Initial license |
$25.00 |
| Renewal |
$29.00 |
| Late renewal penalty |
$29.00 |
| Expired license re-issuance |
$29.00 |
| Duplicate license |
$10.00 |
| Certification of license |
$10.00 |
- The following nonrefundable fees will be
charged for licensed advanced social workers
and licensed independent clinical social workers:
| Application |
$25.00 |
| Initial license |
$25.00 |
| Renewal |
$42.00 |
| Late renewal penalty |
$42.00 |
| Expired license re-issuance |
$42.00 |
| Duplicate license |
$10.00 |
| Certification of license |
$10.00 |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250, [43.70.]280 and 43.70.110. 05-12-012, § 246-809-990, filed 5/20/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: 2001 c 251, RCW 43.70.250. 01-17-113, § 246-809-990, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01.]
You must pay $175.00 to take the written exam given by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). (Note: these fees are subject to change periodically.)
- When can I take the ASWB test for Licensure as an LASW or LICSW?
- Tests may be taken at identified computer testing sites any time of year.
- When do I pay my renewal fees for Licensure?
- Renewal forms will automatically be sent annually about a month before your birthday.
- Is there any way to be grand-parented in as a licensed social worker?
- The grand-parenting period ended July 22, 2001.
- Can I count my practicum hours toward the experience hours?
- These hours cannot be counted. Experience hours must be obtained after receiving your degree.
- How can I find a qualified supervisor if my place of employment does not have a qualified supervisor on staff?
- NASW has a list of qualified supervisors that may be obtained through the Chapter office. 206-706-7084. The list is free to NASW members and $99 for non-NASW members.
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FAQs on Continuing Education
- Am I required to accrue continuing education while I'm working toward licensure?
- No. Continuing education is a requirement only after you obtain your license.
- What constitutes a CE credit?
- One CE credit is equal to at least fifty (50) minutes of instruction.
- Who is required to have continuing education? WAC 246-809-600
-
- Licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed mental health counselors, and licensed social workers are required to have continuing education.
- The effective date for reporting the required continuing education shall begin with the 2004 renewal cycle.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. 02-11-108, § 246-809-600, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02.]
- What courses are acceptable? WAC 246-809-610
- The continuing education (CE) program or course must be relevant to licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed mental health counselors and licensed social workers and must contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional competence of the licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor and/or licensed social worker. Courses or workshops primarily designed to increase practice income or office efficiency are not eligible for CE credit.
- Acceptable CE courses (including distance learning), seminars, workshops and postgraduate institutes are those which are:
- Programs having a featured instructor, speaker(s) or panel approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national, international organization or institution of higher learning; or
- Distance learning programs, approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national or international organization or institution of higher learning. These programs must require tests of comprehension upon completion. Distance learning programs are limited to twenty-six hours per reporting period.
- Training programs sponsored by the agency where a counselor is employed are acceptable if:
- The experience can be shown to contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional competence of the licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor and/or the licensed social worker; and
- The training programs are limited to twenty-six hours per reporting period.
- Other learning experience, such as serving on a panel, board or council, community service, research, peer consultation, or publishing articles for professional publications are acceptable if:
- The experience can be shown to contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of the professional competence of the licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor and/or the licensed social worker; and
- The experience is limited to six hours per reporting period
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.225.040. 04-06-010, § 246-809-610, filed 2/20/04, effective 3/22/04. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. 02-11-108, § 246-809-610, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02.]
- What are industry-recognized local, state, national, international organizations or institutions of higher learning? WAC 246-809-620
- Recognized organizations or institutions include, but are not limited to, the following organizations:
- Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy;
- Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work;
- Washington Chapter of the National Association of Social Work;
- American Mental Health Counselors Association;
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy;
- Clinical Social Work Federation;
- National Association of Social Workers;
- Washington Mental Health Counselors Association;
- National Board for Certified Counselors;
- Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care; or
- Institutions of higher learning that are accredited by a national or regional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.225.040 and [18.225.]090. 06-18-043, § 246-809-320, filed 8/30/06, effective 9/30/06. Statutory Authority: 2001 c 251, RCW 43.70.250. 01-17-113, § 246-809-320, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01.]
- How many hours will be required and in what time period? WAC 246-809-630
-
Licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed mental health counselors and licensed social workers must complete thirty-six hours of continuing education every two years. At least six of the thirty-six hours must be in professional ethics and law, which may include topics under RCW 18.130.180.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.225.040. 04-06-010, § 246-809-630, filed 2/20/04, effective 3/22/04. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. 02-11-108, § 246-809-630, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02.]
Please note that 10 contact hours is equal to 1 CEU in most settings. Washington requires 36 contact hours or 3.6 CEUs per reporting period.
- How are credit hours determined for preparation and presentation of a lecture or an educational course? WAC 246-809-640
-
The license holder who prepares and presents lectures or education that contributes to the professional competence of a licensed counselor may accumulate the same number of hours obtained for continuing education purposes by attendees as required in WAC 246-12-220. The hours for presenting a specific topic lecture or education may only be used for continuing education credit once during each reporting period.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. 02-11-108, § 246-809-640, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02.]
- How do I document my courses? WAC 246-809-650
-
Acceptable documentation shall include transcripts, letters from course instructors, certificate of completion, or other formal certification, as required in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 7
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.19 RCW. 02-11-108, § 246-809-650, filed 5/20/02, effective 6/20/02.]
- Does Washington have reciprocity with licensure from other states?
-
Washington will grant reciprocity only with states that meet our exact requirements. Supervision hours, work/practice hours and the ASWB Clinical exam may be accepted toward meeting the requirements if they meet Washington State standards.
WAC 246-809-700 Client disclosure information
- Licensees must provide disclosure information to each client in accordance with chapter 18.225 RCW prior to implementation of a treatment plan. The disclosure information must be specific to the type of treatment service offered; in a language that can be easily understood by the client; and contain sufficient detail to enable the client to make an informed decision whether or not to accept treatment from the disclosing licensee.
- Firms, agencies, or businesses having more than one licensee involved in a client's treatment, may provide disclosure information general to that agency. In these cases, the licensee would not be required to duplicate the information disclosed by the agency.
- The disclosure information may be printed in a format of the licensee's choosing, but must include all required disclosure information per WAC 246-809-710.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.225.040. 04-06-011, § 246-809-700, filed 2/20/04, effective 3/22/04.]
WAC 246-809-710 Required disclosure information
- The following information shall be provided to each client at the commencement of any program of treatment:
- Name of firm, agency, business, or licensee's practice;
- Licensee's business address and telephone number;
- Washington state license number;
- The licensee's name;
- The methods or treatment modality and therapeutic orientation the licensee uses;
- The licensee's education, and training;
- The course of treatment, when known;
- Billing information, including:
- Client's cost per each treatment session; and
- Billing practices, including any advance payments and refunds;
- Clients are to be informed that they as individuals have the right to refuse treatment and the right to choose a practitioner and treatment modality which best suits their needs;
- This subsection does not grant (clients) new rights and is not intended to supersede state or federal laws and regulations, or professional standards;
- The licensee must provide department of health contact information to the client so the client may obtain a list of or copy of the acts of unprofessional conduct listed under RCW 18.130.180. Department of health contact information must include the name, address, and telephone number for the health professions complaint process.
- Signatures are required of both the licensee providing the disclosure information and the client following a statement that the client had been provided a copy of the required disclosure information and the client has read and understands the information provided. The date of signature by each party is to be included at the time of signing.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.225.040. 04-06-011, § 246-809-710, filed 2/20/04, effective 3/22/04.]
WAC 246-809-720 Failure to provide client disclosure information.
Failure to provide the client disclosure information required under WAC 246-809-700 and 246-809-710, and required under RCW 18.225.100, constitutes an act of unprofessional conduct as defined in RCW 18.130.180(7).
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General Information
It is highly recommended that all Licensed Social Workers obtain a copy off: The Law Relating to Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers 18.225 RCW.
This publication has the law and rules for this group. It includes the Uniform Disciplinary Act information, the state standard of law and ethics to which this group is held accountable. You may obtain this document from:
DOH Customer Service Center
310 Isreal Road S.E.
Tumwater, Wa 98501
360-236-4900 for 4700
Hpqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
www.DOH.WA.GOV
- Do licensed social workers have privilege?
- No. Currently, LICSWs have confidentiality as defined in the Washington Administrative Code. However, new Federal (HIPPA) privacy regulations may apply to LICSWs in a way similar to privilege. These regulations are being reviewed and will go into rule in the future.
- To what ethical standards are licensed social workers held'
-
A LICSW or LASW is required to work only within their scope of practice and to follow the Uniform Disciplinary Act of Washington. However, as a member of NASW, you are required to adhere to the professions code of ethics found in the NASW Code of Ethics and, if also a member of the Clinical Social Work Federation, you must also adhere to the CSWF Code of Ethics.
WAC 246-809-080 AIDS prevention and information education requirements.
Applicants must complete four clock hours of AIDS education as required in chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 8.
f[Statutory Authority: 2001 c 251, RCW 43.70.250. 01-17-113, § 246-809-080, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01.]
WAC 246-12-270 Acceptable AIDS education and training.
- The regulatory entity will accept education and training that is consistent with the model curriculum available from the office on AIDS.
- AIDS education and training must include, but is not limited to, the following: Etiology and epidemiology; testing and counseling; infection control guidelines; clinical manifestations and treatment; legal and ethical issues to include confidentiality; and psychosocial issues to include special population considerations.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, 246-12-270, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98.]
WAC 246-12-090 How to obtain an inactive credential.
A practitioner may obtain an inactive credential if authorized by the regulatory entity. Refer to the profession rules to determine if this status is available.
- To obtain an inactive credential the practitioner must submit a letter notifying the department of health of the intent to obtain an inactive credential.
- A practitioner may apply for an inactive credential if he or she meets the following criteria:
- Holds an active Washington state credential;
- Is in good standing; and
- Will not practice in Washington.
- The practitioner may obtain an inactive credential at any time the criteria in subsection (2) of this section are met. The fee for the initial inactive credential will be due when the active credential expires. Portions of the current renewal fee will not be prorated or refunded for the remaining active renewal cycle.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, § 246-12-090, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98.]
WAC 246-12-100 How to renew an inactive credential.
- The expiration for all credentials is the practitioner's birthday. To renew an inactive credential, the practitioner must:
- Pay the inactive credential renewal fee; and
- Pay the substance abuse monitoring surcharge, if required by the profession.
- To determine the renewal cycle, refer to the individual laws and rules pertaining to your profession.
- Inactive credential renewal fees are accepted by the department no sooner than ninety days prior to the expiration date.
- Prior to the inactive credential expiration date, courtesy renewal notices are mailed to the address on file. Practitioners should return the renewal notice when renewing their credential. Failure to receive a courtesy renewal notice does not relieve or exempt the inactive credential renewal requirement.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, § 246-12-090, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98.]
WAC 246-12-110 How to return to active status from inactive status.
To change an inactive credential to an active credential status the practitioner must:
- Notify the department in writing of the change;
- Pay the appropriate current active renewal fee;
- Pay the current substance abuse monitoring surcharge, if required by the profession.
- Provide a written declaration that no action has been taken by a state or federal jurisdiction or hospital which would prevent or restrict the practitioner's practice of the profession;
- Provide a written declaration that he or she has not voluntarily given up any credential or privilege or has not been restricted in the practice of the profession in lieu of or to avoid formal action;
- Provide a written declaration that continuing education and competency requirements for the two most recent years have been met, if required for the profession;
- Provide other written declarations or documentation, if required for the profession;
- Satisfy other competency requirements of the regulatory entity; if required; and
- If not previously provided, provide proof of AIDS education as required for the profession and in Part 8 of this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, 246-12-110, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98.]
WAC 246-12-120 How to obtain a retired active credential.
A practitioner may obtain a retired active status credential if authorized by the regulatory entity. Refer to the profession rules to determine if this status is available.
- To obtain a retired active credential the practitioner must submit a letter notifying the department of health of the intent to practice only on an intermittent or emergency basis.
- A practitioner may apply for a retired active credential (refer to RCW 18.130.250) if he or she meets the following criteria:
- Holds an active Washington state credential;
- Is in good standing; and either
- Will practice no more than ninety days each year in Washington State;
or
- Will practice only in emergency circumstances such as earthquakes, floods, times of declared war or other states of emergency.
- The practitioner may obtain a retired active credential at any time the criteria in subsection (2) of this section are met. The fee for the initial retired active credential will be due when the active credential expires. Portions of the current renewal fee will not be prorated or refunded for the remaining active renewal cycle.
- The profession may define specific practice settings in which services may be provided. Refer to the laws and rules of the profession to determine if specific practice settings are identified.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, 246-12-120, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98.]
WAC 246-12-130 How to renew a retired active credential.
- The expiration for all credentials is the practitioner's birthday. To determine the renewal cycle, refer to the individual laws and rules pertaining to your profession.
- To renew a retired active credential, the practitioner must:
- Pay the retired active credential renewal fee;
- Pay the substance abuse monitoring surcharge, if required by the profession;
- Provide a written declaration stating that he or she practiced only intermittently or in an emergency during the previous renewal cycle;
- Provide a written declaration stating that continuing education or competency requirements have been met, if required for the profession; and
- Provide other written declarations or documentation, if required for the profession.
- Retired active credential renewal fees are accepted by the department no sooner than ninety days prior to the expiration date.
- Prior to the retired active credential expiration date, courtesy renewal notices are mailed to the address on file. Practitioners should return the renewal notice when renewing their credential. Failure to receive a courtesy renewal notice does not relieve or exempt the retired active credential renewal requirement.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, 246-12-130, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98.]
WAC 246-12-14000 How to return to active status from retired active status.
To change a retired active credential to an active credential status the practitioner must:
- (1) Notify the department in writing of the change;
- Pay the appropriate current active renewal fee;
- Pay the current substance abuse monitoring surcharge, if required by the profession.
- Provide a written declaration that no action has been taken by a state or federal jurisdiction or hospital which would prevent or restrict the practitioner's practice of the profession;
- Provide a written declaration that he or she has not voluntarily given up any credential or privilege or has not been restricted in the practice of the profession in lieu of or to avoid formal action;
- Provide a written declaration that continuing education and competency requirements have been met, if required for the profession;
- Provide other written declarations or documentation, if required for the profession;
- Satisfy other competency requirements of the regulatory entity, if required; and
- If not previously provided, provide proof of AIDS education as required for the profession and in Part 8 of this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, 246-12-140, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98.]
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