Bill > HB1234

This bill modifies the composition and requirements for the Washington State Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee. The committee will now consist of nine members: two licensed mental health counselors, two licensed marriage and family therapists, one licensed independent clinical social worker, one licensed advanced or independent clinical social worker, and three consumer members representing the public who are not licensed health care providers. Members will continue to be appointed for staggered terms of one, two, and three years, with no member serving more than two consecutive terms. All members must be Washington state residents and cannot hold governing positions in professional associations or be employed by the state. Professional members must have at least five years of active experience in their respective fields, while consumer members must be unaffiliated with the licensed professions. The secretary will appoint committee members, who will be compensated according to state regulations and are immune from legal action for official acts performed in good faith. The committee will elect its own chair and vice chair, maintaining a structure that ensures diverse representation and professional expertise in mental health and social work fields.