Bill > SB6059

This bill establishes a new Washington State Board of Governors for Licensed Social Workers to provide specialized oversight and enhance public protection within the social work profession, recognizing its distinct educational and ethical standards. The bill outlines the board's composition, including licensed independent clinical social workers, licensed advanced social workers, and public members, and details its responsibilities, such as setting educational and experience requirements for licensure, approving examinations, and adopting a code of ethics. It also defines various terms related to social work practice, including "advanced social work" and "independent clinical social work," and clarifies the roles of the board and the Department of Health in licensing and regulation. The bill includes provisions for a phased transition of regulatory authority, with the Department of Health retaining oversight until the new board is fully established and operational, and amends existing laws to reflect the creation of the new board and the separation of social work licensing from other behavioral health professions.