WSR 08-03-142

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH


[ Filed January 23, 2008, 9:49 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 07-20-095.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-809-240 Examination for licensed mental health counselors.

     Hearing Location(s): Department of Health, Point Plaza East Room 152/153, 310 Israel Road, Tumwater, WA 98501, on March 5, 2008, at 2:00 p.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: March 6, 2008.

     Submit Written Comments to: Betty Moe, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, web site http://www3.doh.wa.gov/policyreview/, fax (360) 236-4909, by February 25, 2008.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Betty Moe by February 19, 2008, TTY (800) 833-6388 or 711.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rules change the process for taking the national counseling examination (NCE) and the national clinical mental health counseling examination (NCMHCE). Applicants must pass one of these examinations to be eligible for licensure as a mental health counselor in Washington state. The proposed changes in process would allow more frequent examinations offered in more locations. The proposed rule is anticipated to increase the opportunity for mental health counselors to become licensed in the state in a timely manner.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed rules streamline the process to take the NCE or the NCMHCE which are required for licensure. Applicants will be able to sit for the examinations more often and in more locations. The proposed changes do not change the examination standards.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.225.040 and 18.225.090.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.225.090.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Department of health, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Betty Moe, 310 Israel Road S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501, (360) 236-4912.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Per RCW 18.85.030 [19.85.030] (1)(a) the proposed rule does not impose more than minor costs on businesses in the industry.

     A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Betty Moe, Program Manager, Department of Health, P.O. Box 47869, Olympia, WA 98504-7869, phone (360) 236-4912, fax (360) 236-4909, e-mail Betty.Moe@doh.wa.gov.

January 23, 2008

Mary C. Selecky

Secretary

OTS-1188.3


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-17-113, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01)

WAC 246-809-240   Examination for licensed mental health counselors.   (1) ((Testing companies must administer a written licensure examination on knowledge and application of mental health counseling at least once a year. The applicant must submit a completed application and application fee to the department at least ninety days prior to the scheduled examination date. All other supporting documents, including verification of supervised postgraduate experience, must be submitted sixty days prior to the examination date.

     (2) Applicants who take and pass the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), National Certification Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) have met the examination requirement of chapter 251, Laws of 2001. Verification of successful completion and passage of the NBCC examination is to be provided directly to the department of health by NBCC at the request of the applicant for Washington state mental health counselor.

     (3) The passing score established by the testing company is the passing score accepted by the department of health.)) Applicants must pass an examination administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). Applicants who pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE), as administered by the NBCC, meet the examination requirements to be licensed as mental health counselors. The applicant must have the NBCC send verification of the applicant's examination passage directly to the department of health before licensure can be granted.

     (2) The department of health shall accept the passing score established by the NBCC for licensed mental health counselor examinations.

[Statutory Authority: 2001 c 251, RCW 43.70.250. 01-17-113, § 246-809-240, filed 8/22/01, effective 9/22/01.]

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