May 2025 Chapter Update

Thank you for your membership with NASW. Take a look at our upcoming Chapter events for May 2025, policy and practice updates, and more. The Chapter's 2026 Conference planning will commence this year -- Our hope is to host a statewide Conference once again during Social Work Month in March 2026!

Jeremy Arp, MSW, ACSW

Executive Director, NASW-WA

(he/him)

Chapter Elections for FY 2026

The Chapter’s leadership is working to slate members for our Chapter Board elections. Through our election process, members vote for outstanding leaders to help guide the Chapter. Many thanks to our nominees who volunteered to run. Once the slate of candidates is finalized, the list of candidates will be posted, and voting will commence. Chapter members will receive a separate email outlining our notice of candidates and elections next steps. Stay tuned!

Legislative Updates

State Updates

2025 Washington Legislative Session Overview

The Washington Legislature adjourned on April 27^th. NASW-WA focused its advocacy in 2025 on our legislative priority areas: Social Work Professional Issues, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Social Justice and Anti-Racism, and Economic Justice. Key victories included the passage of HB1234, regarding the DOH Advisory Committee and representation by social workers, as well as our support for HB1190, which expands access to the UW Health Sciences Library for licensed associate counselors. Additional wins included legislation on workplace violence (HB1162) and Medicaid hospital contracting (SB5083), both aligning with our commitment to safer and more equitable work environments. Mental health coverage also advanced with HB1432, which strengthens definitions and coverage requirements for mental health services. In the realm of social justice, a suite of bills—ranging from expanded voter registration to protections for immigrant workers—signal progress toward a more equitable Washington.

The state faced a significant shortfall due to lower-than-anticipated tax collections and inflation-driven costs. While funding for K-12 special education was protected, there were deep cuts across behavioral health, higher education, and OSPI programs, along with delays for some programs. Legislators sought to address the deficit through both cuts and tax increases, including higher B&O and vehicle sales taxes, new business surcharges, and a capital gains tax expansion. While several promising bills on our watch list did not advance, we will watch for their reintroduction in 2026. NASW-WA remains committed to championing legislation that uplifts the profession and the communities we serve. As the Chapter prepares for the 2026 Legislative Session, look for opportunities for input from our Legislative Action Committee including surveys and virtual events.

National Updates

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is deeply concerned by workforce reductions at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and has sent a letter to VA Secretary Douglas Collins urging him to maintain staffing levels.

NASW is also alarmed that back-to-office orders have rescinded all telework agreements and forced clinical social workers to provide services to veterans in conditions that could threaten the protection of sensitive health information and harm the quality of care. NASW has urged the VA to suspend these back-to-office orders.

More than 18,000 social workers work in the VA, making it one of the biggest employers of social workers with a master's degree. Social workers have been an integral part of the VA staff since 1926, and NASW has a longstanding partnership with the VA. This partnership includes NASW's commitment to the White Ribbon VA Initiative, which aims to end domestic violence and promote a culture of safety and respect within the veteran community.

"NASW remains dedicated to supporting the VA in its mission to deliver exceptional care to veterans," NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, wrote in the letter to Secretary Collins. "We stand ready to collaborate, share our expertise, and help navigate these challenges together."

Chapter 246-809 WAC Updates from DOH

NASW-WA shares notices from the Department of Health as we receive them. See below for an update regarding implementation details.

The Department of Health (department) has adopted permanent rules to implement recent legislation, including portions of 2SHB 1724 (2023) and E2SHB 2247 (2024) to chapter 246-809 WAC. These rules create a supervisor directory to help associates find qualified clinical supervisors who align with their professional goals. They also establish minimum supervision standards for mental health counselor associates, marriage and family therapist associates, and social worker associates, ensuring clear communication of supervisory relationships and required supervision frequency. Additionally, the rules introduce a stipend program to support supervisors who cap associate fees at $1,600 per year, allowing them to receive a stipend of up to $2,000. Finally, applicants will be permitted to practice under supervision for 120 days while their completed application is being processed. These updates aim to improve access to supervision and enhance professional development within the field.

The adopted amendments to chapter 246-809 WAC will become effective:

May 22, 2025 – for rules establishing the supervisor directory and setting supervision standards; and
October 1, 2025 – for rules establishing the stipend program and 120 days of practice on a pending license, consistent with the effective date of statutory authority. (Read more)

ZOOM FORMAT: An Hour with Private Practice: Questions & Answers

NASW Members Only...FREE

When: Third Friday of the Month 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET

An Hour with Private Practice (HOPP): Questions & Answers is a free members-only question-and-answer session that provides members with important clinical social work updates affecting the delivery of mental health services in a private solo or group practice. Join us in 2025 to take part in the discussion, ask questions, and comment on private practice topics.

Hour with Private Practice

HOPP: Ethical Considerations in Supervision in a Private Practice Setting

May 16, 2025, from 12 pm - 1 pm ET

Presenter: Julie Black, LCSW; Senior Ethics Associate, NASW Office of Ethics and Professional Review

For Information Purposes Only.

No CEs will be issued.

Social Work Student Virtual Hour of Advocacy

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Time: 6-7pm ET

All social work students are invited to a powerful evening of advocacy and connection. During this May Student Series event, we will hear from colleagues across the country on critical advocacy work being done for the social work profession at both the state and national levels. Together, we will explore current action alerts and take time to send personal letters to our state and federal representatives, sharing the stories that need to be heard and calling for meaningful policy change. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned activist, your voice matters — and your story can spark change. Click here to register.

8th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium

Enhance your knowledge and gain tools for practice by participating virtually in the 8th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium, cosponsored by the National Council on Aging, Administration for Community Living, Health Resources and Services Administration, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The live program is on May 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, and on-demand access to the entire program will be available shortly thereafter. Including at least five social work presenters, the event will address topics such as anxiety among older adults, supporting people who have experienced the death of someone by suicide, trauma-informed care, using the arts to enhance mental well-being, substance use, and addressing loneliness and social isolation. Free social work CEUs for live participation are being offered in partnership with Rush University’s E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging. (Read more)

May Observances

Asian American Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month

From the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC): The theme for the May 2025 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience.” (Read more)

Mental Health Awareness Month

During the month of May, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) observes Mental Health Awareness Month. This annual observance honors the millions of individuals affected by mental health conditions across the United States, where approximately one in five adults will experience a diagnosable mental health condition each year. NASW also recognizes the important contributions of social workers who are on the front lines of mental health care, providing services such as crisis intervention, assessment, treatment, and ongoing support. (Read more)

Foster Care Month: Aging out of Care

May is National Foster Care Month, and NASW recognizes the work social workers do to secure permanent placement and help young people age out of foster care. During this month, NASW challenges social workers to find and apply a new resource that will help them support youth who are aging out of care. (Read more)

Call for Presenters

Are you interested in presenting a workshop for NASW-WA? We have an open call for presenters for our ongoing continuing education series held throughout the year (live, virtual, or recorded).

Click here for more information about what we're looking for!