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2024 NASW-WA Policy Conference Registration Now Open!
The 2024 NASW-WA Policy Conference is scheduled for Monday, February 19, 2024, in Olympia. The live, in-person event will be at United Churches of Olympia located at 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
This year, we will offer an in-person opportunity to learn about the policy process in Washington and discuss NASW-WA's policy priorities for 2024. The Legislative Action Committee continues to work to create an educational and rewarding experience for social work professionals and students. Updated materials will be posted as they are available - so check our Action Center for updates!
Registration is now open for the in-person event! We need to know if you plan to join us for the event as space is limited. Register to save your spot today! Click here to register!
Legislative Updates
Social Work Licensure Compact Legislation introduced in Washington
Washington's legislature convenes on Monday, January 8, 2024. This is the short session of the biennium slated to last 60 days. This year, the Chapter's Legislative Action Committee chose priority areas to watch including social work professional issues, mental health/SUD, social/environmental justice, and economic justice.
Last year, the Council on State Governments worked with social work communities to release model social work compact legislation. The compact, or agreement between states, will enable regulated social workers to service clients in every state that joins the compact, rather than going through the licensure process in every state where they want to practice. Like the compact for a driver’s license, each Social Work Licensure Compact member state agrees to mutually recognize the licenses issued by every other member state.
In Washington, HB 1939 (Adopting the social work licensure compact.) was introduced by Representative Orwall, with cosponsors Representatives Rule, Leavitt, Slatter, and Bateman. NASW supports the compact and states have begun pushing compact legislation for social workers across the country. See the Social Work Licensure Compact website and NASW's Interstate Licensure Compact website for additional details.
Department of Health CR-101 Filed
We received notice that the Department of Health (DOH) is considering amending, repealing or creating new sections in chapter 246-809 WAC, Licensure for Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers. DOH is considering establishing (1) a directory to help mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, and social worker associates find supervisors, (2) minimum standards for supervision of associates, and (3) a stipend program to offset some costs of supervision for associates. See the notice here.
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