November 2022 Chapter Update |
|
Jeremy Arp, MSW, ACSW
Executive Director, NASW-WA
(he/him)
|
|
Legislative Action Committee Update!
Join the NASW-WA Legislative Action Committee Chair Nichelle Curtis-McQueen for a virtual meeting to network and discuss the Chapter's legislative priorities. This meeting will be hosted by the Membership Engagement Committee. During the meeting, we will discuss information about the Chapter's legislative efforts, updates about our Policy Conference in February, and more. Planning is underway for our Policy Conference set for February 20, 2023. We hope to have an in-person/hybrid option for participation once the Chapter secures space for the event. Please join us at 6:00 PM Pacific on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 for a virtual meeting to ask questions and interact with social workers from around the state!
|
|
Now accepting Award Nominations for Social Work Month 2023!
Each March, NASW-WA honors the accomplishments of social workers and community members during our Social Work Month Celebration.
Do you know someone who should be recognized? Nominations are open for our 2023 Awards! Read the award descriptions and more online here.
|
|
UPDATE: Interstate Licensure Compact for Social Work - NASW Submits Comments on Draft Legislation
The Social Work Compact Development Project is expected to be a multi-year process. We are in the early phase of Compact development. NASW, along with many other stakeholders, recently submitted comments on the draft legislation for the Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact. Notably, NASW’s comments include a recommendation to remove reference to a required exam, a recommendation that has become even more compelling given the very troubling ASWB exam pass rate data released midway through the Compact development process. We expect the next iteration of draft Compact legislation to be released soon, and at that time anticipate additional opportunities for input. We will continue to keep members and other stakeholders apprised of next steps on development of an Interstate Compact for the profession. CLICK HERE to access the October 20, 2022, Interstate Compact Update and NASW’s comments on the draft Interstate Compact Legislation.
|
|
Behavioral Health Provider Cost and Wage Survey (from HCA)
The behavioral health provider cost and wage survey is now available. The survey is due Thursday, November 10th. The survey is available for downloading on HCA's website, under the “Behavioral health rate comparison project” heading.
Why is HCA releasing the behavioral health provider cost and wage survey?
This survey will help HCA meet a legislative requirement to develop behavioral health comparison rates that will provide transparent payment rate benchmarks for Medicaid-funded behavioral health services Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5693.
Additional information about this initiative can be found on HCA's website.
Who should complete the survey?
Providers delivering services under Section 13d Rehabilitative Services of Washington’s Medicaid State Plan, including:
- Mental health and substance use disorder outpatient providers
- Substance use disorder and mental health residential providers
- WISe and PACT service providers
|
|
DOH Proposed Rule Amendments
The Washington Department of Health sent the following message that included a draft for the Licensed Counselor rulemaking project. The rules affect Licensed Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists. Changes include elimination of the limits on distance learning continuing education contact hours, clarification of documentation for continuing education, and clarifications to supervision received by associates. Please review the draft and provide your comments to brandon.williams@doh.wa.gov.
The notice from DOH outlined that the rulemaking work was an ongoing project and language may still be amended until the rules are finalized and filed. Read the draft rules here: chapter 246-809 WAC OTS.pdf
DOH also filed a CR-101 related to fees for professions, including social work. The CR-101 notes that RCW 43.70.250 requires that the costs of licensing each profession be fully borne by members of that profession. The Office of Financial Management also requires professions to maintain a reasonable cash reserve to cover fluctuations in cash flow. DOH outlined that rulemaking is needed to ensure the department is in line with RCW 43.70.250 and the fees set are sufficient to cover the costs of licensing the professions. Read more here.
|
|
Legislative Alerts
Urge Your U.S. Representative to Cosponsor the MSWs in Libraries Act
The More Social Workers (MSWs) in Libraries Act (H.R. 8822) provides a key step in increasing the availability of social work services in communities through libraries. Click here to take action!
Urge Your U.S. Senators to Pass the Respect for Marriage Act
Tell your senators to urgently support the Respect for Marriage Act to ensure that every person is able to marry the person that they love and that marriage equality remains constitutionally protected. Click here to take action!
|
|
Call for Presenters
Are you interested in presenting a workshop for NASW-WA? We have an open call for presenters (live, virtual, or recorded). Click here for more information about what we're looking for: https://www.nasw-wa.org/request-for-proposals.
|
|
THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
Not a member?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
