Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

How will my criminal history impact my application to become a substance use disorder professional (SUDP)?

Applicants with a criminal history background can apply for certification as an SUDP/T. Applicants with criminal history, or who answer “yes” to any of the Personal Data Questions in section 2 of the SUDP Application, will be processed as Exception applications (for more information, see Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ] “What’s an Exception Application?”). Applicants must follow the reporting and documentation requirements included in the application and expect additional processing time for their applications.

In 2019, RCW 18.130.175 and RCW 43.43.84 were modified to reduce barriers to licensure for substance use disorder professionals. Applicants with one year in recovery from a substance use disorder are not required to enter a monitoring program for substance use. Applicants with less than one year may be required to be in a monitoring program only until they achieve one year in recovery.
Applicants convicted of a crime identified in RCW 43.43.842 cannot be automatically denied if:
- One year has passed since the conviction;
- The offense was committed as a result of their substance use or untreated mental health symptoms; and
- They are at least one year in recovery from their substance use disorder or in recovery for mental health challenges.

Are there any convictions that could cause my application to be automatically denied?

No. There are no convictions that would cause an automatic denial of certification. All applicants who answer “yes” to personal data questions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What’s an Exception Application?

Exception applications are credential applications where the applicant has:

A criminal background
Open case or enforcement action on another credential
Databank disciplinary history
Any ‘yes' response to personal data questions (section 2 of the SUDP application)
Or, where the applicant does not meet credentialing requirements.

“Exception” application designation may also apply to an applicant who has not sufficiently responded to questions regarding the omission of a Social Security number on their application.

Being designated an “exception application” means that your application may take additional time to process, and you may need to submit additional documentation to the department.

How long is my SUDPT credential valid?

The trainee credential is valid for one year and must be renewed every year on the date of issuance. Before July 1, 2024, there was a four-time limit on how many times a trainee credential could be renewed. However, this limit was removed in 2024.

How does the application process work?

Your application won’t stay open indefinitely. After you apply for your SUDP credential, the department will issue authorization for you to take the examination through the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). Once you schedule, take, and pass the exam, your scores will be sent directly to the department. If your application is missing information, the department will notify you about what is needed for your application to be complete. If 6 months pass without you submitting any missing information, you will be given a 30-day closure notice.

What is the Involuntary Closure process?

To streamline the process and reduce wait times for credentials, the department will no longer allow applications to remain open indefinitely without action from applicants.

Effective January 2025, all substance use disorder professional certification applications more than one year old, without submission of missing requirements from an applicant in the last 6 months, will be subject to a 30-day warning for mandatory closure. Applicants wishing to keep their application open must submit missing application materials, which will be communicated via email.

If an application is closed, it may be re-opened in the future, with the submission of a new application packet, fee, and current FBI background check (valid for two years).

The department understands that this is a significant change, but has done extensive research to conclude that it is necessary to provide timely service to all applicants. Contact us if you have questions about this change or the status of your application.

Note: Applicants may receive a separate email regarding “application expiration reminder.” This is an automated notice and is separate from the involuntary closure process described above, and any response made to any previous “application expiration reminder” notice are not sufficient to address the involuntary closure process.

I am an out-of-state applicant. Should I apply for the probationary license, the full Substance Use Disorder Professional credential, or the Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee credential?

Out-of-state applicants are encouraged to look closely at the licensure requirements, assess professional goals, and determine the best option. For full details, please review the Out of State Reciprocity page. The probationary license or trainee credential will typically be the best option if you do not meet all education requirements, post-graduation supervised experience requirements, and/or need time to prepare for and take the approved examination.

Washington State has three primary options for SUDP certification:  

SUDP Trainee* - Allows credential holders to earn supervised experience while working under an approved SUDP supervisor. SUDPTs must be actively working to obtain necessary experience and required education to maintain their credential, and all documentation must be signed off by an approved SUDP supervisor. Additional supervision requirements are also necessary.
SUDP Probationary Credential* - Allows qualified out-of-state applicants to work with the full scope of practice as an SUDP in Washington State while the department evaluates differences in the licensing standards of their credential’s state of origin. Most often, applicants in this category require additional review of academic transcripts to identify equivalency with SUDP education standards outlined in WAC 246-811-030. The probationary credential may only be renewed once, giving the applicant 1-2 years to meet full SUDP certification requirements.
SUDP* - Allows the credential holder to practice independently at the full scope of an SUDP in Washington State, in both private practice and state-regulated facilities.

*These descriptions are intended to provide a summary of basic credential requirements, and do not provide detailed requirements. Interested applicants should review the full requirements listed in chapter 246-811 WAC and if necessary, contact the program manager for questions specific to their situation.

What is the alternative training pathway to certification?

The alternative pathway is for people with one or more of the following Washington state credentials. The credential must be active and in good standing.

Licensed advanced registered nurse practitioners
Licensed marriage and family therapists
Licensed mental health counselors
Licensed advanced social workers
Licensed independent clinical social workers
Psychologists
Osteopathic physicians
Physicians
Physician assistants
Pharmacists

The alternative pathway includes:

Fifteen quarter or 10 semester hours of education in specific topics from an approved school.
One thousand hours of experience while under the supervision of a SUDP.
Practitioners with specified national certifications (e.g., American Society of Addiction Medicine or American Board of Addiction Medicine) may meet the SUDP educational or experience requirements.

Examination

What exam should I take?

The National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) NCAC level one or higher is the approved examination in Washington State. The department also accepts examination scores from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC), either the Alcohol Drug Counselor (ADC) or the Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (AADC) exam. Note: The ICRC exam is not available in Washington State, however, it is eligible for individuals licensed in other states where this exam may be required.

When can I take my exam?

Once you’ve submitted your SUDP application to the department, you will receive an email with instructions for how to register to take the exam. You will need to schedule your examination attempt(s) directly with NAADAC, including any accommodation and/or exam fees.

Some education programs work directly with NAADAC to allow their students to take the examination after completing their coursework. If you take and pass the examination before submitting your SUDP application to the department, please request NAADAC to send your exam scores directly to the Washington State Department of Health.

What happens if I fail the exam multiple times?

Per RCW 18.205.110(4), you may take the exam up to four times. If you fail the exam on your fourth attempt, the department may invalidate your original application and require remedial education before you are authorized to sit the examination again.

SUDP Education Requirements

SUD education must be completed at an “approved school.” What does “approved school” mean?

The department does not individually approve SUDP education programs. “Approved school” is defined as “any college or university accredited by a national or regional accrediting body, at the time the applicant completed the required education or other educational programs approved by the secretary.”

What degree do I need to become a substance use disorder professional?

The department does not require a degree for SUDP certification.

Individuals can meet education requirements by completing one of the following options:

Earning an associate degree or higher in addiction studies, human services, or a related field;
Completing at least 90 quarter college credits/60 semester college credits, including at least 45 quarter credits/30 semester credits in the substance use disorder topics outlined in WAC 246-811-030(3)a-w;
Completing an approved and registered apprenticeship program.

Individuals who complete an associate degree or higher in Addiction Studies or Substance Use Disorder Counseling are considered to meet all the educational requirements in chapter 246-811 WAC. This means that applicants with a qualified degree do not need to complete Section 6 of the SUDP application.

What are considered substance use disorder related fields?

Related fields include: health education, behavioral science, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, social work, psychiatry, nursing, divinity, criminal justice, and counseling education.

I have a master's degree; will I automatically meet the educational requirements for my substance use disorder professional credential?

No, you must have completed at least 45 quarter credits, or 30 semester credits of courses related to the substance use disorder profession, including the topics listed in WAC 246-811-030(2)(a) through (w).

If you have earned an associate degree or higher in Addiction Studies or Substance Use Disorder Counseling, the department considers you to meet the education requirements of WAC 246-811-030.

I'm a substance use disorder professional trainee (SUDPT). My renewal and application require me to be currently enrolled in an approved school or apprenticeship program. What does this mean?

“Currently enrolled” means active, current participation in an approved school or apprenticeship program and progressing toward the completion of the coursework, or completion of the coursework to be certified as a substance use disorder professional as described in WAC 246-811-030(2)(a) through (w).

Beginning May 30, 2025, SUDP Trainees will be required to submit proof of course completion and active enrollment annually at renewal to maintain their SUDPT credential.

Supervised Experience and Approved Supervisors

My supervisor can’t (or won’t) sign off on my experience hours. What are my options?

If your supervisor is physically unable to sign off on your experience hours due to severe illness or death, you can seek this authorization from a clinical director or alternate SUDP supervisor who can attest to your experience with your direct supervisor. That individual must meet the eligibility requirements to be an approved SUDP supervisor under WAC 246-811-049.

If your supervisor is refusing to sign off on your experience hours for other reasons, your options are limited. The department does not usually get involved with disputes between supervisors and trainees. It is generally held in the clinical supervision literature that the clinical supervisor acts as a gatekeeper to the profession, and as such, the department doesn’t intervene or mediate those disputes.

If your supervisor is not signing off on your hours due to negligence or as retaliation for leaving the agency, then the Department of Health could investigate if we receive a complaint about the problem. You can file a Complaint on the department site.

Independently, you may also ask a civil court to resolve the dispute.

What is direct supervision?

Direct supervision means the supervisor is available for immediate consultation, either remotely or in person.

Note that this is different from “direct observation,” which requires the supervisor to be in the same room (within sight and hearing) as a trainee. Direct observation is required for the first 50 hours of a trainee providing direct client care.

How many supervisees can be included in an individual formal meeting?

An individual formal meeting must have an approved supervisor and up to four supervisees.

What are the requirements to be a substance use disorder professional approved supervisor?

The requirements to be an approved supervisor are spelled out in WAC 246-811-049 and were updated recently to implement recommendations to reduce barriers to entering and remaining in the behavioral health workforce.

As of May 30, 2025, qualified SUDP Approved Supervisors must:

Be certified in Washington as an SUDP for at least one year (equal to 2000 hours of SUDP experience), with a credential that is not subject to ongoing disciplinary action or restrictions; and
Complete 28 hours in Clinical Supervisor training before or within their first year providing SUDPT supervision.

Approved SUDP Supervisors must be able to attest to their qualifications and sign the Verification of Supervision Experience and Statement of Qualifications form (PDF).

Can I reduce the experience requirement to be an approved supervisor by completing extra training?

Before June 2024, Washington regulations permitted individuals to complete specific hours in certain training to reduce the amount of experience hours required to supervise trainees. After legislative changes that took effect in June 2024, there is no longer an option to reduce the amount of experience hours required to be an approved supervisor for SUDPs. All SUDP approved supervisors are encouraged to utilize available supervisor training before taking on this responsibility, but these trainings will not reduce the amount of time that an SUDP must be certified in order to become an approved supervisor.

I met the requirements to be an approved supervisor under the former rules. Do I need to take 28 hours of training in clinical supervision to remain an eligible approved supervisor?

No. Individuals who qualified as an approved SUDP supervisor before May 30, 2025, will maintain their eligibility. Individuals seeking eligibility as an approved supervisor after May 30, 2025, must take 28 hours in clinical supervision training to become an approved supervisor.

I worked in the substance use disorder field a long time ago, and I’d like to come back. Can I use my experience from years in the past applying for my substance use disorder professional certification?

You could potentially utilize old experience, yes. The department will accept any age of experience in the field of substance use disorder treatment, provided it is submitted on the required documentation and was earned under a qualifying credential.

Does the accumulation of experience have to be consecutive?

No. You do not have to accumulate the hours consecutively. Experience that can count towards the certification must meet the requirements outlined in WAC 246-811-046 through WAC 246-811-049.

How many hours of experience are required for certification as a substance use disorder professional?

The number of experience hours depends on your level of education:

AA degree or equivalent credits in coursework– 2500 hours
BA degree (in related field) – 2000 hours
MA degree (in related field) – 1500 hours
Alternate Pathway eligible applicants – 1000 hours.
SUDPT apprentices typically need to complete 4000 experience hours as part of their approved and registered apprenticeship program.

Please review WAC 246-811-046 and 246-811-047 for more detailed information.

How much of the supervised experience must be under the supervision of an approved supervisor as defined in WAC 246-811-049?

All the experience must be under the supervision of an approved supervisor, per WAC 246-811-049.

Does the approved supervisor have to be on site when an SUDPT provides services?

The first 50 hours of SUDPT direct client contact must be under the direct observation (within sight and hearing) of an approved supervisor. Afterwards, direct supervision from approved supervisors may take place either remotely or in-person, provided the approved supervisor is always available for immediate consultation when a SUDPT is providing services.

What are the new supervision requirements for SUDP Trainees?

As of May 30, 2025, SUDPTs will be required to complete updated supervision requirements. These requirements include:

Regular meetings between the approved supervisor and supervisee, which can include individual or group supervision, at a length determined by the supervisor and trainee, including:
- At least one supervision meeting per week
- At least one in-person supervision meeting per month, and
- At least two individual supervision meetings per month
Within the first week of a supervisor-trainee relationship, they must develop a written plan for supervision and professional development that includes:
- Clinical development goals consistent with the trainee’s education, experience, and skill level, including (if applicable) prior experience earned under a different supervisor;
- Ethical standards and expectations, including a detailed review of an industry-recognized code of ethics;
- Identification of the appropriate trainee-to-client ratio, consistent with the trainee’s education, experience, and skill level;
- Identification of an alternate supervisor, in case the primary supervisor is unavailable for immediate consultation; and
- Review of the trainee’s academic progress and identification of appropriate training to assist the trainee in professional skills and competency development.
The supervision plan must be updated at least quarterly.

SUDP Apprenticeships

How can you obtain an SUDP credential through an apprenticeship program?

Apprenticeships are now an approved option for gaining the necessary education and experience to become an SUDP. Apprenticeship programs are administered and approved by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). 

Apprenticeships combine education and experience into a comprehensive program where you can work while you learn. All SUDP apprentices must be approved to enter the apprenticeship by L&I and credentialed as an SUDP Trainee by DOH. Apprentices must work in a state-regulated SUD agency as a SUDP Trainee under the supervision of an approved supervisor. While apprenticeships may have educational programs that are not college coursework, the experience and examination requirements are the same for all SUDP Trainees.

Apprentices must meet the requirements in WAC 246-811-050 to obtain certification as an SUDP:

Complete 450 hours of Related/Supplemental Instruction (RSI) provided by a competent instructor in an approved and registered apprenticeship program.
Complete 2,500 hours of supervised experience as an SUDP Trainee as required in WAC 246-811-047 and WAC 246-811-050. 
Pass the NAADAC National Certification Examination, per WAC 246-811-060.

Another notable difference between an apprenticeship program and college coursework is that the apprenticeship training may not be transferrable the way college courses are. Some apprenticeship programs partner with a local community college to provide the curriculum. In these programs, students do not forfeit their earned college credits if they do not complete the full apprenticeship program. Other programs that do not partner with a college do not have this option. In these programs, you must complete the entire apprenticeship program to qualify for this pathway to SUDP certification: you cannot switch to another program or substitute college coursework to meet requirements without completing the entire apprenticeship. Apprenticeship programs are typically two years long, with a requirement of 4,000 total experience hours.

While an apprenticeship program is an option to obtain the SUDP certification in Washington State, the department cannot speak to its portability for use in other states. Each state sets their own requirements for a credential, and completion of an apprenticeship may not meet their educational requirements.

How does an organization apply to become an approved apprenticeship program?

Apprenticeship programs are administered and approved by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), however, DOH must approve the educational component of the program to ensure it meets the requirements for certification.  Apprenticeships must meet all the specific educational requirements in WAC 246-811-030 (2)(a)-(w) and provide experience hours for SUDP Trainees working in a licensed SUD agency under the supervision of an approved supervisor.

To have the department review the related/supplemental instruction (RSI) of a potential apprenticeship program, the organization will need to complete the following:

Complete the L&I apprenticeship application process.
Contact the Department of Health and submit the completed L&I application for review by the SUD Certification Advisory Committee.  
The organization must present the application to the committee at an official meeting or a special meeting for review. 
The department will review the proposed curriculum within 90 days, which may include making changes to the related/supplemental instruction (RSI) or approving it. 
After DOH approves the related/supplemental instruction (RSI) component of the application, the organization can move forward to apply for approval from L&I.

Fees and Rule Changes

What is the SB 6228 (2024) $100 Fee Cap?

The 2024 passage of Senate Bill 6228 (PDF) includes a temporary cap of $100 for certification and renewal fees for all individuals seeking certification as a substance use disorder professional (SUDP) or trainee. The definition of a SUDP or SUDP trainee is defined by the Washington State Legislature in RCW 18.205.

This means that between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, Washington state cannot impose any certification or certification renewal fees of more than $100.

How long will the fee change from Senate Bill 6228 be in effect?

The $100 fee cap went into effect for all SUDP applications and renewals due on or after July 1, 2024. This fee cap was originally guaranteed through June 30, 2025 (one year) but requires renewed funding from the legislature during each biennial budget period. If the funding is not guaranteed, fees will return to their original amounts in the fee schedule.

How does the fee cap program work?

Senate Bill 6228 includes a temporary $100 fee cap on SUDP application and renewal fees that is valid for the next five years, between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2029. However, Washington state has only received funding to support the fee cap for the first year. This means that after June 30, 2025, our state will need to secure additional funds to cover this program. If additional funding is not secured, all SUDP application and renewal fees will return to the original amounts that they were before July 1, 2024.

Additionally, this fee cap applies to each fee contained in the fee schedule. First-time SUDP applicants have two fees due up front: application and initial certification, so the total due for SUDP initial applications in $200.

Are ancillary fees changing too?

Yes, all fees over $100 listed in WAC 246-811-990 will be reduced to $100 for the duration of the fee cap. Fees that are currently less than $100 will remain the same.

I had my SUDP certification a few years ago, but I stopped renewing it. Will I only have to pay $100 to reinstate my certification?

While the renewal fee will only be $100, a certification that has expired for more than one year will be subject to the late fee ($100) and expired reissuance fee ($100), so the total cost will be $300 for an expired renewal.

I keep hearing about rule changes for SUDPs. Where can I find these changes?

Under House Bill 1724, the department was required to file emergency rules to implement recommendations to reduce barriers to entering and remaining in the behavioral health workforce. Emergency rules were required to be in place by July 1, 2024, while the permanent rule-making process took place.

The department originally filed emergency rules (PDF) for the substance use disorder professionals WAC chapter on June 4, 2024. Each set of emergency rules is valid for only 120 days and will be renewed until permanent rulemaking goes into effect on May 30, 2025. Current emergency rules are linked on the SUDP website and can be found below.

SUDP Emergency Rules (PDF)
Adopted Permanent Rules (PDF) effective 5/30/2025

Trainee Requirements

What services may a SUDPT provide?

A substance use disorder professional trainee may provide substance use disorder assessment, counseling, and case management to patients consistent with his or her education, training, and experience as documented by the approved supervisor.

What do I need to qualify for a trainee credential?

Individuals who want to become a substance use disorder professional trainee must submit a complete application and applicable fees to the department. Trainees must also provide the name of the school where they are currently enrolled in coursework to meet the SUDP education requirements, and the name of their approved supervisor.

Beginning May 30, 2025, new SUDPT applicants must complete at least four hours of education in law and ethics before they will be eligible for the SUDPT credential. The department will accept either 4 hours of continuing education on this topic or a college course in Substance Use Disorder Law and Ethics completed at an approved school.

Where can a SUDPT work?

An SUDPT can work in a clinical practice setting that is authorized to provide substance use disorder treatment services, under an approved SUDP supervisor.

Prior to June 4, 2024, SUDPTs were required to work in a state-licensed behavioral health agency. This requirement was removed in the 2024 legislative session, meaning that SUDPTs can now work in other clinical practice settings. SUDPTs must still work under an approved SUDP supervisor and cannot work independently.

Reciprocity and Out-of-State Applicants

Do I need to provide proof of my supervised experience to obtain licensure in Washington?

Per WAC 246-811-045, if you have been fully licensed, in good standing, and without a disqualifying criminal history in another state for at least one year, the department does not require you to provide proof of supervision hours. If you have been licensed for less than one year, or if you have disciplinary or criminal history within the past 5 years, then you will be required to have your previous supervisor(s) sign our forms to verify your supervised experience. If you are a substance use disorder professional trainee, you must submit your supervised hours to obtain full licensure.

I'm licensed as a provider in another state. Does that license transfer to Washington State?

A license or credential from another state does not directly transfer to Washington State, so you need to apply for certification as an SUDP in Washington.
The department has several pathways for out-of-state credential holders to obtain their WA State SUDP certification. Details about these pathways can be found on the Out-of-State Applicants webpage, including a searchable list of which credentials are evaluated to be consistent with Washington’s credential requirements for substance use disorder professionals.

How do I apply for Reciprocity as a Substance Use Disorder Professional from another state?

Washington State recognizes substantial equivalency of substance use disorder professionals from other states, based on (1) scope of practice and (2) licensing standards. If your credential qualifies based on equivalent licensing standards, you do not need to apply for a probationary credential.

Scope: If the state where you are currently or have held a license in the past twelve months has been determined by the department as substantially equivalent in scope, you can apply for a temporary probationary license to work as a Washington State substance use disorder professional through the reciprocity program. The applicant must not have a disciplinary history or a disqualifying criminal history to apply for reciprocity.
Licensing Standards: If the state where you are currently or have held a license in the past 24 months has been evaluated by the department as substantially equivalent, and you qualify under RCW 18.130.077, you can apply for a Washington State SUDP credential. Applicants must not have a disciplinary history or a disqualifying criminal history.

If you think your education and out-of-state credentials meet the requirements for full SUDP certification, please apply for full SUDP certification. If additional requirements are missing, the department will notify you as soon as possible.

How do I determine if my state is equivalent by scope or by licensing standards?

The Department maintains a list of approved states that are eligible to apply for either a probationary license or for full reciprocity, based on licensing standards. This list can be found on the Substance Use Disorder Out-of-State Applicant webpage.

What is the probationary license, and how does it work?

The probationary license is a temporary credential issued to an individual who is licensed in another state and applies for reciprocity in Washington. The license is issued for one year and can be renewed one time for another year. The purpose of the probationary license is to allow the holder to seek and accept employment opportunities while the department assesses and notifies the applicant of any differences in licensure requirements. Within the time limits provided by the probationary license, applicants will need to meet the full licensure requirements as a substance use disorder professional or, depending on education level and licensure requirements, consider other available licensure options.

SUDP/T Professional Expectations

Do substance use disorder professionals and substance use disorder professional trainees have to provide clients with disclosure information?

Yes, WAC 246-811-090 requires that substance use disorder professionals and substance use disorder professional trainees must provide disclosure to each client before the delivery of certified services.

What information do I have to include in my disclosure statement?

WAC 246-811-100 details the disclosure statement requirements.

Beginning May 30, 2025, substance use disorder professional trainees must include the name, credential number, and contact information of their approved SUDP supervisor in their disclosure forms.

I'm a substance use disorder professional trainee or substance use disorder professional. Do I also need to have the agency-affiliated counselor credential?

People credentialed as substance use disorder professionals (SUDP) do not need an additional credential if they're employing the core competencies of substance use disorder counseling to assist or attempt to assist individuals with substance use disorder in their recovery.

Core competencies of substance use counseling means competency in the nationally recognized knowledge, skills, and attitudes of professional practice, including assessment and diagnosis of substance use disorders, substance use disorder treatment planning and referral, patient and family education in the disease of substance use disorders, individual and group counseling, relapse prevention counseling, and case management, all oriented to assist individuals with substance use disorder in their recovery.

SUDPs practicing only as defined above don't need to obtain an additional credential.

However, SUDPs providing co-occurring treatment services need to obtain another counseling credential as well.

What are the ethical expectations for Substance Use Disorder Professionals?

SUDPs and SUDPTs are required to follow an industry-recognized code of ethics when making professional decisions. “Industry-recognized” is any local, state, national, or international organization recognized in the behavioral health field, including but not limited to the following:

The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

SUDPTs must review their selected industry-recognized code of ethics with their approved supervisor during their regularly scheduled supervision sessions, per the adopted rules (WAC 246-811-048) in effect after May 30, 2025.

Where can I find information on professional conduct and boundaries?

SUDPs and SUDPTs must have working knowledge and understanding of the requirements, definitions, and prohibited behaviors qualifying as unprofessional conduct under RCW 18.130.180.

SUDPs and SUDPTs must also adhere to the sexual misconduct regulations described in chapter 246-16 WAC, except for WAC 246-16-100 sections (4) and (5).

In short, SUDPs cannot ever date a patient, former patient, or key party of a patient (partners, family members, etc.), regardless of consent, or the length of time since the patient/provider relationship ended. Sexual contact of any kind, nontreatment relationships, or casual friendships are never permitted between patients and providers. Ever.

This means that an SUDP or trainee must never engage, or attempt to engage, in the activities listed in WAC 246-16-100(1) or (2) with a former patient, former client, or former key party.

An SUDP or SUDPT must never engage in a “nontreatment relationship” with a former client or former key party that could create a conflict of interest or imbalance of power. What does this look like?

Nontreatment relationships include, but are not limited to:

Roommates or landlord/tenant relationships
Hiring a patient for childcare or other personal services
Boundary violations (e.g., stepping outside the patient/provider relationship)
Gift-giving

In small communities, sometimes interaction with patients or former patients is unavoidable. Any time you need to make decisions about a potential dual relationship, you should consult an industry-recognized code of ethics, talk to a supervisor, and take appropriate professional precautions to ensure your judgment isn’t compromised.

What should I do if I realize that I, or someone I know, committed unprofessional conduct?

You should submit a report to the Department of Health if you or a provider you know committed unprofessional conduct described below.

Reporting your own unprofessional conduct. WAC 246-16-230 requires all license holders to self-report:

Any conviction, determination, or finding that they have committed unprofessional conduct, or
Information that they are unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety due to a mental or physical condition, or
Any disqualification from participation in the federal Medicare or Medicaid program.

Reporting someone else’s unprofessional conduct. WAC 246-16-235 requires a license holder to report another license holder when the license holder has actual knowledge of:

Any conviction, determination, or finding that another license holder has committed an act that constitutes unprofessional conduct; or
That another license holder may not be able to practice his or her profession with reasonable skill and safety due to a mental or physical condition