Applicants for Behavioral Health Support Specialist Certification must take and pass a jurisprudence examination on the ethics and regulations for healthcare professions. This examination will cover information in the following chapters.
Information on how to take the jurisprudence exam will be sent directly to a BHSS applicant after their application has been received by the department.
Behavioral Health Support Specialist Jurisprudence Exam RCW and WAC References
RCWs and WACs
A statute or Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is written by the Washington State Legislature. Once legislation is signed by the governor, it becomes law.
The website for RCWs is a searchable database online. You may also access the state government website. If you're interested in getting a copy of any RCW, contact your local public library.
The RCW and WAC that directly relate to behavioral health support specialists:
Revised Code of Washington: RCW Chapter 18.227
Washington Administrative Code: WAC 246-821
Other Relevant RCWs are:
Chapter 18.130 RCW – Regulation of Health Professions - Uniform Disciplinary Act
RCW 26.44.030 – Abuse of Children and Adult Dependent Persons
Chapter 70.02 RCW – Medical Records-Health Care Information Access and Disclosure
Chapter 74.34 RCW – Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
A rule or Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is written to provide interpretive support for the individuals or entities to whom the rule applies. Department of Health rules are written and adopted by a board or commission, or the secretary of the Department of Health. Rules or WACs carry the full force of the law.
WACs are available on the state government website.
The WACs that relate to:
Chapter 246-12 WAC – Administrative Procedures and Requirements for Credentialed Health Care Providers
Chapter 246-15 WAC – Whistleblower Complaints in Health Care Settings
Chapter 246-16 WAC – Standards of Professional Conduct