The rules writing process is open to the public. The public is welcome to take part in helping us write rules. Rules are also known as regulations, Washington Administrative Code, or WAC. The rule-making process includes public notices and workshops, and usually a public hearing before a rule becomes final.
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Current rules in progress
1. The department is currently working to implement 2SHB 1724 which creates two new levels of agency affiliated counselors.
Legislation passed in 2023 (2SHB 1724 (PDF)) immediately creates two new levels of agency affiliated counselor credentials. It keeps the current registered AAC and adds a certified AAC and a licensed AAC. The department has filed emergency rules to implement these new credentials under WSR 23-16-031 (PDF). The department has also opened standard rulemaking to develop the coursework requirements and other aspects of these new credentials under WSR 23-16-044 (PDF). The emergency rules will be rescinded when the permanent rules go into effect.
All current AACs are registered AACs. Individuals will need to apply for the new credentials when they are available, however AACs who are designated as MHPs can practice under their current credential until it expires. Agency designations do not carry forward, and the applicants will need to provide their education and supervised experience in order to qualify for the credentials.
- The certified AAC requires a bachelor’s degree in counseling or the social sciences and five years of supervised experience.
- The licensed AAC requires an advanced degree in counseling or the social sciences and two years of supervised experience.
- The current registered AAC requirements have not changed. Juvenile probation counselors, student interns, and peer counselors are all registered AACs.
The bill is effective immediately, and the department is working to create these new credential types. The department is drafting a policy statement so AACs currently designated as MHPs can practice under their registration until their birthday, however we encourage you to apply for the licensed AAC at least three months before the current registration expires.
Registered AACs who qualify for the certified AAC credential will need to apply for the new credential before they can work under the new scope of practice for that profession. Because there is currently no bachelor’s level MHP, there has been no prior review of their qualifications, so those individuals must apply for the new credential.
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2. The department is currently working to implement ESSHB 1504 to allow student interns to practice as agency affiliated counselors.
- The original CR-101 was withdrawn and this rulemaking was included with the standard rulemaking CR-101 filed for 2SHB 1724 (see above, WSR 23-16-044 (PDF)). A policy statement has been issued pertaining to student interns working as AACs (PDF) (to be referenced until the rules are updated).
Proposed draft language that was previously reviewed in workshops is provided below and will be included in the new rulemaking process for discussion.
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