NASW-WA Chapter supports efforts to address Washington's mental health crisis. Our association supported HB 1724 as it left the House, and the provisions aiming to decrease barriers to obtaining licensure in Washington State. In the Senate,  there were amendments added to the bill in the Committee on Health & Long-Term Committee, which we have concerns about. These concerns include the expansion of the scope of practice for agency affiliated counselors to assess, diagnose and treat. Read the complete amendment here. Note that the amendment was not available for the public hearing by the Senate's policy committee.

The Chapter joined the Washington Mental Health Counselor Association in opposing the amendment and sent a joint letter to the Ways and Means Committee.