The Chapter's Legislative Action Committee (LAC) continues to be active this year. Our Chapter worked to pass legislation, including HB 1234, concerning the mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee. The bill provides for a change in the Licensed MH Counselors, MFT, and SW Advisory Committee in the WA Department of Health.

Currently, there is a vacancy for the Licensed Advanced SW (LASW) post; the LASW seat's vacancy is likely due to the small universe of potential LASWs in Washington. Our hope is that both social work seats can be filled to provide this important advisory role, therefore, we would like to see the LICSW optional for the second social work seat on the Committee. Allowing an LASW or LICSW to serve allows for fuller participation of licensed social workers in future deliberations and advice on items that are important to the professions. NASW Washington Chapter supports this change, which allows for a full representation of the social work profession, which becomes more important as the DOH Secretary will likely consult the Committee regarding continuing education requirements for the professions licensed in 18.225. Many thanks to Rep. Tarra Simmons and Rep. Alicia Rule for sponsoring the bill this year!

Governor Ferguson signed the bill on April 7th (see photo above. Pictured are Darcy Huffman, S & H Government Relations; Nichelle Curtis McQueen, LAC Chair, family members of Bob Ferguson, Evergreen Public Affairs, Governor Ferguson; and staff from Reps. Simmons and Rule's office).