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Bill

Bill

SB 5585

Allowing licensed and certified behavioral health agencies to designate certain individuals as mental health professionals.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by John Braun and 8 co-sponsors

Allows behavioral health agencies to designate non-licensed staff as mental health professionals to expand provider capacity while reducing licensing requirements and oversight.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5585

Legislative bill overview

SB 5585 expands the definition of "mental health professional" to allow licensed and certified behavioral health agencies to designate certain individuals—who may not hold traditional clinical licenses—as qualified mental health professionals. This creates a new pathway for workers to practice under agency supervision without independent licensure requirements.

Why is this important

Washington faces a significant shortage of licensed mental health providers, creating long wait times and reduced access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This bill attempts to address that gap by enabling agencies to utilize trained staff more flexibly, potentially increasing service capacity and reducing costs. However, it fundamentally alters who can provide mental health services and raises questions about consumer protection and quality standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer protection and liability: Designating unlicensed individuals as mental health professionals may reduce accountability mechanisms and patient recourse if harm occurs, since traditional licensing boards wouldn't oversee these workers.
  • Quality and training standards: The bill doesn't specify what qualifications, training hours, or competency assessments these designated individuals must meet, leaving standards potentially ambiguous.
  • Impact on licensed professionals: Licensed clinicians may oppose this as it could create unfair competition from less-regulated, lower-cost workers, potentially depressing wages and job opportunities in the field.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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