Concerning the mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by T'wina Nobles and 2 co-sponsors

SB 5449 codifies a nine-member advisory committee for mental health professionals, adding defined consumer/public seats and structured terms to oversee licensure and standards.

First reading, referred to Health & Long-Term Care.

Overview

SB 5449 would amend Washington’s RCW 18.225.060 to govern the Washington state mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee. The bill codifies the committee’s composition, terms, eligibility, appointment process, and operating provisions. It is currently in the first reading and referred to the Health & Long-Term Care committee.

Purpose and Scope

Establishes and updates the makeup and governance of the mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers advisory committee.

Aims to provide advisory oversight on professional standards, licensure, and regulatory matters for the three licensed professions covered by the committee.

Key Provisions

Committee Composition (nine members)

2 licensed mental health counselors

2 licensed marriage and family therapists

1 licensed independent clinical social worker

1 member who must be either a licensed advanced social worker or a licensed independent clinical social worker

3 consumer/public members who may not be licensed mental health care providers

Terms and Appointment

Initial appointments: three members for 1 year, three for 2 years, and three for 3 years.

Subsequent appointments: three-year terms.

No member may serve more than two consecutive terms.

All members must be residents of Washington state.

Eligibility and Restrictions

Professional members must have been actively engaged in their field for at least five years immediately preceding appointment.

Consumer/public members must represent the general public and may not be affiliated with the professions licensed under this chapter.

Members must not hold a governing office or board position in a professional association for mental health, social work, or MFT, and must not be state employees.

Appointment, Immunity, and Compensation

The secretary (presumably the state department secretary) appoints committee members.

Members have immunity from civil or criminal suit for acts performed in good faith within the scope of official duties.

Members receive compensation and travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.240 and related travel- and duty-related provisions (RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060).

Governance

The committee shall elect a chair and a vice chair to lead its activities.

Who is Affected

Licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed social workers (including licensed independent clinical social workers and advanced social workers), and consumers/public representatives.

State health/regulatory authorities (via the advisory committee and its oversight functions).

Potential Impacts

More defined and representative governance of the advisory committee, with explicit consumer/public representation.

Structured term lengths and staggering to ensure continuity and experience on the committee.

Clear eligibility criteria to promote qualified professional and public oversight.

Formal protections (immunity) and funding/compensation arrangements to support committee operations.

Bill