630112AgencyAffCoun

							                         Washington State Credentialing Requirements
                                        Agency Affiliated Counselor
                                       (Chapter 18.19 RCW, 246-810 WAC)
       Type of Credential:                              DOH Contact:
                      Registration                              Customer Service Center - 360-236-4700

          Credentialing Requirements                           Verification Documents Obtained
        Applicants for agency affiliated                Applicants must have their employer complete and
        counselors must be employed by, or have         sign the employment verification form provided by the
        an offer of employment from an agency           Department of Health.
        or facility that is licensed, operated,
        certified by Washington State, a federally
        recognized Indian tribe located within the
        state, or a county.
        State licensure verification                    Applicant lists all states where credentials are or were
                                                        held, including where applicant has applied but a
                                                        credential was not granted. A verification form must be
                                                        completed and submitted by the jurisdiction where the
                                                        applicant is or was credentialed. Applicant sends form
                                                        to jurisdiction for completion. The jurisdiction sends
                                                        completed form directly to the department.
        Statement about:                                Applicant must answer personal data questions. An
                                                        appropriate explanation and required documentation must
        • physical and mental health status
                                                        be sent with positive answers. If there is a positive answer
        • lack of impairment due to chemical            to the professional liability claims history question, the
          dependency/substance abuse                    applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the
        • history of loss of license, certification     case, data and summary of care given, copies of the
          or registration                               original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition.
        • felony convictions                            If pending, applicant must indicate status.
        • loss or limitations of privileges
        • disciplinary actions
        • professional liability claims history


      Additional Information/Documents Required
      • HIV/AIDS training - four hours
      NOTE: An agency affiliated counselor may only provide counseling services as part of his or her employ-
            ment for a recognized agency.
      Agency affiliated counselors must notify the department within 30 calendar days if they are no longer
      employed by the agency identified on their application, are now employed with another agency, or both.
      Agency affiliated counselors may not practice counseling unless they are employed by an agency.




Rev May 2012                                          Back to TOC
      Process for Approving/Denying Applications

      Credentialing staff review the application and supporting documents to make an initial determination
      on eligibility. The recommendation is based upon the requirements outlined in RCW 18.19 & WAC
      246-810. Credentialing supervisors approve applications that do not have positive answers to personal
      data questions, have questionable verifying documents, or are otherwise “red flag” application. Red
      flag applications are forwarded to the exception application process for determination by the appropriate
      disciplinary authority. An applicant will be formally notified of a denial and has the opportunity for a
      hearing.
      Renewal Requirements
      Agency affiliated counselors must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the credential
      holder’s birthday and may be renewed within 90-days of the expiration date.
      Continuing Education Requirements
      There are no continuing education requirements at this time. However, agency affiliated counselor’s are
      required by law to obtain continuing education. The Department of Health will establish and implement
      this requirement at a later date.




Rev May 2012                                  Back to TOC