Section 246-810-0201 - Practice scope and limits for certified counselorsThe scope of practice of certified counselors consists exclusively of the following:
(1) Appropriate screening of the client's level of functional impairment using the global assessment of functioning as described in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recognition of a mental or physical disorder or a global assessment of functioning score of sixty or less requires that the certified counselor refer the client for diagnosis and treatment to a licensed health care practitioner.(2) If the client has a global assessment of functioning score greater than sixty, a certified counselor may counsel and guide the client in adjusting to life situations, developing new skills, and making desired changes, in accordance with the theories and techniques of a specific counseling method and established practice standards.(3) If the client has a global assessment of functioning score of sixty or less, a certified counselor may counsel and guide the client in adjusting to life situations, developing new skills, and making desired changes, in accordance with the theories and techniques of a specific counseling method and established practice standards if: (a) The client has been referred to the certified counselor by a licensed health care practitioner and care is provided as part of a plan of treatment developed by the referring practitioner who is actively treating the client. The certified counselor must adhere to any conditions related to the certified counselor's role as specified in the plan of care; or(b) The certified counselor referred the client for diagnosis and treatment from a licensed health care practitioner and the client refused, in writing, to seek diagnosis and treatment from the other provider. The certified counselor may provide services to the client consistent with a treatment plan developed by the certified counselor and the consultant or supervisor with whom the certified counselor has a written consultation or supervisory agreement.(4) A certified counselor must not be the sole treatment provider for a client with a global assessment of functioning score of less than fifty.Wash. Admin. Code § 246-810-0201
Statutory Authority: RCW 18.19.050 and chapter 18.19 RCW. 09-15-041, § 246-810-0201, filed 7/8/09, effective 7/8/09.