by

Laura Groshong, LICSW
Coalition Lobbyist

2011 Legislative Update  

24 January 2011

The primary issue affecting all aspects of Washington government this Legislative Session (which began on January 10) is the looming $4.2 billion shortfall in the 2011-2013 budget and the $1.6 billion shortfall for the first six months of 2011.  While there will be terrible cuts to all aspects of state funding, mental health is the one that concerns us most.  It appears that the Basic Health Plan, the Lifeline Disability Program (formerly GA-U), and Regional Support Networks (RSNs) may be eliminated, but the sad details are still to be determined.

Other pending issues are:

1. Autism Mandate - This would require all insurance plans to cover treatment for autism, but would allow only psychologists and psychiatrists to provide mental health treatment, a concern since much treatment is currently provided by the other four licensed mental health groups:  LICSWs, LMFTs, LMHCs, and ARNPs.  The Coalition supports allowing all licensed mental health professionals to be accepted as providers for autism.
   
   
2. Elimination of Mental Health Advisory Committee - The Governor has submitted a bill that would eliminate any direct contact with the Department of Health with Licensed Master’s clinicians, i.e., LICSWs, LMFTs, and LMHCs, groups that currently have close to 12,000 licensees.  Since this is a barrier to good communication with the Department, and the fees are paid entirely by licensees, the Coalition is in favor of continuing this committee.  The Governor’s plan to streamline government in this case would result in preventing this group of professionals from having a say in the way that their professions are overseen by the Department of Health.
   
   
3. Social Work Title Protection - This would require that all state departments using the title “social worker” require some social work education for any new staff.

Hopefully, there will be some bright spots down the road, but this is a difficult time in our state for many reasons.

Laura W. Groshong
4026 NE. 55th Street, Suite C
Seattle, Washington  98105

206-524-3690 (O)
206-368-9390 (F)
lwgroshong@comcast.net