Chapter 246-924 WAC:

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Chapter 246-924 WAC

Last Update: 7/14/25

PSYCHOLOGISTS

WAC Sections

HTML PDF	246-924-001	Guidelines for the promulgation of administrative rules.
HTML PDF	246-924-010	Definitions.
HTML PDF	246-924-011	COVID-19.
HTML PDF	246-924-012	Telehealth standards.
HTML PDF	246-924-013	Psychologist application and licensure process.
HTML PDF	246-924-030	Employment and supervision of ancillary clinical staff.
HTML PDF	246-924-043	Education and experience requirements for licensure as a psychologist.
HTML PDF	246-924-046	Doctoral degree program.
HTML PDF	246-924-048	Residency—Academic residency and educational meetings.
HTML PDF	246-924-051	Telesupervision standards.
HTML PDF	246-924-052	Practicum.
HTML PDF	246-924-056	Internship.
HTML PDF	246-924-057	Alternative internship.
HTML PDF	246-924-059	Postdoctoral supervised experience.
HTML PDF	246-924-070	Psychologists—Written examination.
HTML PDF	246-924-085	Co-occurring disorder enhancement specialist eligibility.
HTML PDF	246-924-095	Failure of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
HTML PDF	246-924-100	Endorsement—Applying for licensure for non-Washington licensed and nationally-certified applicants.
HTML PDF	246-924-115	Brief adjudicative proceedings—Denials based on failure to meet education, experience, or examination prerequisites for licensure.
HTML PDF	246-924-151	Licensed psychological associate—Title.
HTML PDF	246-924-152	Psychological associate application process.
HTML PDF	246-924-155	Supervision agreements.
HTML PDF	246-924-161	Associate levels of practice—Supervision.
HTML PDF	246-924-180	Continuing education—Purpose and scope.
HTML PDF	246-924-230	Continuing education requirements.
HTML PDF	246-924-240	Approved continuing education activities.
HTML PDF	246-924-250	Continuing education—Special considerations.
HTML PDF	246-924-255	Suicide prevention training standards.
HTML PDF	246-924-300	Definition of acceptable documentation and proof of continuing education.
HTML PDF	246-924-330	Continuing education—Exemptions.
HTML PDF	246-924-351	Rules of ethical conduct.
HTML PDF	246-924-352	Definitions.
RULES OF ETHICAL CONDUCT
HTML PDF	246-924-353	Competence.
HTML PDF	246-924-354	Maintenance and retention of records.
HTML PDF	246-924-355	Continuity of care.
HTML PDF	246-924-356	Impaired objectivity.
HTML PDF	246-924-357	Multiple relationships.
HTML PDF	246-924-358	Sexual misconduct.
HTML PDF	246-924-359	Client welfare.
HTML PDF	246-924-361	Exploiting supervisees and research subjects.
HTML PDF	246-924-363	Protecting confidentiality of clients.
HTML PDF	246-924-364	Fees.
HTML PDF	246-924-365	Assessment procedures.
HTML PDF	246-924-366	Fraud, misrepresentation, or deception.
HTML PDF	246-924-367	Aiding illegal practice.
HTML PDF	246-924-445	Parenting evaluations—Standards.
HTML PDF	246-924-467	Limited services related to parenting evaluations.
HTML PDF	246-924-470	Examination fees—Failure to appear at examination session.
HTML PDF	246-924-475	Model procedural rules.
TEMPORARY PERMIT AND OTHER LIMITED CREDENTIALS
HTML PDF	246-924-480	Temporary permits.
HTML PDF	246-924-483	How to obtain a temporary practice permit while the national background check is completed.
HTML PDF	246-924-493	Probationary license.
HTML PDF	246-924-500	Retired active credential.
HTML PDF	246-924-990	Psychology fees and renewal cycle.

DISPOSITION OF SECTIONS FORMERLY CODIFIED IN THIS TITLE


246-924-020	Applications for licensure. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-020, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-020, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: 1988 c 206 § 604. WSR 88-23-059 (Order PM 798), § 308-122-006, filed 11/15/88.] Repealed by WSR 06-09-031, filed 4/12/06, effective 5/13/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050.
246-924-040	Psychologists—Education prerequisite to licensing. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-040, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-06-092 (Order 335B), § 246-924-040, filed 3/3/93, effective 4/3/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-040, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-040, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 88-09-029 (Order PM 722), § 308-122-200, filed 4/15/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(2) and 18.83.070(2). WSR 87-19-096 (Order PM 678), § 308-122-200, filed 9/17/87. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 78-12-046 (Order PL 293), § 308-122-200, filed 11/27/78; Order PL-245, § 308-122-200, filed 4/15/76.] Repealed by WSR 07-24-093, filed 12/5/07, effective 9/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.50 [ 18.83.050].
246-924-047	Courses completed outside the doctoral degree granting program. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050 and 18.83.170. WSR 16-16-026, § 246-924-047, filed 7/22/16, effective 8/22/16.] Repealed by WSR 25-15-068, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-924-049	Practicum. [Statutory Authority: 2019 c 351, 2019 c 444 and RCW 18.83.050. WSR 20-12-076, § 246-924-049, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.50 [ 18.83.050]. WSR 07-24-093, § 246-924-049, filed 12/5/07, effective 9/1/09.] Repealed by WSR 25-15-068, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-924-050	Psychologists—Education prerequisites to licensing for applicants enrolled in a doctoral program between December 28, 1978 to October 19, 1987. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-050, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-06-092 (Order 335B), § 246-924-050, filed 3/3/93, effective 4/3/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-050, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 89-11-054 (Order PM 845), § 308-122-211, filed 5/17/89.] Repealed by WSR 06-09-031, filed 4/12/06, effective 5/13/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050.
246-924-053	Preinternship. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.50 [ 18.83.050]. WSR 07-24-093, § 246-924-053, filed 12/5/07, effective 9/1/09.] Repealed by WSR 25-15-068, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-924-055	Psychologists—Educational prerequisites to licensing for applicants enrolled in a doctoral program prior to December 28, 1978. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-06-092 (Order 335B), § 246-924-055, filed 3/3/93, effective 4/3/93.] Repealed by WSR 06-09-031, filed 4/12/06, effective 5/13/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050.
246-924-060	Psychologists—Experience prerequisite to licensing. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-06-092 (Order 335B), § 246-924-060, filed 3/3/93, effective 4/3/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-060, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 88-09-029 (Order PM 722), § 308-122-215, filed 4/15/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 86-04-087 (Order PL 578), § 308-122-215, filed 2/5/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.070(3). WSR 85-06-043 (Order PL 521), § 308-122-215, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 07-24-093, filed 12/5/07, effective 9/1/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.50 [ 18.83.050].
246-924-065	Psychologists—Experience requirement prerequisite to licensing for experience prior to March 5, 1985. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-06-092 (Order 335B), § 246-924-065, filed 3/3/93, effective 4/3/93.] Repealed by WSR 06-09-031, filed 4/12/06, effective 5/13/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050.
246-924-080	Psychology examination—Application submittal date. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.250 and 18.83.050. WSR 96-08-007, § 246-924-080, filed 3/22/96, effective 4/22/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-080, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-080, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.030, 18.83.050 and 18.83.060. WSR 79-08-008 (Order PL-308), § 308-122-225, filed 7/9/79.] Repealed by WSR 06-09-031, filed 4/12/06, effective 5/13/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050.
246-924-090	Psychologists—Oral examination. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-090, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 79-08-009 (Order PL-309), § 308-122-230, filed 7/9/79; Order PL-245, § 308-122-230, filed 4/15/76.] Repealed by WSR 08-09-100, filed 4/21/08, effective 5/22/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050.
246-924-110	AIDS education and training. [Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-924-110, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-110, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-110, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: 1988 c 206 § 604. WSR 88-23-059 (Order PM 798), § 308-122-280, filed 11/15/88.] Repealed by WSR 21-09-031, filed 4/12/21, effective 5/13/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050, 2020 c 229, and 2020 c 76.
246-924-120	Psychologists—Renewal of licenses. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-120, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-120, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: 1988 c 206 § 604. WSR 88-23-059 (Order PM 798), § 308-122-350, filed 11/15/88; Order PL 227, § 308-122-350, filed 11/5/75; Order PL 177, § 308-122-350, filed 10/15/74.] Repealed by WSR 98-05-060, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280.
246-924-130	Certificates of qualification. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-130, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-130, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-130, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 89-19-053 (Order PM 862), § 308-122-360, filed 9/19/89, effective 10/20/89; Order PL 202, § 308-122-360, filed 10/1/75.] Repealed by WSR 25-15-068, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-924-140	Certificates of qualification—Title. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-140, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 89-19-053 (Order PM 862), § 308-122-370, filed 9/19/89, effective 10/20/89; Order PL 202, § 308-122-370, filed 10/1/75.] Repealed by WSR 25-15-068, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-924-150	Certificates of qualification—Procedure for additional areas of function. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 08-09-100, § 246-924-150, filed 4/21/08, effective 5/22/08; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-150, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 89-19-053 (Order PM 862), § 308-122-430, filed 9/19/89, effective 10/20/89; Order PL 202, § 308-122-430, filed 10/1/75.] Repealed by WSR 25-15-068, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-924-160	Continued supervision of persons receiving certificates of qualification. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 08-09-100, § 246-924-160, filed 4/21/08, effective 5/22/08; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-160, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 89-19-053 (Order PM 862), § 308-122-440, filed 9/19/89, effective 10/20/89; Order PL 202, § 308-122-440, filed 10/1/75.] Repealed by WSR 25-15-068, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-924-170	Certificates of qualification—Representations to clients. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-170, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 89-19-053 (Order PM 862), § 308-122-450, filed 9/19/89, effective 10/20/89; Order PL 202, § 308-122-450, filed 10/1/75.] Repealed by WSR 25-15-068, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.
246-924-190	Staggered effective periods for new continuing education rules, WAC 308-122-563 through 308-122-583. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-190, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91.] Repealed by WSR 94-12-039, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5).
246-924-200	Continuing education—General requirements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-200, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 86-04-087 (Order PL 578), § 308-122-505, filed 2/5/86; Order PL 276, § 308-122-505, filed 11/16/77.] Repealed by WSR 94-12-039, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5).
246-924-210	Continuing education—Categories of creditable activities. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-210, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; Order PL 276, § 308-122-510, filed 11/16/77.] Repealed by WSR 94-12-039, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5).
246-924-220	Continuing education—Categories of creditable activities. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-220, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91.] Repealed by WSR 94-12-039, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5).
246-924-260	Continuing education—Enforcement. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-260, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; Order PL 276, § 308-122-530, filed 11/16/77.] Repealed by WSR 94-12-039, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5).
246-924-270	Continuing education—Exemptions. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-270, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; Order PL 276, § 308-122-535, filed 11/16/77.] Repealed by WSR 94-12-039, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5).
246-924-280	Continuing education—Program or course approval. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-280, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; Order PL 276, § 308-122-540, filed 11/16/77.] Repealed by WSR 94-12-039, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5).
246-924-290	Continuing education—Certification of compliance. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-290, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-290, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; Order PL 276, § 308-122-545, filed 11/16/77.] Repealed by WSR 98-05-060, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280.
246-924-310	Continuing education—Special considerations. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-310, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91.] Repealed by WSR 94-12-039, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5).
246-924-320	Continuing education—Enforcement. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-320, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-320, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91.] Repealed by WSR 98-05-060, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280.
246-924-340	Continuing education—Program or course approval. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-340, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91.] Repealed by WSR 99-14-075, filed 7/6/99, effective 8/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090.
246-924-350	Code of ethics—General considerations. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-350, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 85-06-044 (Order PL 522), § 308-122-600, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-360	Responsibility. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-360, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 85-06-044 (Order PL 522), § 308-122-610, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-370	Competence. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-370, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 85-06-044 (Order PL 522), § 308-122-620, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-380	Moral and legal standards. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-380, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 86-04-087 (Order PL 578), § 308-122-630, filed 2/5/86.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-390	Public statements. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-390, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 88-09-029 (Order PM 722), § 308-122-640, filed 4/15/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 86-04-087 (Order PL 578), § 308-122-640, filed 2/5/86; WSR 85-06-044 (Order PL 522), § 308-122-640, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-400	Confidentiality. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-400, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 85-06-044 (Order PL 522), § 308-122-650, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-410	Welfare of the consumer. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-410, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-410, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 85-06-044 (Order PL 522), § 308-122-660, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-420	Professional relationships. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-420, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-420, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 86-04-087 (Order PL 578), § 308-122-670, filed 2/5/86.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-430	Assessment techniques. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-430, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 85-06-044 (Order PL 522), § 308-122-680, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-440	Research with human participants. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-440, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 85-06-044 (Order PL 522), § 308-122-690, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-450	Care and use of animals. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-450, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 85-06-044 (Order PL 522), § 308-122-695, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW.
246-924-460	Telephone directory listings. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-460, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.070(3). WSR 85-06-043 (Order PL 521), § 308-122-700, filed 3/5/85.] Repealed by WSR 94-12-039, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5).
246-924-485	Delegation of authority to initiate investigations. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050 and 18.130.050. WSR 07-13-076, § 246-924-485, filed 6/18/07, effective 7/19/07.] Repealed by WSR 11-05-036, filed 2/8/11, effective 3/11/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.050, 18.83.050 and 18.130.080.
246-924-490	Responsibility for maintaining mailing address on file with the board. [Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-490, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94.] Repealed by WSR 98-05-060, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280.
246-924-495	Qualifications for granting a license. [Statutory Authority: 2019 c 351, 2019 c 444 and RCW 18.83.050. WSR 20-12-076, § 246-924-495, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 08-09-100, § 246-924-495, filed 4/21/08, effective 5/22/08.] Repealed by WSR 25-15-068, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371.

PDF246-924-001

Guidelines for the promulgation of administrative rules.

The examining board of psychology shall not promulgate rules which restrict access to information from applicant/employee psychological evaluations sought by public safety agencies.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-001, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(1). WSR 86-19-061 (Order PM 616), § 308-122-001, filed 9/16/86.]

PDF246-924-010

Definitions.

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "APA" means American Psychological Association.

(2) "APPIC" means Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers.

(3) "CPA" means Canadian Psychological Association.

(4) "Endorsement" means licensing of non-Washington licensed psychologists based on substantial equivalence in licensing requirements.

(5) "In-person" means contact in the same physical location.

(6) "Out-of-state" means any state or territory of the United States outside of Washington.

(7) "PCSAS" means Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System.

(8) "Probationary license" means a temporary license issued to out-of-state applicants qualifying for licensure reciprocity in Washington state based on substantial equivalence in scope of practice under the restrictions and conditions of RCW 18.83.170 and this chapter.

(9) "Psychologist" means an individual licensed under chapter 18.83 RCW and this chapter.

(10) "Psychological associate" means an individual licensed under chapter 18.83 RCW and this chapter.

(11) "Reciprocity" means licensure of out-of-state licensed psychologists based on substantial equivalence between Washington state scope of practice and the scope of practice of the other state or territory, subject to a probationary licensure period to complete outstanding Washington state licensure requirements as determined necessary to gain full licensure.

(12) "Telehealth" means the same as in RCW 18.134.010, the use of synchronous or asynchronous telecommunication technology by a practitioner to provide health care to a patient at a different physical location than the practitioner. Telehealth does not include the use, in isolation, of email, instant messaging, text messaging, or fax. Within this chapter, this term is also used interchangeably with "telepsychology" and "telemedicine."

(13) "Telesupervision" means supervision of psychological services using remote technology, consistent with WAC 246-924-051.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-010, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 351, 2019 c 444 and RCW 18.83.050. WSR 20-12-076, § 246-924-010, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-010, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: 1988 c 206 § 604. WSR 88-23-059 (Order PM 798), § 308-122-005, filed 11/15/88.]

PDF246-924-011

COVID-19.

The following exemptions apply to applicants who were in a supervised experience or completed supervised experience between February 29, 2020, through June 30, 2025, regardless of when they apply for licensure:

(1) Telehealth: Supervised experience completed through telehealth during this time period is considered as fulfilling the direct experience or direct client contact requirement under WAC 246-924-052, 246-924-056, and 246-924-057.

(2) Telesupervision: Virtual supervision completed during this time period is considered as fulfilling the individual supervision requirement under WAC 246-924-052, 246-924-056, and 246-924-057.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-011, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25.]

PDF246-924-012

Telehealth standards.

(1) A licensed psychologist or psychological associate who provides clinical services through telemedicine as defined in RCW 70.41.020 shall complete a one-time telemedicine training that complies with RCW 43.70.495.

(2) A licensed psychologist or psychological associate shall follow the Uniform Telehealth Act under chapter 18.134 RCW when providing clinical services through telehealth and shall:

(a) Take reasonable steps to ensure they are competent with both the technologies used and the potential effect of the use of telehealth on clients.

(b) Disclose to the client within their informed consent or notification process that the psychologist uses telehealth and obtain and document an agreement from the client when telehealth services are provided. The agreement must be reasonably understandable to clients and explain the manner in which the provider and client will use particular telecommunications technologies, the boundaries that will be established and observed, and procedures for responding to electronic communications from clients. Parents and guardians may provide agreement for minor children and individuals with disabilities consistent with applicable law.

(3) When providing care or treatment to a client through telehealth, a psychologist or psychological associate shall ensure the technology they use is consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Uniform Health Care Information Act, chapter 70.02 RCW, and any other applicable confidentiality, privacy, and security laws.

(4) Telesupervision standards for an individual working toward licensure as a psychologist can be found under WAC 246-924-051.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-012, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25.]

PDF246-924-013

Psychologist application and licensure process.

The requirements in this section apply to individuals applying for a psychologist license.

(1) Application time frame. An applicant shall submit to the department all documents requested by the department within one year from the date the application is received by the department.

(a) Failure to provide all requested documents within one year from the date the application is received by the department will result in application closure.

(b) To continue the application process, an applicant whose application was closed shall submit a new application with all new requested documents and a new fee.

(2) Licensure by examination application. An applicant who is applying for their first psychologist license or does not qualify for licensure by endorsement shall submit to the department a completed application form provided by the department that includes:

(a) The application fee(s) described in WAC 246-924-990;

(b) Official transcripts verifying completion of a doctoral degree program described in WAC 246-924-046. If not all relevant coursework is included in the doctoral program, an applicant shall submit transcripts for the master's program;

(d) Evidence of completing the internship experience requirement, including the internship brochure as defined in WAC 246-924-056 or 246-924-057;

(e) Evidence of completing the supervised experience requirement as defined in WAC 246-924-043;

(f) Verification of passing the national Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) described in WAC 246-924-070;

(g) If telesupervision was used by the applicant, the doctoral program's written telesupervision policy as required under WAC 246-924-051;

(h) Passing the background check required under RCW 18.130.064; and

(i) Any other documents requested by the department.

(3) Licensure by endorsement application. Qualifying applicants who are applying for licensure by endorsement under WAC 246-924-100 shall submit to the department a completed application form provided by the department that includes:

(a) The application fee(s) described in WAC 246-924-990;

(b) Verification of passing the EPPP described in WAC 246-924-070, transferred to the department by the testing company;

(d) Verification of passing the background check required under RCW 18.130.064; and

(e) Any other documentation requested by the department.

If an applicant does not qualify for licensure by endorsement under WAC 246-924-100, then the applicant shall submit additional supporting documentation for their application to be considered under the licensure by examination process, under subsection (2) of this section.

(4) Probationary license application. An applicant who is applying for reciprocity to obtain temporary licensure to work on licensure deficiencies shall submit to the department a completed application form provided by the department, including:

(a) An examination application and documents requested in subsection (2) of this section;

(b) The application and probationary license fees described in WAC 246-924-990; and

(5) An applicant with out-of-country education who does not qualify for an application pathway in subsections (2) through (4) of this section shall submit to the department:

(a) A professional education evaluation from an accredited credentialing evaluation organization showing their education is equivalent to a doctoral degree under RCW 18.83.070. Accredited credential evaluation organizations include:

(i) The National Register; and

(ii) National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES);

(b) An examination application and documents requested in subsection (2) of this section;

(d) Any other documentation requested by the department.

(6) Non-English documents. Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by an accurate translation of those documents into English. Translated documents must bear a notarized affidavit certifying that the translator is competent in both the language of the document and the English language, and that the translation is a true and complete translation of the non-English language original. Costs of all translations shall be at the expense of the applicant.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-013, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25.]

PDF246-924-030

Employment and supervision of ancillary clinical staff.

(1) Qualifications of the supervisor: The supervisor shall be licensed in Washington state for the practice of psychology and have adequate training, knowledge, and skill to evaluate the competence of the work of the ancillary staff. The supervisor may not be employed by the ancillary staff.

(2) Qualifications of the ancillary staff: The staff person must have the background, training, and experience that is appropriate to the functions performed. The supervisor is responsible for determining the adequacy of the qualifications of the staff person and the designation of their title.

(3) Responsibilities of the supervisor: The supervisor accepts full legal and professional responsibility for all services that may be rendered by the ancillary staff. To this end, the supervisor shall have sufficient knowledge of all clients, including in-person contact when necessary, in order to plan and assure the delivery of effective services. The supervisor is responsible for assuring that appropriate supervision is available or present at all times. The supervisor is responsible for assuring that ancillary staff are informed of and adhere to requirements of confidentiality. The supervisor shall assure that the staff person providing services is appropriately covered by professional liability insurance and adheres to accepted business practices.

(4) Conduct of supervision: It is recognized that variability in preparation for duties to be assumed will require individually tailored supervision. In the case of ancillary staff providing psychological services, a detailed job description shall be developed and a contract for supervision prepared.

(5) Conduct of services that may be provided by ancillary staff: Procedures to be carried out by the ancillary staff shall be planned in consultation with the supervisor. Clients of the ancillary staff shall be informed as to their status and shall be given specific information as to their qualifications and functions. Clients shall be informed of the identity of the supervisor. They shall be informed that they might meet with the supervisor at their own request, the ancillary staff person's or the supervisor's request. Written reports and communications shall be countersigned by the supervisor.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-030, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-030, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 86-04-087 (Order PL 578), § 308-122-060, filed 2/5/86.]

PDF246-924-043

Education and experience requirements for licensure as a psychologist.

(1) To obtain a psychologist license, applicants shall complete:

(a) A doctoral degree program as described in WAC 246-924-046.

(b) Except as specified under subsection (2) of this section, a total of 3,300 supervised experience hours, that must include:

(i) A practicum of at least 300 hours, over at least nine months, as described in WAC 246-924-052; and

(ii) An experience requirement consisting of at least two years supervised experience totaling 3,000 hours that includes:

(A) An internship of at least 1,500 hours as outlined in WAC 246-924-056 or 246-924-057; and

(B) The remaining 1,500 supervised hours may be obtained through one or a combination of additional practicum hours, additional internship hours, or a postdoctoral experience as described in WAC 246-924-059.

(2) For applicants who demonstrate proof of being credentialed as a substance use disorder professional for three years in the previous 10 years, the total hours required in subsection (1)(b)(ii)(B) of this section are reduced from 1,500 to 1,020 hours, for a total of 2,820 hours of supervised experience.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-043, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 351, 2019 c 444 and RCW 18.83.050. WSR 20-12-076, § 246-924-043, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.50 [ 18.83.050]. WSR 07-24-093, § 246-924-043, filed 12/5/07, effective 9/1/09.]

PDF246-924-046

Doctoral degree program.

To meet the education requirements of RCW 18.83.070, an applicant shall possess a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution.

(1) The doctoral degree program must encompass a minimum of three academic years of full-time graduate study or the equivalent and must include:

(a) At least 51 semester credits, or 85 quarter credits, of graduate courses in curriculum areas described in subsection (2) of this section.

(i) Master's and doctoral level graduate courses taken prior to the conferral of the doctoral degree may be accepted if they:

(A) Were completed at a regionally accredited graduate program in psychology;

(B) Are reflected on a transcript; and

(ii) Up to two graduate courses taken after the doctoral degree program is completed may be accepted if they:

(A) Were completed at a regionally accredited graduate program in psychology;

(B) Are reflected on a transcript; and

(iii) If more than two courses are needed to meet the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, they must be part of a respecialization program.

(b) An academic residency or educational meetings under WAC 246-924-048;

(d) An organized, sequential, and coordinated practicum and internship experience as described in WAC 246-924-052 and 246-924-056 or 246-924-057.

(2) The applicant must complete the content areas described in Table 1 – Curriculum Content Areas.

Table 1 - Curriculum Content Areas

Unless otherwise indicated, applicant must complete three or more semester credits, or five or more quarter credits, of core study in each of the content areas.
Category 1 - History of Systems of Psychology
a. History and Systems of Psychology (this is the only content area that may be completed at the undergraduate-level)	Includes the origins and development of major ideas in the discipline of psychology.
Category 2 - Basic Content Areas in Scientific Psychology - for this category, a single class may count for two content areas if the syllabus is provided as documentation that both content areas were covered. In this case, the board reduces accordingly the total credit hours required under subsection (1) of this section.
b. Affective Aspects of Behavior	Includes topics such as affect, mood, and emotion. Psychopathology and mood disorders do not by themselves fulfill this category.
c. Biological Aspects of Behavior	Includes multiple biological underpinnings of behavior, such as neural, physiological, anatomical, and genetic aspects of behavior. Neuropsychological assessment and psychopharmacology do not, by themselves, fulfill this category.
d. Cognitive Aspects of Behavior	Includes topics such as learning, memory, thought processes, and decision-making. Cognitive testing and cognitive therapy do not, by themselves, fulfill this category.
e. Developmental Aspects of Behavior	Includes transitions, growth, and development across an individual's life. Coverage limited to one developmental period (e.g., infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, or late life) is not sufficient.
f. Social Aspects of Behavior	Includes topics such as group processes, attributions, discrimination, and attitudes. Individual and cultural diversity and group or family therapy do not, by themselves, fulfill this category.
Category 3 - Advanced Integrative Knowledge in Scientific Psychology
g. Advanced Integrative Knowledge of Basic Discipline - Specific Content Areas (minimum of two courses)	Includes graduate-level scientific knowledge that entails integration of multiple basic discipline-specific content areas identified in Category 2 (i.e., integration of at least two of: Affective, biological, cognitive, social, or developmental aspects of behavior).
Category 4 - Research Methods, Statistical Analysis, and Psychometrics
h. Research Methods	Includes topics such as strengths, limitations, interpretation, and technical aspects of rigorous case study; correlational, experimental, and other quantitative research designs; measurement techniques; sampling; replication; theory testing; qualitative methods; mixed methods; meta-analysis; and quasi-experimentation.
i. Statistical Analysis	Includes topics such as quantitative, mathematical modeling and analysis of psychological data; statistical description and inference; univariate and multivariate analysis; null hypothesis testing and its alternatives; power; and estimation.
j. Psychometrics	Includes topics such as theory and techniques of psychological measurement; scale and inventory construction; reliability; validity; evaluation of measurement quality; classical and contemporary measurement theory; and standardization.
Category 5 - Profession-Wide Competencies
k. Psychological Assessment (minimum of two courses)	Evidence-based assessment consistent with the scope of health service psychology. This includes applying empirically supported assessment methods; interpreting assessment results following current research and professional standards and guidelines; case conceptualization; classification; and recommendations.
l. Psychological Interventions (minimum of two courses)	Evidence-based interventions including, but not limited to, psychotherapy, consistent with the scope of health service psychology. Interventions may be derived from a variety of theoretical orientations or approaches. The level of intervention may include those directed at an individual, a family, a group, an organization, a community, a population, or other systems.
m. Ethical and Legal Standards	Current ethical and legal standards of the field; relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and relevant professional standards and guidelines.
n. Special Population Issues (accessibility; disability; diversity; health equity; socio-economic, cultural, and linguistic differences)	Includes courses that involve: Awareness of history, culture, attitudes, and biases; current theory and science as it relates to addressing diversity in psychological practice; applying a framework for effective psychological practice with diversity not previously encountered or which might create conflict with one's own worldview.

(3) A doctoral degree program accredited by the American Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychological Association, or the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System is recognized as having met the minimum education requirements.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-046, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050 and 18.83.170. WSR 16-16-026, § 246-924-046, filed 7/22/16, effective 8/22/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.50 [ 18.83.050]. WSR 07-24-093, § 246-924-046, filed 12/5/07, effective 9/1/09.]

PDF246-924-048

Residency—Academic residency and educational meetings.

(1) To meet doctoral degree program requirements in WAC 246-924-046 (1)(b), the doctoral program must include:

(a) An academic residency under subsection (2) of this section; or

(b) Educational meetings under subsection (3) of this section.

(2) An "academic residency" is a residency that exists for the purpose of acculturation in the profession, involves the full participation and integration of the individual in the educational and training experience, and includes faculty-student interaction.

(a) If an applicant has completed a doctoral program that offers an academic residency, they must have completed at least a one-year continuous full-time academic residency, physically present, in-person, at the institution that grants the doctoral degree.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "continuous" means full-time enrollment over the course of the defined academic year. Multiple day or seasonal intensive sessions do not meet the definition of continuous.

(3) If an applicant has completed a doctoral program that did not offer an academic residency, they shall meet the requirements in WAC 246-924-046 with in-person educational meetings.

(a) Educational meetings are graduate-level classes, courses, seminars, or symposia that are substantially related to acquiring academic knowledge and clinical skills related to psychology. This may be achieved through multiple day or seasonal intensive sessions.

(b) In a doctoral program offering educational meetings, a student shall complete a minimum of 500 hours of educational meetings.

(i) Include both faculty-student and student-student interaction;

(ii) Be conducted by the psychology faculty of the institution at least 75 percent of the time. Faculty means direct employees of the institution and, for the purposes of this subsection, includes contractors, guest speakers, or lecturers authorized by a faculty member;

(iii) Be fully documented by the institution and the applicant;

(iv) Relate substantially to the program components specified, involving the academic knowledge and clinical skills essential to successfully practicing clinical psychology after graduation; and

(v) Be documented on an academic transcript as graduate-level classes, courses, seminars, or symposia.

(d) An applicant's doctoral program must provide directly to the board official program documentation with the following information about every component of each educational meeting:

(i) Date(s) (month, day, year);

(ii) Start and end time;

(iii) Name and title of faculty teaching or leading the educational meeting;

(iv) Name of educational meeting, including class name and number on transcript; and

(v) For multiday educational meetings, a daily agenda for each day of the event with the above detail.

(e) Meetings that are conducted remotely, are noneducational, or do not substantially relate to a doctoral psychology curriculum do not qualify as educational meetings. This includes conferences, networking activities, receptions, nonpsychology trainings, professional association events, and any other activities that do not meet the requirements of this subsection.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-048, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25.]

PDF246-924-051

Telesupervision standards.

(1) Telesupervision is supervision of psychological services through synchronous audio and video format where the supervisor is not in the same physical facility as the trainee. There is no predetermined limit on the number of hours that may be provided through telesupervision.

(2) A supervisor shall ensure that the trainee has a sufficient level of competence to justify the use of telesupervision in their training.

(3) A program using any amount of telesupervision must have a written policy addressing their use of telesupervision including, but not limited to:

(a) An explicit rationale for using telesupervision;

(b) How telesupervision is consistent with their overall aims and training outcomes;

(d) How it is determined which trainees can participate in telesupervision;

(e) How an off-site supervisor maintains full professional responsibility for clinical cases;

(f) How nonscheduled consultation and crisis coverage are managed;

(g) How privacy and confidentiality of the clients and trainees are assured;

(h) The technology and quality requirements and any education in the use of this technology that is required by either trainee or supervisor;

(i) How much of the supervision may be provided through telehealth;

(j) How the program engages in self-assessment of trainee outcomes and satisfaction with use of telesupervision versus in-person supervision;

(k) How it ensures that supervisors are competent to provide telesupervision;

(l) How the program ensures the trainee has sufficient socialization into the profession;

(m) How diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues are considered and addressed in telesupervision;

(n) How the supervision relationship is established, facilitated, maintained, and monitored within telesupervision; and

(o) What circumstances would lead to changing between telesupervision and in-person supervision.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-051, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25.]

PDF246-924-052

Practicum.

(1) A practicum is the initial supervised experience earned during the doctoral program. A practicum must include a minimum of 300 hours but can include up to 1,800 hours of supervised experience.

(a) For an applicant who applied on or before June 30, 2021, the doctoral degree program required in WAC 246-924-046 must include a practicum of at least two semesters or three quarters and at least 300 hours of direct experience, 100 of which must meet the requirements in subsection (3) of this section for supervision.

(b) For an applicant who applied between July 1, 2021, until June 30, 2025, the doctoral degree program required in WAC 246-924-046 must include cumulative practicum experience of at least nine months and 300 hours of direct experience, 100 of which must meet the requirements in subsection (3) of this section for supervision.

(c) Effective July 1, 2025, the doctoral degree program required in WAC 246-924-046 must include a cumulative practicum of at least nine months and a minimum of 300 hours of supervised experience as required in subsection (3) of this section.

(2) Before the beginning of the practicum, the student, the doctoral program, and the practicum site must agree on and document the goals, the student's expectations, and the methods of the practicum experience. The goals must meet the requirements of this section.

(3) Supervised experience earned during the doctoral program must include the following activities:

(a) At least 25 percent of hours must be in direct client contact, providing assessment and intervention services;

(b) At least five percent of hours must be regularly scheduled, formal, individual supervision; and

(i) Conferences, seminars on applied issues, conducting cotherapy with a staff person including discussion of the case, and group supervision; and

(ii) Group supervision that addresses the direct psychological services provided by the supervisee.

The remaining 35 percent of hours can be a combination of subsection (1)(a), (b), and (c) of this section.

(4) The practicum experience must be supervised by the person(s) responsible for the assigned casework and the supervisor must have an unrestricted license at the time the supervision takes place.

(a) At least 75 percent of the supervision must be by a licensed psychologist.

(b) Up to 25 percent of the supervision may be completed by the following:

(i) A psychiatrist with three years experience beyond residency;

(ii) A licensed mental health counselor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed advanced social worker, or a licensed independent clinical social worker, if the supervisor has five years postlicense experience;

(iii) A doctoral level psychologist with three years postdoctoral experience who is exempt from licensure under RCW 18.83.200 (1), (2), (3) or (4), if the supervision occurs in the exempt setting; or

(iv) An individual in a doctoral internship or postdoctoral experience in psychology, under the supervision of a psychologist appropriately credentialed for the jurisdiction.

(i) Discussion of services provided by the student;

(ii) Selection of service plan for and review of each case or work unit of the student;

(iii) Discussion of and instruction in theoretical concepts underlying the work;

(iv) Discussion of the management of professional practice and other administrative or business issues;

(v) Evaluation of the supervisory process by the student and the supervisor;

(vi) Discussion of coordination of services among the professionals involved in the particular cases or work units;

(vii) Discussion of relevant state laws and rules;

(viii) Discussion of ethical principles including principles applicable to the work;

(ix) Review of standards for providers of psychological services; and

(x) Discussion of reading materials relevant to cases, ethical issues and the supervisory process.

(5) If telehealth is used as part of the practicum, then the standards in WAC 246-924-012 must be met.

(6) If telesupervision is used as part of the practicum, then the standards in WAC 246-924-051 must be met.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-052, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25.]

PDF246-924-056

Internship.

An applicant shall successfully complete an organized internship as part of the doctoral degree program described in WAC 246-924-046.

(1) The internship must include at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience and be completed within 12 to 24 months or nine to 24 months for school psychologists.

(2) The internship program must:

(a) Be accredited by the APA or CPA; or

(b) Be a member program of the APPIC; or

(3) If telehealth is used as part of the internship, then the standards in WAC 246-924-012 must be met.

(4) If telesupervision is used as part of the internship, then the standards in WAC 246-924-051 must be met.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-056, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.50 [ 18.83.050]. WSR 07-24-093, § 246-924-056, filed 12/5/07, effective 9/1/09.]

PDF246-924-057

Alternative internship.

Any internship not accredited by APA, APPIC, or CPA under WAC 246-924-046 must meet WAC 246-924-056(1) as well as the following requirements:

(1) Organization of the internship program.

(a) The internship must have a written statement or brochure available for prospective interns that:

(i) Describes the goals and content of the internship;

(ii) States clear expectations and quality of student work; and

(iii) Designates the licensed psychologist responsible for the integrity and quality of the internship program.

(b) Interns must use titles indicating their training status.

(c) The internship must be designed to provide a planned sequence of training experiences focusing on breadth and quality of training. Supervision and training related to ethics must be ongoing.

(2) Content of the internship program.

(a) At least 25 percent of the internship experience must be in direct client contact providing assessment and intervention services. This can include conducting group cotherapy with a staff person and discussion of the cases with that staff person.

(b) An intern must receive 10 percent of hours in supervision, including:

(i) At least five percent of hours in regularly scheduled, formal, individual supervision that addresses the direct psychological services provided by the intern; and

(ii) Up to five percent may be a combination of individual and group supervision.

(c) At least five percent of the internship must be in other learning activities such as case conferences, seminars on applied issues, didactic trainings, and grand rounds or consultation with other licensed professionals.

(d) The additional 60 percent of internship hours can be a combination of subsection (2)(a) through (c) of this section.

(3) Supervision of the internship experience.

(a) The internship setting must have two or more licensed doctoral psychologists available as supervisors.

(b) The internship experience must be supervised by the person(s) responsible for the assigned casework and the supervisor(s) must have an unrestricted license at the time the supervision takes place.

(i) At least 75 percent of the supervision must be by a licensed psychologist.

(ii) Up to 25 percent of the supervision may be completed by the following:

(A) A psychiatrist with three years experience beyond residency;

(B) A licensed mental health counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed advanced social worker, or licensed independent clinical social worker, if the supervisor has five years postlicense experience;

(C) A doctoral-level psychologist with three years postdoctoral experience who is exempt from licensure under RCW 18.83.200 (1), (2), (3), or (4), if the supervision occurs in the exempt setting;

(D) A licensed psychologist with less than two years postlicense experience; or

(E) An individual in a postdoctoral experience in psychology, under the supervision of a psychologist appropriately credentialed for the jurisdiction.

(4) If telehealth is used as part of the alternative internship, then the standards in WAC 246-924-012 must be met.

(5) If telesupervision is used as part of the alternative internship, then the standards in WAC 246-924-051 must be met.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-057, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25.]

PDF246-924-059

Postdoctoral supervised experience.

If the applicant has not completed 3,000 hours of supervised experience by conferral of the doctoral degree, then up to 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience can be used to satisfy the total requirement. Postdoctoral supervised experience must be completed only if an applicant does not already have 3,000 hours of supervised experience.

(1) Organization of the postdoctoral supervised experience.

(a) The supervisor is ethically and legally responsible for all supervisee work covered by the supervision agreement. Therefore, the supervisor has authority to alter service plans and direct the course of psychological work.

(b) Supervisees shall use titles indicating their training status, such as "psychological resident," "psychological intern," or "psychological supervisee."

(c) Clients must be informed of the identity and responsibilities of the supervisor and how they can speak directly to the supervisor.

(d) Services rendered by the supervisee must not be represented to third parties as having been rendered by the supervisor. Insurance forms must be filled out indicating the nature of the supervisory relationship.

(2) The supervisor and supervisee must have a written supervision agreement for supervision, to include:

(a) The area(s) of professional activity in which supervision will occur;

(b) Hours of supervision or ratio of supervision to professional activity;

(d) Processes for supervision including mode(s) of supervision, expectations for recordkeeping, evaluation, and feedback;

(e) Relevant business arrangements;

(f) How the supervisee will represent themselves; and

(g) How disagreements will be handled.

(3) Some direct observation of the supervisee's work is required and the supervisor may use the following:

(a) Detailed process notes and progress reports;

(b) Audio or video recordings;

(d) One-way mirror observation.

(4) Supervised experience must be appropriate to the area(s) of professional activity the person intends to practice and cannot be all through telehealth.

(5) At least five percent of postdoctoral supervised experience hours must be individual supervision.

(6) Mode of supervision. The nature of the supervision may depend on the following:

(a) The theoretical orientation of the supervisor;

(b) The training and experience of the supervisee; and

(7) The supervisor and the supervisee must keep records of experience and supervision hours.

(8) Supervision of the postdoctoral supervised experience must be by a supervisor with an unrestricted license at the time the supervision takes place.

(a) At least 50 percent of the postdoctoral supervision must be provided by a licensed psychologist.

(b) Up to 50 percent of the supervision may be provided by the following:

(i) A psychiatrist with three years of experience beyond residency;

(iii) A doctoral level psychologist with three years postdoctoral experience who is exempt from licensure under RCW 18.83.200 (1), (2), (3) or (4), if the supervision occurs in the exempt setting.

(9) Supervision must include the following:

(a) Discussion of services provided by the supervisee;

(b) Selection, service plan, and review of each case or work unit of the supervisee;

(d) Discussion of the management of professional practice and other administrative or business issues;

(e) Evaluation of the supervisory process by the supervisee and the supervisor;

(f) Discussion of coordination of services among the professionals involved in the particular cases or work units;

(g) Discussion of relevant Washington laws and rules;

(h) Discussion of ethical principles including principles applicable to the work;

(i) Review of standards for providers of psychological services; and

(j) Discussion of reading materials relevant to cases, ethical issues and the supervisory process.

(10) An applicant may not sign off as supervising their own postdoctoral hours.

(11) If telehealth is used as part of the postdoctoral supervised experience, then the standards in WAC 246-924-012 must be met.

(12) If telesupervision is used as part of the postdoctoral supervised experience, then the standards in WAC 246-924-051 must be met.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-059, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 351, 2019 c 444 and RCW 18.83.050. WSR 20-12-076, § 246-924-059, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.50 [ 18.83.050]. WSR 07-24-093, § 246-924-059, filed 12/5/07, effective 9/1/09.]

PDF246-924-070

Psychologists—Written examination.

To become licensed as a psychologist, an applicant must complete and pass the Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).

(1) The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) is responsible for the development and administration of the national exam.

(2) To be considered for licensure an applicant must receive a scaled score of at least 500.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-070, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 08-09-100, § 246-924-070, filed 4/21/08, effective 5/22/08; WSR 93-07-078 (Order 349B), § 246-924-070, filed 3/18/93, effective 4/18/93; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-070, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 82-18-073 (Order PL 404), § 308-122-220, filed 9/1/82; WSR 80-07-010 (Order PL 346), § 308-122-220, filed 6/9/80; WSR 79-08-009 (Order PL-309), § 308-122-220, filed 7/9/79; Order PL-245, § 308-122-220, filed 4/15/76.]

PDF246-924-085

Co-occurring disorder enhancement specialist eligibility.

A psychologist licensed under chapter 18.83 RCW and this chapter is eligible to apply for a co-occurring disorder specialist enhancement to their existing license according to the conditions of RCW 18.205.105 and chapter 246-804 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: 2019 c 351, 2019 c 444 and RCW 18.83.050. WSR 20-12-076, § 246-924-085, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20.]

PDF246-924-095

Failure of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.

An applicant for a psychologist license who fails the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) required under WAC 246-924-070 may sit for reexamination as follows:

(1) Second attempt: At any following examination administration date;

(2) Third or subsequent attempts:

(a) A minimum waiting period of one month after the failure of the previous examination.

(b) An applicant shall submit an action plan for board review in order to take the exam again. For each attempt, the applicant must request board approval and submit an action plan that must include how the applicant plans to prepare for the retake. The applicant shall receive board approval of the action plan before taking the exam again.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-095, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 351, 2019 c 444 and RCW 18.83.050. WSR 20-12-076, § 246-924-095, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 08-09-100, § 246-924-095, filed 4/21/08, effective 5/22/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-095, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94.]

PDF246-924-100

Endorsement—Applying for licensure for non-Washington licensed and nationally-certified applicants.

An individual may apply for a psychology license through licensure by endorsement if the individual:

(1)(a) Is licensed in another state whose licensing requirements are deemed by the board to be substantially equivalent to Washington's;

(b) Has been licensed for at least two years immediately preceding their application without interruption in licensure lasting more than 90 days; and

(2)(a) Meets the following requirements:

(i) Is licensed in another state or country whose licensing requirements are deemed by the board to be essentially equivalent to Washington's;

(ii) Has been licensed for a period of at least two years;

(iii) Otherwise meets the requirements of RCW 18.83.170 (1)(a); or

(b) If the board determines that the credentialing requirements of the applicant's state or country of licensure are not essentially equivalent under this subsection (2), the applicant must provide documentation of meeting Washington state's credentialing requirements in the area(s) the board has determined are not essentially equivalent, for review by the board;

(3) Can provide documentation of current membership and certification in any of the following professional organizations:

(a) Health service psychologist credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists;

(b) Diplomate from the American Board of Examiners in Professional Psychology;

(c) Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards; or

(d) Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology; or

(4) If an individual holds and has held an unrestricted license to practice psychology in another United States or Canadian jurisdiction for at least the last five consecutive years, they may have requirements waived under RCW 18.83.170(1).

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-100, filed 7/14/25, effective 10/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050 and 18.83.170. WSR 16-16-026, § 246-924-100, filed 7/22/16, effective 8/22/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 08-09-100, § 246-924-100, filed 4/21/08, effective 5/22/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 93-21-024, § 246-924-100, filed 10/13/93, effective 11/13/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-100, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 88-09-029 (Order PM 722), § 308-122-235, filed 4/15/88.]

PDF246-924-115

Brief adjudicative proceedings—Denials based on failure to meet education, experience, or examination prerequisites for licensure.

The board adopts RCW 34.05.482 and 34.05.485 through 34.05.494 for adjudicative proceedings requested by applicants, who are denied a license under chapter 18.83 RCW for failure to meet the education, experience, or examination prerequisites for licensure. The sole issue at the adjudicative proceeding shall be whether the applicant meets the education, experience, and examination prerequisites for the issuance of a license.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050 and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 92-20-029 (Order 304B), § 246-924-115, filed 9/28/92, effective 10/29/92.]

PDF246-924-151

Licensed psychological associate—Title.

An individual may not claim to be a licensed psychological associate without first obtaining a license as provided under RCW 18.83.020 and 18.83.180.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-151, filed 7/14/25, effective 10/1/25.]

PDF246-924-152

Psychological associate application process.

(1) An applicant applying for a psychological associate license under RCW 18.83.170 shall:

(a) Submit to the department a completed application form provided by the department;

(b) Pay the application fee(s) described in WAC 246-924-990;

(i) For a student who is currently enrolled in a doctoral program described in WAC 246-924-046 or RCW 18.83.105:

(A) Forms provided by the department, signed by the director of clinical training confirming the applicant's competence to practice under supervision and verifying enrollment status; and

(B) Internship brochure and supervision agreement if completing an internship; or

(ii) For an individual in a postdoctoral experience:

(A) Official transcripts showing completion of a doctoral degree in psychology;

(B) The supervision agreement showing participation in a postdoctoral experience; and

(C) A signed attestation from the postdoctoral supervisor confirming the applicant's competence to practice under supervision.

(2) An applicant may practice without a license under the direct supervision of a licensed supervisor for 120 days after the department receives the applicant's completed application, or the applicant's license is issued or denied, whichever is sooner. The department will provide confirmation to the applicant when a completed application has been received.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-152, filed 7/14/25, effective 10/1/25.]

PDF246-924-155

Supervision agreements.

(1) A licensed psychological associate must practice under the supervision of a licensed supervisor in accordance with WAC 246-924-161.

(2) An applicant must submit to the department a supervision agreement on forms provided by the board.

(3) An applicant or licensed psychological associate must submit to the department within 30 days an updated supervision agreement when a supervisor changes.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-155, filed 7/14/25, effective 10/1/25.]

PDF246-924-161

Associate levels of practice—Supervision.

(1) An applicant for a psychological associate license or a licensed psychological associate must practice under supervision consistent with their level of training:

(a) Licensed psychological associate level 1: For a student currently enrolled in a doctoral program, participating in a practicum, supervision must comply with WAC 246-924-052;

(b) Licensed psychological associate level 2: For a student currently enrolled in a doctoral program, participating in an internship, supervision must comply with WAC 246-924-056 or 246-924-057; or

(c) Licensed psychological associate level 3: In a postdoctoral experience, supervision must comply with WAC 246-924-059.

(2) An applicant or licensed psychological associate must be supervised by a qualified supervisor with an active unrestricted Washington license and be provided supervision consistent with the associate's level of education and experience.

(3) An applicant or licensed psychological associate must identify their level of training to their clients as indicated in subsection (1) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-161, filed 7/14/25, effective 10/1/25.]

PDF246-924-180

Continuing education—Purpose and scope.

The ultimate aim of continuing education is to ensure the highest quality of professional work. Continuing education consists of educational activities designed to review existing concepts and techniques and to convey information and knowledge about advances in psychology as applied to the work settings. The objectives are to improve and increase the ability of the psychologist to deliver the highest possible quality of psychological work and to keep the professional psychologist abreast of current developments in a rapidly changing field. All psychologists, licensed pursuant to chapter 18.83 RCW, and holders of certificates of qualification issued pursuant to RCW 18.83.105, will be required to meet the continuing education requirements set forth in these rules as a prerequisite to license renewal.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 99-14-075, § 246-924-180, filed 7/6/99, effective 8/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-180, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91.]

PDF246-924-230

Continuing education requirements.

(1) To renew a license, a licensed psychologist shall complete at least 60 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years, including a minimum of:

(a) Four hours in ethics. Areas to be covered, depending on the psychologist's primary area(s) of function are practice, consultation, research, teaching, or supervision.

(b) Two hours in health equity. Qualifying trainings must meet the standards in WAC 246-12-830.

(c) Six hours in suicide prevention, every six years. Qualifying trainings must meet the standards in WAC 246-924-255 and be listed on the department's model list.

(d) One hour for the jurisprudence examination:

(i) After initial licensure, a psychologist must take and pass the jurisprudence examination within their first CE cycle;

(ii) After a licensee's first CE cycle, the jurisprudence examination is optional. A licensee may claim one hour per CE cycle for taking and passing the jurisprudence examination.

(2) Faculty providing CE offerings shall meet the training and the full qualifications of their respective professions. All faculty shall have demonstrated an expertise in the areas in which they are instructing.

(3) The board may require any licensed psychologist to submit documentation to the department to demonstrate compliance with the 60 hours of CE.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-230, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.613, 18.83.050, 18.83.090, and 2021 c 276. WSR 24-01-125, § 246-924-230, filed 12/19/23, effective 1/19/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442(7), 18.83.090, 2012 c 181, and 2013 c 78. WSR 14-01-071, § 246-924-230, filed 12/16/13, effective 1/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 99-14-075, § 246-924-230, filed 7/6/99, effective 8/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-924-230, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-230, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-230, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-230, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; Order PL 276, § 308-122-515, filed 11/16/77.]

PDF246-924-240

Approved continuing education activities.

(1) All continuing education (CE) activities must be directly relevant to maintaining or increasing professional or scientific competence in psychology.

(2) Courses or workshops primarily designed to increase practice income or office efficiency, are specifically noneligible for CE credit.

(3) The board does not review individual courses for preapproval.

(4) Courses, seminars, workshops, and postdoctoral institutes offered or sponsored by the following qualify for CE credit for a licensed psychologist:

(a) Educational institutions chartered by a state and recognized (accredited) by a regional association of schools, colleges and universities as providing graduate level course offerings. Documentation must be recorded on an official transcript or certificate of completion;

(b) The American Psychological Association;

(d) Psychology internship training centers;

(e) Other professionally or scientifically recognized behavioral science organizations; and

(f) The Washington state examining board of psychology.

(5) A licensed psychologist may earn credit toward the CE requirement through teaching an approved CE program. The CE credit earned may not exceed 30 hours every three years. Credit for teaching an approved CE program may be earned on the following basis:

(a) One credit hour for each 60 minutes actually spent teaching the program for the first event. Credit may be conferred for teaching similar subject matter only if the psychologist has actually spent an equal or greater amount of preparation time updating the subject matter to be taught on a later occasion.

(b) One credit hour for each 60 minutes actually spent participating in a panel presentation.

(6) A licensed psychologist may earn one credit hour every CE cycle by taking and passing the jurisprudence examination.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-240, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.613, 18.83.050, 18.83.090, and 2021 c 276. WSR 24-01-125, § 246-924-240, filed 12/19/23, effective 1/19/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442(7), 18.83.090, 2012 c 181, and 2013 c 78. WSR 14-01-071, § 246-924-240, filed 12/16/13, effective 1/1/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 99-14-075, § 246-924-240, filed 7/6/99, effective 8/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-240, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-240, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-240, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; Order PL 276, § 308-122-520, filed 11/16/77.]

PDF246-924-250

Continuing education—Special considerations.

(1) Expired license. In accordance with WAC 246-12-040, a psychologist whose credential has been expired for three years or more must document completion of 40 hours of continuing education (CE), including four hours of ethics. This CE must have been obtained within the two years prior to reinstatement.

(2) The board may consider awarding total or partial CE credit for other programs as they are developed and implemented, such as:

(a) Compliance with a CE program developed by the American Psychological Association which provides either a recognition award or certificate;

(b) A diplomate award by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) or American Board of Psychological Hypnosis (ABPH); and

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.613, 18.83.050, 18.83.090, and 2021 c 276. WSR 24-01-125, § 246-924-250, filed 12/19/23, effective 1/19/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 99-14-075, § 246-924-250, filed 7/6/99, effective 8/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.250 and 18.83.050. WSR 96-08-007, § 246-924-250, filed 3/22/96, effective 4/22/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-250, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-250, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 86-04-087 (Order PL 578), § 308-122-525, filed 2/5/86; Order PL 276, § 308-122-525, filed 11/16/77.]

PDF246-924-255

Suicide prevention training standards.

(1) Each licensed psychologist shall, at least once every six years, complete a six-hour training in suicide prevention that meets the standards of chapter 246-12 WAC and is included on the department's model list.

(a) A psychologist's first training must be in suicide assessment, treatment, and management.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2021, a psychologist must complete a qualifying advanced training or training in treatment modalities shown to be effective in working with people who are suicidal.

(i) If a qualifying training is not reasonably available, the psychologist may substitute a six-hour training that meets the requirements of (a) of this subsection.

(ii) If a psychologist has already completed their second training prior to July 1, 2021, the psychologist's next training must comply with (b) of this subsection.

(2) A licensed psychologist who is a state or local government employee is exempt from the requirements of subsection (1) of this section if the psychologist receives at least six hours of training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management from their employer every six years. For purposes of this subsection, the training may be provided in one six-hour block or in shorter training sessions.

(3) A licensed psychologist who is an employee of a community mental health agency or substance use disorder treatment program licensed under chapter 71.24 RCW is exempt from the requirements of subsection (1)(a) of this section if the psychologist receives at least six hours of training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management from an employer every six years. For purposes of this subsection, the training may be provided in one six-hour block or in shorter training sessions.

(4) A licensed psychologist who obtained training under subsection (2) or (3) of this section may obtain continuing education credit for that training subject to documentation as defined in WAC 246-924-300.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.613, 18.83.050, 18.83.090, and 2021 c 276. WSR 24-01-125, § 246-924-255, filed 12/19/23, effective 1/19/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050, 2020 c 229, and 2020 c 76. WSR 21-09-031, § 246-924-255, filed 4/12/21, effective 5/13/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090 and 43.70.442. WSR 17-06-056, § 246-924-255, filed 2/28/17, effective 3/31/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442(7), 18.83.090, 2012 c 181, and 2013 c 78. WSR 14-01-071, § 246-924-255, filed 12/16/13, effective 1/1/14.]

PDF246-924-300

Definition of acceptable documentation and proof of continuing education.

(1) Licensed psychologists are responsible for acquiring and maintaining all acceptable documentation of their continuing education (CE) activities.

(2) Acceptable documentation shall include transcripts, letters from course instructors, or certificate of completion or other formal certification. In all cases other than transcripts, the documentation must show the participant's name, the activity title, number of CE credit hours, date(s) of activity, faculty's name(s) and degree and the signature of verifying individual (program sponsor).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.613, 18.83.050, 18.83.090, and 2021 c 276. WSR 24-01-125, § 246-924-300, filed 12/19/23, effective 1/19/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 99-14-075, § 246-924-300, filed 7/6/99, effective 8/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 94-12-039, § 246-924-300, filed 5/25/94, effective 6/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-300, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91.]

PDF246-924-330

Continuing education—Exemptions.

(1) Extension. A licensed psychologist may use the extension request form to request additional time to meet their continuing education (CE) requirements in order to renew their license and in other extenuating circumstances. Based on the circumstances, the board may grant a time extension and, if appropriate, limit in part or in whole the provision of consumer psychological services until the CE requirements are met.

(2) Waiver. A licensed psychologist may use the waiver request form to request the board waive their CE requirements indefinitely due to illness.

(a) The board may grant indefinite waiver of CE as a requirement for relicensure, provided the waiver request form indicates the psychologist is not providing consumer psychological services.

(b) If the psychologist's illness status changes or the psychologist resumes providing consumer psychological services, the psychologist must immediately notify the board and resume meeting CE requirements for relicensure. CE credit hours will be prorated for the portion of that three year period involving resumption of services.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.613, 18.83.050, 18.83.090, and 2021 c 276. WSR 24-01-125, § 246-924-330, filed 12/19/23, effective 1/19/24. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.090. WSR 99-14-075, § 246-924-330, filed 7/6/99, effective 8/6/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-021 (Order 129B), § 246-924-330, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91.]

PDF246-924-351

Rules of ethical conduct.

(1) Scope. The psychologist shall be governed by these rules of conduct whenever practicing as a psychologist.

(2) Responsibility for own actions. The psychologist shall be fully responsible for his/her own professional decisions and professional actions.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-351, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-352

Definitions.

(1) "Client" means a recipient of psychological services or that person's legal guardian. A corporate entity or other organization can be a client when the professional contract is to provide services of primary benefit to the organization rather than to individuals.

(2) "Confidential client information" means information revealed by the client or otherwise obtained by a psychologist, where there is reasonable expectation, because of the relationship between the client and the psychologist, or the circumstances under which the information was revealed or obtained, that the information was private.

(3) "Supervisee" means any person who functions under the extended authority of the psychologist to provide psychological services or any person who is in training and provides psychological services.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-352, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

RULES OF ETHICAL CONDUCT

PDF246-924-353

Competence.

(1) Limits on practice. The psychologist shall limit practice to the areas in which they are competent. Competency at a minimum must be based upon appropriate education, training, or experience.

(2) Referral. The psychologist shall refer to other health care resources, legal authorities, or social service agencies when such referral is in the best interest of the client.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-353, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-353, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-354

Maintenance and retention of records.

(1) A psychologist who renders professional services to a client or clients, or renders services billed to a third party payor, shall document services except as provided in (g) of this subsection. The documentation must include:

(a) The presenting problem(s), purpose, or diagnosis;

(b) The fee arrangement;

(d) A copy of all tests and evaluative reports prepared;

(e) Notation and results of formal consults including information obtained from other persons or agencies through a release of information;

(f) Progress notes reflecting ongoing treatment and current status; and

(g) If a client requests that no treatment records be kept and the psychologist agrees to the request, the client's request must be in writing and retained with the following information:

(i) Identity of the recipient of the services;

(ii) Service dates and fees;

(iii) Description of services;

(iv) The psychologist shall not agree to the request if maintaining records is required by other state or federal law.

(2) All records must be retained for at least eight years following the last professional contact with the client(s). In the case of minors under the age of eighteen, the records must be retained until the client reaches the age of twenty-two or for eight years, whichever is longer.

All records must be securely maintained with appropriate limited access in accordance with any other applicable state or federal laws.

(3) The psychologist rendering services must have a written policy to ensure the maintenance and confidentiality of the client records in the event of retirement, discontinuation of practice or employment, discontinuation of practice in the state of Washington, or inability to maintain practice or employment (e.g., illness or death of the psychologist).

This written policy must be made available to the board, upon written request, within sixty days. The written policy shall:

(a) Designate a qualified person(s) or, if appropriate, hospital, clinic or other health care facility, to make necessary clinically relevant referrals if the psychologist is unable to do so;

(b) Detail a plan for fulfilling record requests described under this subsection; and

(c) Require the subsequent record holder to maintain records in accordance with any other applicable state or federal laws or rules.

(4) In the case of psychological or neuropsychological evaluations, tests or assessments, the psychologist may exercise clinical judgment in determining whether or not to retain specific records beyond the minimum retention period specified in subsection (2) of this section.

(5) After the minimum records retention period is met for a client record, the psychologist may elect to dispose of the record. If the record is disposed of, it shall be done in a secure and confidential manner. Proper disposal means paper is shredded; electronic media is deleted, erased, or reformatted; and other readable forms of media is defaced or rendered unusable or unreadable.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.050. WSR 05-19-048, § 246-924-354, filed 9/15/05, effective 10/16/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-354, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-355

Continuity of care.

The psychologist shall make arrangements to deal with emergency needs of her/his clients during periods of anticipated absences from the psychologist's routine professional availability.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-355, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-356

Impaired objectivity.

The psychologist shall not undertake or continue a professional relationship with a client when the competency of the psychologist is impaired due to mental, emotional, physical, pharmacological, or substance abuse conditions. If such a condition develops after a professional relationship has been initiated, the psychologist shall terminate the relationship in an appropriate manner, and shall assist the client in obtaining services from another professional.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-356, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-357

Multiple relationships.

The psychologist shall not undertake or continue a professional relationship with a client when the objectivity or competency of the psychologist is impaired because of the psychologist's present or previous familial, social, sexual, emotional, financial, supervisory, political, administrative, or legal relationship with the client or a person associated with or related to the client. When such relationship impairs objectivity, the psychologist shall terminate the professional relationship with adequate notice and in an appropriate manner; and shall assist the client in obtaining services from another professional.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-357, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-358

Sexual misconduct.

(1) The following definitions apply to this section:

(a) "Health care information" means any information, whether oral or recorded in any form or medium that identifies or can readily be associated with the identity of, and relates to the health care of, a patient or client.

(b) "Key party" means immediate family members and others who would be reasonably expected to play a significant role in the health care decisions of the patient or client and includes, but is not limited to, the spouse, domestic partner, sibling, parent, child, guardian and person authorized to make health care decisions of the patient or client.

(c) "Legitimate health care purpose" means activities for examination, diagnosis, treatment, and personal care of patients or clients, including palliative care, as consistent with community standards of practice for the profession. The activity must be within the scope of practice of psychology.

(d) "Patient" or "client" means an individual who receives psychological services from a psychologist.

(2) A psychologist shall never engage, or attempt to engage, in sexual misconduct with a current patient, client, or key party, inside or outside the health care setting. Sexual misconduct shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Sexual intercourse;

(b) Touching the breasts, genitals, anus or any sexualized body part;

(d) Kissing;

(e) Hugging, touching, fondling or caressing of a romantic or sexual nature;

(f) Dressing or undressing in the presence of the patient, client or key party;

(g) Removing patient or client's clothing or gown or draping without emergent medical necessity;

(h) Encouraging masturbation or other sex act in the presence of the psychologist;

(i) Masturbation or other sex act by the psychologist in the presence of the patient, client or key party;

(j) Suggesting or discussing the possibility of a dating, sexual or romantic relationship after the professional relationship ends;

(k) Terminating a professional relationship for the purpose of dating or pursuing a romantic or sexual relationship;

(l) Soliciting a date with a patient, client or key party;

(m) Discussing the sexual history, preferences or fantasies of the psychologist;

(n) Any behavior, gestures, or expressions that may reasonably be interpreted as seductive or sexual;

(o) Making statements regarding the patient, client or key party's body, appearance, sexual history, or sexual orientation other than for psychological service purposes;

(p) Sexually demeaning behavior including any verbal or physical contact which may reasonably be interpreted as demeaning, humiliating, embarrassing, threatening or harming a patient, client or key party;

(q) Photographing or filming the body or any body part or pose of a patient, client, or key party, other than for psychological service purposes; and

(r) Showing a patient, client or key party sexually explicit photographs, other than for psychological service purposes.

(3) Sexual misconduct also includes sexual contact with any person involving force, intimidation, or lack of consent; or a conviction of a sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.

(4) A psychologist shall not:

(a) Offer to provide psychological services in exchange for sexual favors;

(b) Use health care information to contact the patient, client or key party for the purpose of engaging in sexual misconduct;

(c) Use health care information or access to health care information to meet or attempt to meet the psychologist's sexual needs.

(5) After the termination of the psychology services, the psychologist shall not engage, or attempt to engage, in the activities listed in subsection (2) of this section with a patient or client for five years or with a key party for two years.

(6) A psychologist shall never engage, or attempt to engage, in sexual misconduct with a former client, patient or key party even after the period of time described in subsection (5) of this section if:

(a) There is a significant likelihood that the patient, client or key party will seek or require additional services from the psychologist; or

(b) There is an imbalance of power, influence, opportunity, and/or special knowledge of the professional relationship.

(7) When evaluating whether a psychologist is prohibited from engaging, or attempting to engage, in sexual misconduct, the board will consider factors, including but not limited to:

(a) Documentation of a formal termination and the circumstances of termination of the psychological services;

(b) Transfer of care to another health care provider;

(d) Amount of time that has passed since the last psychological services were provided to the patient or client;

(e) Communication between the psychologist and the patient or client between the last psychological services rendered and commencement of the personal relationship;

(f) Extent to which the patient's or client's personal or private information was shared with the psychologist;

(g) Nature of the patient's or client's mental health condition during and since the professional relationship; and

(h) The patient's or client's emotional dependence and vulnerability.

(8) Initiation or consent by patient, client or key party does not excuse or negate the psychologist's responsibility.

(9) These rules do not prohibit providing psychological services in case of emergency where the services cannot or will not be provided by another psychologist.

(10) Psychologists must not accept as therapy patients or clients persons with whom they have engaged in sexual contact or activity.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.050, and 18.130.062. WSR 16-08-044, § 246-924-358, filed 3/30/16, effective 4/30/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050 and 18.130.050. WSR 07-23-126, § 246-924-358, filed 11/21/07, effective 12/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-358, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-359

Client welfare.

(1) Providing explanation of procedures. The psychologist shall upon request give a truthful, understandable, and reasonably complete account of the client's condition to the client or to those responsible for the care of the client. The psychologist shall keep the client fully informed as to the purpose and nature of any evaluation, treatment, or other procedures, and of the client's right to freedom of choice regarding services provided subject to the exceptions contained in the Uniform Health Care Information Act, chapter 70.02 RCW.

(2) Termination of services. Whenever professional services are terminated, the psychologist shall offer to help locate alternative sources of professional services or assistance if necessary. Psychologists shall terminate a professional relationship when it would become clear to a reasonable, prudent psychologist that the client no longer needs the service, is not benefitting, or is being harmed by continued service.

(3) Stereotyping. In their work-related activities, psychologists do not engage in unfair discrimination based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.

(4) Solicitation of business by clients. The psychologist shall not request or induce any client, who is not an organization, to solicit business on behalf of the psychologist.

(5) Referrals on request. When making referrals the psychologist shall do so in the best interest of the client. The referral shall not be motivated primarily by financial gain.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-359, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-361

Exploiting supervisees and research subjects.

(1) Psychologists shall not exploit persons over whom they have supervisory, evaluative, or other authority such as students, supervisees, employees, research participants, clients, or patients.

(2) Psychologist shall not engage in sexual relationships with students or supervisees in training over whom the psychologist has evaluative or direct authority.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-361, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-363

Protecting confidentiality of clients.

(1) In general. The psychologist shall safeguard the confidential information obtained in the course of practice, teaching, research, or other professional duties. With the exceptions set forth below, the psychologist shall disclose confidential information to others only with the informed written consent of the client.

When a corporation or other organization is the client, rules of confidentiality apply to information pertaining to the organization, including personal information about individuals when obtained in the proper course of that contract. Such information about individuals is subject to confidential control of the organization, not of the individual, and can be made available to the organization, unless the information was obtained in a separate professional relationship with that individual.

(2) Disclosure without informed written consent. The psychologist may disclose confidential information without the informed written consent of the client only in compliance with the Uniform Health Care Information Act, chapter 70.02 RCW.

(3) Services involving more than one interested party. In a situation in which more than one party has a legally recognized interest in the professional services rendered by the psychologist to a recipient, the psychologist shall, to the extent possible, clarify to all parties, in writing, prior to rendering the services the dimensions of confidentiality and professional responsibility that shall pertain in the rendering of services. Such clarification is specifically indicated, among other circumstances, when the client is an organization.

(4) Legally dependent clients. At the beginning of a professional relationship, to the extent that the client can understand, the psychologist shall inform a client who is under the age of thirteen or who has a legal guardian of the limit the law imposes on the right of confidentiality with respect to his/her communications with the psychologist. For clients between the age of thirteen and eighteen, the psychologist shall clarify any limits to confidentiality between the minor and legal guardians at the outset of services. The psychologist will act in the minor's best interests in deciding whether to disclose confidential information to the legal guardians without the minor's consent.

(5) Limited access to client records. The psychologist shall limit access to client records and shall ensure that all persons working under his/her authority are familiar with the requirements for confidentiality of client material.

(6) When rendering psychological services as part of a team which includes nonhealth care professionals, if the psychologist shares confidential information about the client when so authorized by the client, the psychologist shall advise all persons receiving the information from the psychologist that the information should be maintained in a confidential manner.

(7) Reporting of abuse of children and vulnerable adults. The psychologist shall comply with chapter 26.44 RCW.

(8) Observation and electronic recording. The psychologist shall obtain documented informed consent of the client, guardian or agent for observed or electronically recorded sessions.

(9) Disguising confidential information. When case reports or other confidential information are used as the basis of teaching, research, or other published reports, the psychologist shall exercise reasonable care to insure that the reported material is appropriately disguised to prevent client identification.

(10) Confidentiality if client is deceased. The psychologist shall comply with the Uniform Health Care Information Act, chapter 70.02 RCW.

(11) Confidentiality after termination of professional relationship. The psychologist shall continue to treat information regarding a client as confidential after the professional relationship between the psychologist and the client has ceased.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-363, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-364

Fees.

(1) Disclosure of cost of services. The psychologist shall not mislead or withhold from the client, a prospective client, or third party payor, information about the cost of his/her professional services. A psychologist may participate in bartering only if:

(a) It is not clinically contraindicated; and

(b) The bartering relationship is not exploitive.

(2) Reasonableness of fee. The psychologist shall not exploit the client or responsible payor by charging a fee that is excessive for the services performed or by entering into an exploitive bartering arrangement in lieu of a fee.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-364, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-365

Assessment procedures.

(1) Communication of results. The psychologist shall accompany communication of assessment procedures and test results, including automated test results, with appropriate interpretive aids and explanations. Psychologists shall not rely exclusively on automated test results in performing assessments.

(2) Limitations regarding assessment results. When reporting of the results of an assessment procedure, the psychologist shall include any relevant reservations, qualifications or limitations which affect the validity, reliability, or other interpretation of results.

(3) Protection of integrity of assessment procedures. In publications, lectures, or public presentations, psychologists shall not reproduce or describe psychological tests or other devices in ways which might invalidate them.

(4) Psychologists shall maintain the integrity and security of tests and other assessment techniques consistent with contractual obligations and the law, including the Uniform Health Care Information Act, chapter 70.02 RCW.

(5) Advertising newly developed procedures. Information for professional users. The psychologist advertising for sale a newly developed assessment procedure or automated interpretation service to other professionals shall provide or make available a manual or other printed material which fully describes the development of the assessment procedure or service, the rationale, evidence of validity and reliability, and characteristics of the normative population. The psychologist shall explicitly state the purpose and application for which the procedure is recommended and identify special qualifications required to administer and interpret it properly. The psychologist shall ensure that the advertisements for the assessment procedure or interpretive service are factual and descriptive.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-365, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-366

Fraud, misrepresentation, or deception.

The psychologist shall not use fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in obtaining a psychology license, in passing a psychology licensing examination, in assisting another to obtain a psychology license, or to pass a psychology licensing examination, in billing clients or third party payors, in providing psychological service, in reporting the results of psychological evaluations or services, or in conducting any other activity related to the practice of psychology.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-366, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-367

Aiding illegal practice.

Delegating professional responsibility. The psychologist shall not delegate professional responsibilities to a person not qualified and/or not appropriately credentialed to provide such services.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5) and chapter 18.83 RCW. WSR 93-07-036 (Order 337B), § 246-924-367, filed 3/10/93, effective 4/10/93.]

PDF246-924-445

Parenting evaluations—Standards.

Psychologists may be called upon to evaluate members of a family to assist in determining an appropriate residential arrangement, parental duties, or parental relationship with respect to a minor child. These rules establish minimum standards for conducting parenting evaluations. The psychologist must perform the evaluation focusing on the best interest of the child. In the event that there is more than one child in the family, these rules apply to each child in the family.

(1) The psychologist shall assess relevant ethnic and cultural issues and shall consider the following factors:

(a) The relative strength, nature, and stability of the child's relationship with each parent;

(b) Which parent has taken greater responsibility for performing parenting functions relating to the daily needs of the child;

(d) The emotional needs and developmental level of the child.

(2) The psychologist may consider the following:

(a) Any voluntary agreements of the parties;

(b) The child's relationship with siblings and with other significant adults, as well as the child's involvement with his or her physical surroundings, school, or other significant activities;

(c) The wishes of the parents and the wishes of a child who is sufficiently mature to express reasoned and independent preferences as to his or her residential schedule; and

(d) Each parent's employment schedule.

(3) In conducting parenting evaluations, the psychologist shall not discriminate based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any basis prohibited by law.

(4) The psychologist may make recommendations regarding the primary residential parent, shared residential time, decision-making authority or other variables involving more than one of the parties. If recommendations are made, the parenting evaluation must include an assessment of each of the relevant parties being considered and their ability to function as a parent.

(5) In reaching a conclusion or making a recommendation, the psychologist shall consider the existence of limiting factors as outlined in RCW 26.09.191. The psychologist shall be familiar with or obtain consultation regarding the psychological aspects of child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, and family conflict. Recommendations and conclusions, if any, reached in an evaluation must be based on information from more than one source and must be supported by the data collected. Sources of information may include:

(a) Face-to-face interviews with the parties;

(b) Collateral contact interviews;

(d) A review of pleadings;

(e) Written input from collateral sources;

(f) Written documentation from the parties;

(g) Direct observation of the parties with their children;

(h) Psychological testing of the parties and/or their children;

(i) A review of relevant records (e.g., school or counseling records, child protective services records, substance abuse evaluations);

(j) Prior criminal convictions;

(k) Current involvement of law enforcement; and

(l) Face-to-face interviews with the children.

(6) If the psychologist uses psychological testing as part of the evaluation, the psychologist must interpret the test(s) consistent with current research or standards of practice.

(7) The psychologist shall not have provided therapeutic services to any party involved in the evaluation. Unless there are mitigating circumstances, the psychologist shall decline to perform a parenting evaluation. Providing service in a rural or underserved area with limited professional options is an example of a possible mitigating circumstance.

(8) The psychologist shall avoid multiple relationships when conducting parenting evaluations. If the previous or current relationship is substantially likely to impair objectivity, the psychologist shall decline the appointment or withdraw. The psychologist shall disclose multiple relationships to the parties or their legal representatives and document the disclosure in the client records.

(9) Relevant comments about a person not personally evaluated may be included if the report clearly identifies the source for the comment and states that the person to which the comment relates was not evaluated by the psychologist.

(10) Psychologists shall maintain a written record of the evaluation. At a minimum, the written record shall include the following:

(a) Court order or signed consent from all parties to conduct the evaluation;

(b) Written retainer agreement;

(d) Documentation of dates of service, nature of service and fee charged;

(e) A copy of the evaluation report; and

(f) The information and sources used for the evaluation.

(11) The psychologist shall disclose the following specific information to the parties in writing at the outset of the evaluation assignment. All requests for records must be processed in accordance with chapter 70.02 RCW.

(a) The entity or individual that has requested the evaluation if it is done at the request of a third party;

(b) The entity or individual that is responsible for the bill;

(d) The entity, agency or individual that will receive the results or the report;

(e) Limits on confidentiality; and

(f) General procedures to be followed.

(12) The psychologist shall make available upon request to the clients or their counsel:

(a) The documents the psychologist relied upon during the evaluation process;

(b) The identity of collateral contacts;

(d) If, however, the psychologist believes that release of information provided by the child, may be harmful to the child, the psychologist may withhold those notes unless directed to do otherwise by the court. The psychologist shall document the reasons for withholding the information in the file;

(e) Dates of evaluation procedures and charges;

(f) All correspondence associated with the case;

(g) The psychologist shall not provide raw test data including test questions, answer sheets, profile scores, computer generated interpretations, or copyrighted materials to nonpsychologists. The psychologist may provide this information to another psychologist or another individual who is qualified to interpret it, with proper authorization from the client or the client's attorney. Protected test materials and raw data may be provided as directed by the court.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 07-12-090, § 246-924-445, filed 6/6/07, effective 7/7/07.]

PDF246-924-467

Limited services related to parenting evaluations.

(1) A psychologist may perform limited evaluative services related to, but not intended to be, a full parenting evaluation. Examples of these services include:

(a) Evaluating the parenting ability of a party;

(b) Evaluating substance abuse status of a party;

(d) Performing a sexual deviance evaluation;

(e) Conducting a domestic violence assessment;

(f) Assessing allegations of sexual or physical abuse of a child; and

(g) Performing a vocational assessment of a party. The evaluator shall limit conclusions and recommendations to the scope of the requested assessment.

(2) With an appropriate authorization, a psychologist who has provided therapeutic services may provide information to the court or an evaluator regarding a client. Relevant information may include, but is not limited to:

(a) Diagnosis, clinical and personality assessment;

(b) Treatment plan, or prognosis.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 07-12-090, § 246-924-467, filed 6/6/07, effective 7/7/07.]

PDF246-924-470

Examination fees—Failure to appear at examination session.

Examination and examination administration fees shall be forfeited whenever a candidate fails to attend a scheduled examination session, except in the case of a bona fide emergency.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.250 and 18.83.050. WSR 96-08-007, § 246-924-470, filed 3/22/96, effective 4/22/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-470, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.070(3). WSR 85-06-043 (Order PL 521), § 308-122-710, filed 3/5/85.]

PDF246-924-475

Model procedural rules.

The examining board of psychology hereby adopts the model procedural rules for boards as filed by the department of health as chapter 246-11 WAC, including subsequent amendments.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050(5). WSR 93-16-027 (Order 382), § 246-924-475, filed 7/26/93, effective 8/26/93.]

TEMPORARY PERMIT AND OTHER LIMITED CREDENTIALS

PDF246-924-480

Temporary permits.

(1) Temporary permits are:

(a) Issued under RCW 18.83.082; and

(b) Valid for no more than 90 days within one calendar year from the date they are issued.

(2) If the board finds that another state's licensing requirements are deemed not equivalent because a stated requirement is omitted or deficient, the applicant is not eligible for the temporary permit unless the applicant demonstrates proof of graduation from an APA-, CPA-, or PCSAS-accredited doctoral program and successful completion of an APA-, APPIC-, or CPA-approved internship, which allows the board to deem the licensing requirements equivalent.

(3) There is no charge for a temporary permit.

(4) Candidates applying for a temporary permit must:

(a) Verify that they are credentialed to practice psychology in another state that has been deemed substantially equivalent by the board, or are a member of an organization listed in WAC 246-924-100(3); and

(b) Submit to the department a completed application on a form provided by the board.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.83 RCW, RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.800, 2023 c 425, and 2024 c 371. WSR 25-15-068, s 246-924-480, filed 7/14/25, effective 8/14/25. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 351, 2019 c 444 and RCW 18.83.050. WSR 20-12-076, § 246-924-480, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050 and 18.83.170. WSR 16-16-026, § 246-924-480, filed 7/22/16, effective 8/22/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050. WSR 08-09-100, § 246-924-480, filed 4/21/08, effective 5/22/08; WSR 91-04-020 (Order 117B), recodified as § 246-924-480, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91; WSR 88-09-029 (Order PM 722), § 308-122-720, filed 4/15/88.]

PDF246-924-483

How to obtain a temporary practice permit while the national background check is completed.

Fingerprint-based national background checks may cause a delay in licensing. Individuals who satisfy all other licensing requirements and qualifications may receive a temporary practice permit while the national background check is completed.

(1) A temporary practice permit may be issued to an applicant who:

(a) Holds an unrestricted, active license to practice psychology in another state that has substantially equivalent licensing standards to those in Washington state;

(b) Is not subject to denial of a license or issuance of a conditional or restricted license; and

(2) A temporary practice permit grants the individual the full scope of practice of psychology.

(3) A temporary practice permit will not be renewed, reissued, or extended. A temporary practice permit expires when any one of the following occurs:

(a) The license is granted;

(b) A notice of decision on application is mailed to the applicant, unless the notice of decision on the application specifically extends the duration of the temporary practice permit; or

(4) To receive a temporary practice permit, the applicant must:

(a) Submit the necessary application, fee(s), and documentation for the license.

(b) Meet all requirements and qualifications for the license, except the results from a fingerprint-based national background check, if required.

(c) Provide verification of having an active unrestricted license to practice psychology from another state that has substantially equivalent licensing standards as Washington state.

(d) Submit the fingerprint card and a written request for a temporary practice permit when the department notifies the applicant the national background check is required.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050, 18.130.064, and 18.130.075. WSR 10-16-114, § 246-924-483, filed 8/2/10, effective 9/2/10.]

PDF246-924-493

Probationary license.

(1) The department shall issue a probationary license to out-of-state applicants seeking licensure in Washington state as a psychologist according to the conditions and restrictions of the reciprocity program established in RCW 18.83.170 and this chapter.

(2) The out-of-state license must be from a state or territory identified on a list published by the department as eligible for reciprocity for the purposes of a probationary license for the practice of psychology.

(3) An initial probationary license is valid for one year. To receive an initial probationary license, an applicant must submit to the department a completed application to include:

(a) Verification of their out-of-state license;

(b) Proof of passing the jurisprudence exam according to WAC 246-924-070; and

(4) A probationary license may be renewed a single time and is valid for one year after the date of renewal. To renew a probationary license, an applicant must submit to the department a completed application to include:

(a) Completion of four hours of education in ethics according to WAC 246-924-240;

(b) Training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management according to WAC 246-924-990; and

(5) Continuing education. With the exception of the requirements in subsection (4) of this section, continuing education requirements will apply once a probationary licensee transitions to a full license.

(6) Supervised experience. If it is determined additional supervised experience is required for full licensure, the supervised experience hours must meet the requirements for postdoctoral supervised experience in WAC 246-924-059.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.050 and 2020 c 76. WSR 22-18-036, § 246-924-493, filed 8/29/22, effective 9/29/22. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 351, 2019 c 444 and RCW 18.83.050. WSR 20-12-076, § 246-924-493, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20.]

PDF246-924-500

Retired active credential.

A practitioner may obtain a retired active credential. Refer to the requirements of chapter 246-12 WAC, Part 5.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-924-500, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.250 and 18.83.050. WSR 96-08-007, § 246-924-500, filed 3/22/96, effective 4/22/96.]

PDF246-924-990

Psychology fees and renewal cycle.

(1) Except for a probationary license under WAC 246-924-493, licenses must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC.

(2) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged for a psychology license:

Title of Fee		Fee
Original application
	Application	$215.00
	UW online access fee (HEAL-WA)	16.00
Active license renewal
	Renewal	295.00
	UW online access fee (HEAL-WA)	16.00
	Late renewal penalty	150.00
	Expired license reissuance	150.00
Retired active license renewal
	Renewal	150.00
	Late renewal penalty	75.00
	UW online access fee (HEAL-WA)	16.00
Duplicate license		10.00
Verification of license		25.00

(3) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged for participation in the psychology interjurisdictional compact (Psypact) under chapter 18.83A RCW:

Title of Fee		Fee
	Application	$30.00
	Renewal	30.00

(4) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged for a psychological associate license:

Title of Fee		Fee
Original application
	Application	$95.00
	UW online access fee (HEAL-WA)	16.00
Active license renewal
	Renewal	95.00
	UW online access fee (HEAL-WA)	16.00
	Late renewal penalty	50.00
	Expired license reissuance	50.00
Duplicate license		10.00
Verification of license		25.00

(5) The following nonrefundable fees will be charged for a probationary license under WAC 246-924-493:

Title of Fee		Fee
Original application
	Application	$215.00
Active license renewal
	Renewal	215.00
	Late renewal penalty	110.00
	Expired license reissuance	110.00
Duplicate license		10.00
Verification of license		25.00

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.83.060, 18.83A.130, 43.70.250, and 43.70.280. WSR 25-12-013, s 246-924-990, filed 5/22/25, effective 10/1/25. Statutory Authority: 2019 c 444, 2019 c 446, 2019 c 351, and RCW 18.19.050, 18.205.060, 18.225.040, 43.70.110, and 43.70.250. WSR 20-12-074, § 246-924-990, filed 6/1/20, effective 7/2/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110 and 43.70.280. WSR 15-19-149, § 246-924-990, filed 9/22/15, effective 1/1/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110 (3)(c) and 43.70.250. WSR 12-19-088, § 246-924-990, filed 9/18/12, effective 11/1/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, and 2011 1st sp.s. c 50. WSR 11-20-092, § 246-924-990, filed 10/4/11, effective 12/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.110, 43.70.250, 2008 c 329. WSR 08-15-014, § 246-924-990, filed 7/7/08, effective 7/7/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250, [43.70.]280 and 43.70.110. WSR 05-12-012, § 246-924-990, filed 5/20/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250, 2001 2nd sp.s. c 7 and RCW 18.83.020. WSR 01-23-101, § 246-924-990, filed 11/21/01, effective 1/21/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 99-08-101, § 246-924-990, filed 4/6/99, effective 7/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-924-990, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 96-08-006, § 246-924-990, filed 3/22/96, effective 4/22/96; WSR 91-13-002 (Order 173), § 246-924-990, filed 6/6/91, effective 7/7/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-05-028 (Order 133), recodified as § 246-924-990, filed 2/12/91, effective 3/15/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.250. WSR 90-04-094 (Order 029), § 308-122-275, filed 2/7/90, effective 3/10/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.24.086. WSR 87-10-028 (Order PM 650), § 308-122-275, filed 5/1/87. Statutory Authority: 1983 c 168 § 12. WSR 83-17-031 (Order PL 442), § 308-122-275, filed 8/10/83. Formerly WAC 308-122-460.]