(1) A licensed counselor must, at least once every six years, complete training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management.

(2) A licensed counselor must complete training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. The training must be provided by a single provider and must be at least six hours in length, which may be provided in one or more sessions.

(a) Until July 1, 2017, the training must be approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national, international organizations or institutions of higher learning listed in WAC 246-809-620 or an equivalent organization, educational institution or association which approves training based on observation and experience or best available practices;

(b) Beginning July 1, 2017, the training must be on the department's model list of training programs in suicide assessment, treatment and management. The model list is developed in accordance with rules adopted by the department that establish minimum standards for training programs. The establishment of the model list does not affect the validity of training completed prior to July 1, 2017;

(c) An associate applying for initial licensure may delay completion of the first training required by this section for six years after initial licensure if he or she can demonstrate successful completion of the training required in (a) or (b) of this subsection no more than six years prior to the application for initial licensure;

(d) A licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor, licensed social worker, or licensed social worker associate who is a state or local government employee is exempt from the requirements of this section if he or she receives a total of at least six hours of training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management from his or her employer every six years. For purposes of this subsection, the training may be provided in one six-hour block or may be spread among shorter training sessions at the employer's discretion; and

(e) A licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor, licensed social worker, or licensed social worker associate who is an employee of a licensed or certified behavioral health agency licensed under chapter 71.05 or 71.24 RCW is exempt from the requirements of this section if he or she receives a total of at least six hours of training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management from his or her employer every six years. For purposes of this subsection, the training may be provided in one six-hour block or may be spread among shorter training sessions at the employer's discretion.

(3) Beginning July 1, 2021, a licensed counselor's second training must include advanced training or training in treatment modalities shown to be effective in working with people who are suicidal. The training required by this subsection must be on the department's model list.

(a) If a licensed counselor has already completed the counselor's second training prior to July 1, 2021, the counselor's next training must comply with this subsection.

(b) The requirements listed in this subsection do not apply if the licensee demonstrates that the training required is not reasonably available.