Revised Code of Washington (RCW)

A statute or Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is written by the Washington State Legislature. Once legislation is signed by the Governor, it becomes law.

The site for RCWs is a searchable database on the Internet. You can also access the State Government Web Site at http://slc.leg.wa.gov. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of any RCW, you may contact your local public library or the Washington State Office of the Code Reviser at (360) 786-6777.

The RCW that relates to Counselors is RCW Chapter RCW 18.19

Other relevant RCWs are: 

RCW 18.130 Regulation of Health Professions Uniform Disciplinary Act

RCW 26.44.030 Abuse of Children and Adult Dependent Persons

RCW 34.05 Administrative Procedures Act 

RCW 42.17 Public Disclosure 

RCW 70.02 Medical Records-Health Care Information Access and  Disclosure

RCW 74.34 Abuse of Vulnerable Adults

Washington Administrative Code (WAC)

A rule or Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is written to provide interpretive support for the individuals or entities to whom the rule applies. Department of Health rules are written and adopted by a Board or Commission or the Secretary of the Department of Health. Rules or WACs carry the full force of the law.

WACs are available on the State Government Web Site at http://slc.leg.wa.gov or you may contact your local public library or the Washington State Office of the Code Reviser at (360) 786-6777. 

The WACs that relate to:

WAC 246-12 Administrative Procedures and Requirements for Credentialed Health Care Providers

WAC 246-15 Whistleblower Complaints in Health Care Settings

WAC 246-810 Counselors