This bill enacts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact in Washington State.

Provides for Washington State to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist compact.

Concerning the licensure and employment of out-of-state teachers; adopts the interstate teacher mobility compact.

This legislation enters Washington State into the Counseling Compact.

This legislation enters Washington State into the Nurse Licensure Compact.

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) is an interstate compact, or a formal agreement among states, to facilitate interstate practice of occupational therapy. Under the OT Compact, Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) who are licensed in good standing in a Compact member state may practice in other Compact member states via a “compact privilege,” which is equivalent to a license. The OT Compact establishes a licensure data system allowing for instantaneous verification of licensure information. The Compact also establishes an interstate commission, composed of member state officials, to carry out the Compact’s purposes.

Washington enacts and formally joins the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (Compact), allowing physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in other Compact states to practice in Washington and allowing physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in Washington to practice in other Compact states. The practice of physical therapy occurs in the state where the patient is located at the time of the encounter.

The Physician Assistant Compact is established, allowing licensed physician assistants to practice across state lines in Compact states under a Compact privilege.

Adopts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow professionals who are licensed in a compact state to provide psychological services through the use of telecommunication technologies and temporary in-person practice.

The Social Work Licensure Compact is established, which allows licensed social workers to practice across state lines in Compact states under a Compact privilege.

This legislation establishes that a school district has the burden of proof, including the burden of persuasion and production, whenever it is a party to a due process hearing. The statute is applicable to hearings regarding the identification, evaluation, reevaluation, classification, educational placement, disciplinary action, or provision of a free appropriate public education for a student with a disability. The burden of proof must be met by a preponderance of the evidence.

This legislation clarifies the special proceedings and statutory provisions governing civil protection hearings. Washington State established provisions allow hearings to be conducted remotely, including by telephone, video, or other electronic means. Procedures for conducting remote hearings are provided, including requirements for resetting a hearing where a party is unable to appear remotely due to technological issues.

The military spouse liaison position is established in Washington State to (1) conduct outreach and advocacy for military spouses; (2) provide assistance and information on professional licenses, credentials, and employment; (3) conduct research and create informational materials; (4) examine barriers and provide recommendations to help access child care; (5) coordinate with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to develop child care resources; and (6) coordinate with the Employment Security Department to develop a common form to help find meaningful employment.

The military spouse liaison position is established in Washington State to (1) conduct outreach and advocacy for military spouses; (2) provide assistance and information on professional licenses, credentials, and employment; (3) conduct research and create informational materials; (4) examine barriers and provide recommendations to help access child care; (5) coordinate with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to develop child care resources; and (6) coordinate with the Employment Security Department to develop a common form to help find meaningful employment.