Washington Administrative Code
Title 246 - Health, Department of
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND LICENSING
Chapter 246-924 - Psychologists
Section 246-924-030 - Guidelines for the employment and/or supervision of auxiliary 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 auxiliary staff. The supervisor may not be employed by the auxiliary staff.

(2) Qualifications of the auxiliary 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 his/her title.

(3) Responsibilities of the supervisor: The supervisor accepts full legal and professional responsibility for all services that may be rendered by the auxiliary staff. To this end, the supervisor shall have sufficient knowledge of all clients, including face-to-face 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 auxiliary 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 auxiliary 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 auxiliary staff: Procedures to be carried out by the auxiliary staff shall be planned in consultation with the supervisor. Clients of the auxiliary staff shall be informed as to his/her status and shall be given specific information as to his/her 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 auxiliary staff person's or the supervisor's request. Written reports and communications shall be countersigned by the supervisor.