Unfortunately, this workshop is now sold out. 

REGISTER FOR UPCOMING ZOOM SESSIONS: There are also upcoming Zoom sessions that cover the same material as this in-person workshop.

Please register for one or more of the workshops below:

• The next 2-hour section on the new Professional Roles & Boundaries requirement, which is not sold out, is scheduled for Thursday, February 5th, 2026 (the November 2025 one is now sold out). MORE INFO & REGISTER HERE>>>
• The next 3-hour workshop on Clinical Documentation Considerations of Changing Federal and State Laws is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026. MORE INFO & REGISTER HERE>>>
• The next 3-hour section on the new confidentiality laws is scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026. MORE INFO & REGISTER HERE>>>

BRAND-NEW – A MUST-TAKE ETHICS WORKSHOP

An In-Person Training with Eric Strom: Stay Current on NEW Legal and Ethical Responsibilities:

• New Confidentiality Rules for LMFTs, LMHCs, LiCSWs as of 7/27/25

• New WA CE requirement as of October 2025: Relationships, Professional Roles, & Boundaries

• New and Changing Laws to Consider When Working Across State Lines

Presented by: Eric Ström, PhD, Attorney at Law, LMHC

When: Friday, October 24th, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Pacific Time

Where: Live in person at the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center (200 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110)

Continuing Education Credit Hours: 6 Law & Ethics CEs, 2 count as Professional Roles & Boundaries CEs | $229.00

Schedule for the day:

• 9:30 AM – 12:45 PM (with a 15-minute break from 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM): Washington Confidentiality Law Update
• 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM: 1-hour lunch break
• 1:45 PM – 3:45 PM: Law & Ethics of Relationships, Professional Roles, and Boundaries in the Clinical Setting
• 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM: 15-minute break
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Navigating Diverging State Laws

Morning Session (9:30 AM – 12:45 PM – includes 15-minute break): Washington Confidentiality Law Update 

As of July 27th, 2025, the legal framework for confidentiality in behavioral health practice has undergone a significant shift in Washington State. Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Social Workers are now subject to the standards of RCW 70.02—Washington’s Uniform Health Care Information Act—through its incorporation into RCW 18.225.105.  Participants will examine how the newly aligned laws alter confidentiality obligations, reshape definitions of protected information, and introduce updated rules around disclosures, client rights, and documentation practices.  Through step-by-step analysis, practical examples, and discussion, this 3-hour workshop will equip attendees to confidently navigate the new legal landscape while upholding core ethical principles.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Identify the sources of legal standards relating to confidentiality;
• Understand the relationship between Washington State statutes and federal regulations with respect to client confidentiality;
• Describe when disclosure of client information is required;
• Describe when disclosure of client information is allowed.

Lunch Break (12:45 PM – 1:45 PM)

Afternoon Session 1 (1:45 PM – 3:45 PM): Law & Ethics of Relationships, Professional Roles, and Boundaries in the Clinical Setting

Boundary violations are among the most common reasons for professional discipline of behavioral health clinicians. Dual relationships—both intentional and unintentional—can arise in many forms and often present ethical, clinical, and legal challenges.

In recognition of this significant cause of misconduct, as of October 2025, the Washington Department of Health has implemented a new requirement for two hours of continuing education in “Professional Roles and Boundaries” every two years (the new Washington State continuing education requirements according to WAC 246-809-630 can be found here).

In this two-hour section, we will examine Washington State laws and professional ethical standards regarding personal and dual relationships with clients. Drawing from recent Washington Department of Health disciplinary decisions, participants will engage with real-world case studies that illustrate common risk areas. The workshop will also offer practical strategies for establishing and maintaining appropriate clinical boundaries in everyday practice.

This course is designed to meet the Washington State Department of Health’s requirement for continuing education in Professional Roles and Boundaries according to WAC 246-809-630.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Apply Washington legal guidelines regarding dual relationships;
• Apply ethical standards concerning dual relationships with clients;
• Recognize risk factors that may contribute to boundary crossings or violations; and
• Create and evaluate strategies to maintain appropriate and ethical clinical relationships.

Afternoon Break (3:45 PM – 4:00 PM)

Afternoon Session 2 (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Navigating Diverging State Laws

Recent changes to US federal law and policy have given states more leeway to regulate in vastly different ways. These changing laws may impact clients and clinicians in a variety of ways – particularly when telehealth is delivered across state lines. Through a discussion of a range of various state laws, we will identify the impacts this current regulatory situation has on clinical documentation, on our exposure to liability, and to protection of marginalized populations when delivering clinical services.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Describe the regulatory impact of providing clinical service across state lines.
• Identify some other states’ laws that may impact us as Washington-based clinicians and clients.
• Understand Washington’s new Protected Health Care Statutes.
• Create strategies to appropriately conduct and document clinical services while protecting clients and ourselves.