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CS/HB 373 — Mental Health Counseling Interns
by Health Quality Subcommittee; Rep. Burgess and others (SB 858 by Senator Legg)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)
The bill requires that a clinical social work, marriage and family, or mental health counseling intern practice under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or mental health counselor, as applicable, at all times. It clarifies that an intern may only practice if the supervising or another licensed mental health professional is onsite.
The bill limits the duration of a registered internship to five years, with a grandfathering provision for licenses issued before April 1, 2017. These intern registrations expire March 31, 2022, and may not be renewed or reissued. The internship may only be renewed if the registration is issued after April 1, 2017, and the intern has passed the theory and practice examination required for full licensure. The bill prohibits a person who has held a provisional license from applying for an intern registration in the same profession.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2016.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 118-0