Amendment #2 to H4879

Creating an entry-level licensing program to allow applicants to practice under supervision prior to becoming a licensed mental health counselor

Mrs. LaNatra of Kingston moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

"Section XXXX. SECTION 1. Section 163 of said chapter 112, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Licensed mental health counselor,” the following definition:-

“Licensed supervised mental health counselor”, a person licensed or eligible for license under section 165.

SECTION 2. Section 164 of said chapter 112, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “consultant”, in line 7, the following words:- or licensed supervised mental health counselor, advisor or consultant.

SECTION 3. Section 165 of said chapter 112, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “health”, in line 16, the following words:- or the department of public health.

SECTION 4. Said section 165 of said chapter 112, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by adding the following 3 paragraphs:-

The board may issue a license to an applicant as a supervised mental health counselor; provided, however, that each applicant, in addition to complying with clauses (1) and (2) of the first paragraph, shall provide satisfactory evidence to the board that the applicant: (i) demonstrates to the board the successful completion of a master’s degree in a relevant field from an educational institution licensed by the state in which it is located and meets national standards for granting of a master’s degree with a sub-specialization in counseling, or a relevant sub-specialization approved by the board; and (ii) has successfully passed a board-approved examination.

A supervised mental health counselor shall practice under supervision of a clinician in a clinic or hospital licensed by the department of mental health or the department of public health or accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals or in an equivalent center or institute or under the direction of a supervisor approved by the board.

The board shall promulgate rules and regulations specifying the required qualifications of the supervising clinician.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #2 to H4879

Creating an entry-level licensing program to allow applicants to practice under supervision prior to becoming a licensed mental health counselor