SB 4013

Abstract

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Repeals the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act on January 1, 2028 (instead of January 1, 2023). Amends the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act. Defines "email address of record". Provides that the definition of "clinical supervision" includes face-to-face video if the session is synchronous and involves verbal and visual interaction during supervision. Provides that licensees shall provide a valid email address to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and inform the Department of any change of email address. Removes a provision that provides that nothing in the Act shall be construed to limit licensed professional counselors from providing social services that do not fall within the definition of professional counseling. Provides that no person shall, without a valid license, hold one's self out to the public as a professional counselor by using the credential "L.P.C.". Removes a provision that the Department may maintain names and addresses of all licenses and all persons whose licenses have been suspended, revoked, or denied renewal for cause within the previous calendar year. Provides that the Professional Counselor Licensing and Disciplinary Board shall consist of 7 persons, one (instead of 2) of whom is licensed solely as a professional counselor and 4 (instead of 3) of whom are licensed solely as clinical professional counselors. Removes a provision that provides for an exception for an applicant who applied for licensure before a specified date where an approved baccalaureate program in human services approved by the Department and 5 years of supervised experience would count as a qualification for licensure. Provides that if the Department finds an individual unable to practice because of a substance-related violation, the Department may require that individual to submit to a substance abuse evaluation or treatment by programs approved by the Department as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, restored, or renewed licensure to practice. Makes other changes. Provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act are effective immediately.