HB0301 Treadway, Joseph L

P R E F I L E D

HB 301 -- Marital and Family Therapists

This bill establishes licensure for marital and family therapists with the Division of Professional Registration in the Department of Economic Development. The bill creates the Committee on Marital and Family Therapists. No one is permitted to use the name or title of marital or family therapist without being duly licensed by the committee. Applicants must have a master's or doctoral degree or an equivalent degree as defined by the board, two years of post graduate clinical experience, and pass a written or oral examination administered by the committee.

The committee has the right to deny, revoke or suspend a certificate on the grounds of a conviction of certain crimes, violations of ethical standards or fraud.

The bill contains provisions regarding confidentiality between therapists and clients and specifies when confidential information can be disclosed.

This bill does not mandate or prohibit third party reimbursement, does not affect marital or family therapy offered by agencies or corporations, and does not require agencies or corporations to employ licensed therapists.

Violation of this act is a class B misdemeanor.