SCS/SB 817 - This act regulates the licensure and registration of marital and family therapists and counselors. The act creates the Board of Counselors and Therapists, which shall consist of nine members to be appointed by the Governor. The act abolishes the State Committee of Marital and Family Therapists and the Committee for Professional Counselors and merges their duties into the Board of Counselors and Therapists. Communications made to licensed professional counselors and licensed marital and family therapists shall be considered privileged. The Board shall have the authority to issue subpoenas and require production of documents and records. The act sets forth educational and examination requirements to be licensed as a marital and family therapist or a professional counselor. The Board may issue temporary permits for extenuating circumstances. Anyone violating the provisions of Sections 337.400 to 337.430 and Sections 337.505 to 337.540 will be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. This act is similar to SB 523 (2003). JIM ERTLE