House Bill 361 amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning mental health professionals, specifically redefining the status of individuals in training by changing the term "registered interns" to "registered associates" for clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling. The bill revises definitions in section 491.003 to reflect this change and removes the requirement for a licensed mental health professional to be present on the premises when registered associates provide clinical services in a private practice setting. Additionally, it updates the registration requirements for associates, mandating that they must register before starting their post-master's experience or any practicum, internship, or field experience, while clarifying that they must remain under supervision during practice.

The bill also modifies the terminology for individuals in training, changing "intern" to "associate intern" in various instances, including licensure requirements and professional titles. It further specifies that registered associate interns must display their valid registration at their practice locations and include their titles in promotional materials to ensure clarity regarding their qualifications. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes conforming amendments to maintain consistency with these changes, ultimately aiming to streamline the licensure process for mental health professionals.

Statutes affected:
H 361 Filed: 491.014, 491.0149