The bill amends the Public Health Code to enhance the processes surrounding child abuse and neglect investigations and the practice of counseling. It replaces references to the "family independence agency" with the "department of health and human services" and mandates that caseworkers notify relevant licensees about the initiation of investigations while requesting pertinent medical records. The bill clarifies that certain privileges, such as physician-patient and psychologist-patient privileges, do not apply to the medical records released under this section and provides immunity from civil or administrative liability for individuals who, in good faith, provide access to these records.

Additionally, the bill revises the certification and relicensure process for licensed professional counselors, emphasizing the need for gender-neutral language and the requirement for individuals to demonstrate their qualifications to recognized certification bodies. It allows for the relicensure of individuals who obtained their degrees in counseling before specific dates, provided they meet certain experience and application criteria. The bill also ensures that communications between licensed counselors and clients remain privileged, with exceptions only as required by law, and mandates verification of any disciplinary proceedings from other states for applicants seeking relicensure. Overall, these amendments aim to improve clarity and effectiveness in addressing child welfare and counseling practices.