The bill seeks to update the licensure requirements for psychologists, professional counselors, clinical social workers, and marital and family therapists in Missouri by repealing several existing sections of law and enacting eight new sections. A key feature of the bill is the introduction of a mandatory three semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework in domestic violence for initial licensure across these professions. This requirement aims to ensure that all new mental health professionals possess a foundational understanding of domestic violence issues. Additionally, the bill establishes the State Committee of Psychologists, which will oversee the licensure process and enforce new educational standards, including the domestic violence coursework. Moreover, the bill introduces new continuing education requirements, mandating that licensed psychologists, counselors, and therapists complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education every two years, with specific hours dedicated to professional ethics and domestic violence. It also includes provisions for military spouses, allowing for waivers of certain licensure requirements under specific conditions. The bill streamlines the licensure process by removing previous requirements related to knowledge of professional affairs and ethics for marital and family therapists, while still emphasizing the importance of ongoing education in suicide assessment and domestic violence. The committee is granted the authority to waive educational requirements in certain circumstances, further enhancing flexibility in the licensure process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6738H.01): 337.021, 337.025, 337.050, 337.510, 337.615, 337.618, 337.715, 337.718