The bill proposes a legislative management study during the 2025-26 interim to assess the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of establishing a composite mental health licensing board in North Dakota. The study will evaluate various aspects, including the impact on licensing and regulation for mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and counselors. It will also consider the potential inclusion of peer support certification, the regulatory efficiencies from consolidating multiple licensing boards, and the fiscal implications of such a board, including administrative costs and operational efficiencies.

Additionally, the study will analyze how the creation of a composite board might affect licensing requirements, professional standards, and disciplinary processes, while also gathering perspectives from affected professionals and the public. It will explore the implications for the state's involvement in professional licensure compacts and the availability of qualified mental health professionals. Finally, the legislative management is tasked with reporting its findings and any necessary legislation to the seventieth legislative assembly.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12-60-24, 43-32-10, 43-32-16, 43-32-17, 43-32-26, 43-41-01, 43-41-02, 43-41-03, 43-41-04, 43-41-05.1, 43-41-07, 43-41-09, 43-41-11.1, 43-45-01, 43-45-04, 43-45-05.1, 43-45-05.2, 43-45-07.1, 43-45-07.2, 43-47-01, 43-47-03, 43-47-06, 43-47-06.1, 43-47-06.3, 43-47-07, 43-47-07.1, 43-47-09, 43-53-02, 43-53-03, 43-53-05, 43-53-06, 43-53-07, 43-53-12