This bill mandates 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, as well as the potential addition of peer support certification. It will also analyze regulatory efficiencies from consolidating multiple independent boards, the fiscal implications of such a board, and the effects on licensing requirements and professional standards.

Additionally, the study will consider the perspectives of affected professionals and the public, the influence on multistate practice agreements, and the potential impact on the availability of qualified mental health professionals and public access to care. The legislative management is required to report its findings and recommendations, along with 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