The bill HB2509 requires the State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to issue a temporary license to recent graduates who have completed a course of study in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or substance abuse counseling from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and are in the process of applying for an associate level license. The temporary license is valid for 90 days post-graduation and allows the licensee to work under the supervision of a qualified individual who provided direct supervision during their course of study or internship.

The new bill language specifies that the temporary licensure period can be used by the licensee to accumulate direct client contact work experience, which can be applied towards the work experience requirements for full licensure. This provision is an addition to the current law, which does not provide for temporary licensure or the ability to count work experience obtained during this period towards licensure requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 32-3279
House Engrossed Version: 32-3279