Bill Summary for H 678 (2019-2020)

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Summary date: 

Apr 10 2019

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2019-2020 Session
House Bill 678 (Public) Filed Wednesday, April 10, 2019
AN ACT TO AMEND THE LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS ACT; TO UPDATE AND REVISE THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ACT; AND TO AMEND THE SOCIAL WORKER CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE ACT.
Intro. by Potts, Dobson, Lambeth.

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Bill summary

Identical to S 300, filed 3/19/19.

Amends Article 24, GS Chapter 90 to change the terminology used to now reference "clinical mental health counselors" rather than "professional counselors" throughout the statute.

Renames the NC Board of Licensed Professional Counselors as the NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (Board). Amends GS 90-334 to require the Board to establish a program for licensees who may be experiencing substance use disorders, burnout, compassion fatigue, and other mental health concerns. Authorizes the Board to enter into agreements with existing professional health care programs, and to refer any licensee to the program as part of the disciplinary process. Further authorizes the Board to adopt rules to implement the program.

Amends GS 90-337 to authorize the Board to enter into reciprocity agreements with another state that has requirements for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor that are substantially similar to or that exceed requirements established by Article 24.

Makes conforming repeal of GS 90-338.

Makes further technical and conforming changes to specified statutes in GS Chapters 8, 48, 55B, 58, 90, 122C, and 143B.

Authorizes the Codifier of Rules to make any conforming rule changes necessary to conform to the act.

Effective January 1, 2020.