Introduced Version
House Bill 2532 History
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H. B. 2532
(By Delegates Morgan, Stephens,
Martin and Swartzmiller)
[Introduced February 17, 2009; referred to the
Committee on Government Organization then the Judiciary.]
A BILL to repeal §30-31-7a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as
amended; to amend and reenact §30-31-1, §30-31-2, §30-31-3,
§30-31-4, §30-31-5, §30-31-6, §30-31-7, §30-31-8, §30-31-9,
§30-31-10, §30-31-11, §30-31-12, §30-31-13, §30-31-14 and
§30-31-15; and to amend said code by adding thereto two new
sections, designated §30-31-16 and §30-31-17, all relating to
updating the regulation of the practice of counseling and
marriage and family therapy; definitions; board composition;
powers and duties of the board; clarifying rule-making
authority; license requirements; renewal requirements;
exemptions; hearing and notice requirements; providing a civil
cause of action and criminal penalties.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That §30-31-7a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be repealed; that §30-31-1, §30-31-2, §30-31-3, §30-31-4, §30-31-5,
§30-31-6, §30-31-7, §30-31-8, §30-31-9, §30-31-10, §30-31-11,
§30-31-12, §30-31-13, §30-31-14 and §30-31-15, as amended, be
amended and reenacted; and to amend said code by adding thereto two
new sections, designated §30-31-16 and §30-31-17, all to read as
follows:
ARTICLE 31. COUNSELORS.
§30-31-1. License required.
It is unlawful for any person to practice or offer to practice
professional counseling or marriage and family therapy in this
state without being licensed under the provisions of this article,
or advertise or use any title or description tending to convey the
impression that the person is a licensed professional counselor or
licensed marriage and family therapist unless the person has been
authorized under the provisions of this article, and the license
has not expired, been suspended, revoked or exempted as provided
for in section eleven on this article.
§30-31-2. Applicable law.
The practice of professional counseling and marriage and
family therapy and the Board of Examiners of Counseling are subject
to the provisions of article one of this chapter, the provisions of
this article and the board's rules.
§30-31-3. Definitions.
As used in this article:
(a) "Applicant" means any person making an application for an
original or renewal license under the provisions of this article;
(b) "Board" means the West Virginia Board of Examiners in
Counseling established by prior enactments of this article;
(c) "Clinical counseling procedures" means an approach to
counseling that emphasizes the counselor's role in systematically
assisting clients through all of the following including, but are
not limited to, observing, assessing and analyzing background and
current information; utilizing assessment techniques useful in
appraising aptitudes, abilities, achievements, interests or
attitudes; diagnosing; and developing a treatment plan. The goal
of these procedures is the prevention or elimination of
symptomatic, maladaptive, or undesired behavior, cognitions, or
emotions in order to integrate a wellness, preventative, pathology
and multicultural model of human behavior to assist an individual,
couple, family, group of individuals, organization, institution or
community to achieve mental, emotional, physical, social, moral,
educational, spiritual, vocational or career development and
adjustment through the life span of the individual, couple, family,
group of individuals, organization, institution or community.
(d) "Licensed professional counselor" means a person licensed
under this article to practice professional counseling;
(e) "Licensee" means a licensed professional counselor and a
licensed marriage and family therapist.
(f) "Licensed marriage and family therapist" means a person
licensed under the provisions of this article to practice marriage
and family therapy.
(g) "Marriage and family therapy" means the diagnosis and
treatment of mental and emotional disorders whether cognitive,
affective or behavioral, specifically within the context of
marriage and family systems, that involve the professional
application of theories and techniques to individuals, couples and
families, singly or in groups.
(h) "Professional counseling" means the assessment, diagnosis,
treatment and prevention of mental, emotional or addiction
disorders through the application of clinical counseling
procedures. Professional counseling includes the use of
psychotherapy, assessment instruments, counseling, consultation,
treatment planning, and supervision in the delivery of services to
individuals, couples, families and groups.
§30-31-4. Board of Examiners in Counseling.
(a) The West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling is
continued, consisting of the following seven members:
(1) Two licensed professional counselors engaged in the
teaching of counseling at an accredited institution of higher education;
(2) Three licensed professional counselors;
(3) One licensed marriage and family therapist and;
(4) One citizen, who is not licensed under the provisions of
this article and who does not perform any services related to the
practice of the professions regulated under the provisions of this
article.
(b) Each member shall be appointed by the Governor with the
advice and consent of the Senate.
(c) The Governor shall stagger the terms of office in
accordance with the initial appointments under prior enactments of
this article.
(d) Each member shall be appointed for a term of five years
and may not serve more than two consecutive full terms. A member
having served two consecutive full terms may not be appointed for
one year after completion of his or her second full term. A member
may continue to serve until a successor has been appointed and has
qualified. Any member serving on the board on the effective date
of this article may be reappointed in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
(e) Each member of the board shall be a resident of West
Virginia during the appointment term.
(f) Each licensed member shall maintain an active license with the board.
(g) The initial licensed marriage and family therapist member
must qualify for licensure under the provisions of section nine of
this article.
(h) The Governor shall select the marriage and family
therapist member from a list of three nominees submitted by The
West Virginia Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. The
association shall consult with the board before submitting the
names to the Governor.
(i) A vacancy on the board shall be filled by appointment by
the Governor for the unexpired term of the member whose office is
vacant.
(j) The Governor may remove any member from the board for
neglect of duty, incompetency or official misconduct.
(k) A member of the board immediately and automatically
forfeits membership to the board if his or her license to practice
has been suspended or revoked. A member of the board immediately
and automatically forfeits membership to the board if he or she is
convicted of a felony under the laws of any jurisdiction, or
becomes a nonresident of this state.
(l) The board shall elect one of its members as chairperson
who shall serve at the will of the board.
(m) Each member of the board is entitled to receive compensation and expense reimbursement in accordance with article
one of this chapter.
(n) A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a
quorum.
(o) The board shall hold at least two annual meetings. Other
meetings shall be held at the call of the chairperson or upon the
written request of two members, at such time and place as
designated in the call or request.
(p) Prior to commencing his or her duties as a member of the
board, each member shall take and subscribe to the oath required by
section five, article four of the Constitution of this state.
§30-31-5. Powers and duties of the board.
(a) The board has all the powers and duties set forth in this
article, by rule, in article one of this chapter and elsewhere in
law.
(b) The board shall:
(1) Hold meetings, conduct hearings and administer
examinations;
(2) Establish requirements for a license;
(3) Establish procedures for submitting, approving and
rejecting applications for a license;
(4) Determine the qualifications of any applicant for a
license;
(5) Prepare, conduct, administer and grade written, oral or
written and oral examinations for a license;
(6) Determine the passing grade for the examinations;
(7) Maintain records of the examinations the board or a third
party administers, including the number of persons taking the
examination and the pass and fail rate;
(8) Maintain an office, and hire, discharge, establish the job
requirements and fix the compensation of employees and contracted
employees necessary to enforce the provisions of this article;
(9) Investigate alleged violations of the provisions of this
article, legislative rules, orders and final decisions of the
board;
(10) Conduct disciplinary hearings of persons regulated by the
board;
(11) Determine disciplinary action and issue orders;
(12) Institute appropriate legal action for the enforcement of
the provisions of this article;
(13) Maintain an accurate registry of names and addresses of
all persons regulated by the board;
(14) Keep accurate and complete records of its proceedings,
and certify the same as may be necessary and appropriate;
(15) Establish, by legislative rule, the continuing education
requirements for licensees; and
(16) Propose rules in accordance with the provisions of
article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code to implement the
provisions of this article.
(c) The board may:
(1) Contract with third parties to administer the examinations
required under the provisions of this article;
(2) Define, by legislative rule, the fees charged under the
provisions of this article;
(3) Issue, renew, deny, suspend, revoke or reinstate a
license;
(4) Sue and be sued in its official name as an agency of this
state;
(5) Confer with the Attorney General or his or her assistant
in connection with legal matters and questions; and
(6) Take all other actions necessary and proper to effectuate
the purposes of this article.
§30-31-6. Rulemaking.
(a) The board shall propose rules for legislative approval, in
accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter
twenty-nine-a of this code, to implement the provisions of this
article, including:
(1) Standards and requirements for licenses to practice
professional counseling and marriage and family therapy;
(2) Procedures for examinations and reexaminations;
(3) Requirements for third parties to prepare and/or
administer examinations and reexaminations;
(4) Educational and experience requirements, and the passing
grade on the examination;
(5) Standards for approval of courses;
(6) Procedures for the issuance and renewal of a license,
permit or certificate;
(7) A fee schedule;
(8) Continuing education requirements for licensees;
(9) The procedures for denying, suspending, revoking,
reinstating or limiting the practice of a licensee;
(10) Requirements to reinstate a revoked license;
(11) Specific master's and doctoral degree programs considered
to be equivalent to a master's or doctoral degree program required
in section eight and section nine of this article;
(12) The nature of supervised professional experience approved
by the board for the purposes of licensure in section eight and
section nine of this article;
(13) A code of ethics; and
(14) Any other rules necessary to effectuate the provisions of
this article.
(b) All rules in effect on the effective date of this article shall remain in effect until they are amended or repealed, and
references to provisions of former enactments of this article are
interpreted to mean provisions of this article.
§30-31-7. Fees; special revenue account.
(a) All moneys paid to the board shall be accepted by a person
designated by the board and deposited by him or her with the
Treasurer of the state and credited to an account to be known as
the "Board of Examiners in Counseling Fund." The compensation and
expenses of members of the board and all other costs and expenses
incurred by the board in the administration of this article shall
be paid from the fund, and no part of the state's General Revenue
Fund may be expended for such purpose.
(b) Any amounts received as administrative fines imposed
pursuant to this article is deposited into the General Revenue Fund
of the State Treasury.
§30-31-8. Requirements for license to practice counseling.
(a) To be eligible for a license to practice professional
counseling, an applicant must:
(1) Be of good moral character;
(2) Be at least eighteen years of age;
(3) Be a citizen of the United States or be eligible for
employment in the United States;
(4)(A)(i) Have earned a master's degree in an accredited counseling program or in a field closely related to an accredited
counseling program as determined by the board, or have received
training equivalent to such degree as may be determined by the
board; and
(ii) Have at least two years of supervised professional
experience in counseling of such a nature as is designated by the
board after earning a master's degree or equivalent; or
(B)(i) Have earned a doctorate degree in an accredited
counseling program or in a field closely related to an accredited
counseling program as determined by the board, or have received
training equivalent to such degree as may be determined by the
board; and
(ii) Have at least one year of supervised professional
experience in counseling of such a nature as is designated by the
board after earning a doctorate degree or equivalent; and
(5) Have passed a standardized national certification
examination in counseling approved by the board.
(6) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony or crime
involving moral turpitude under the laws of any jurisdiction:
(A) If the applicant has never been convicted of a felony or
a crime involving moral turpitude, the applicant shall submit
letters of recommendation from three persons not related to the
applicant and a sworn statement from the applicant stating that he or she has never been convicted of a felony or a crime involving
moral turpitude; or
(B) If the applicant has been convicted of a felony or a crime
involving moral turpitude, it is a rebuttable presumption that the
applicant is unfit for licensure unless he or she submits competent
evidence of sufficient rehabilitation and present fitness to
perform the duties of a licensed professional counselor as may be
established by the production of:
(i) Documentary evidence including a copy of the relevant
release or discharge order, evidence showing compliance with all
conditions of probation or parole, evidence showing that at least
one year has elapsed since release or discharge without subsequent
conviction, and letters of reference from three persons who have
been in contact with the applicant since his or her release or
discharge; and
(ii) Any collateral evidence and testimony as may be requested
by the board which shows the nature and seriousness of the crime,
the circumstances relative to the crime or crimes committed and any
mitigating circumstances or social conditions surrounding the crime
or crimes and any other evidence necessary for the board to judge
present fitness for licensure or whether licensure will enhance the
likelihood that the applicant will commit the same or similar
offenses;
(7) Not be an alcohol or drug abuser as these terms are
defined in section eleven, article one-a, chapter twenty-seven of
this code: Provided, That an applicant who has had at least two
continuous years of uninterrupted sobriety in an active recovery
process, which may, in the discretion of the board, be evidenced by
participation in a twelve-step program or other similar group or
process, may be considered;
(b) Any person who holds a license to engage in the practice
of counseling issued by any other state, the qualifications for
which license or other authorization are determined by the board to
be at least as great as those provided in this article, is eligible
for licensure.
(c) A person seeking licensure under the provisions of this
section shall submit an application on a form prescribed by the
board and pay all applicable fees.
(d) Any person who has been continually licensed under this
article since 1987, pursuant to prior enactments permitting waiver
of certain examination and other requirements, is eligible for
renewal of licensure.
(e) A license to practice professional counseling issued by
the board prior to July 1, 2009, shall for all purposes be
considered a license issued under this article and may be renewed
under this article.
§30-31-9. Requirements for a license to practice marriage and
family therapy.
(a) To be eligible for a license to engage in the practice of
marriage and family therapy, an applicant must:
(1) Be of good moral character;
(2) Be at least eighteen years of age;
(3) Be a citizen of the United States or be eligible for
employment in the United States;
(4) (A) (i) Have earned a master's in marriage and family
therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, Council
for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs or
a comparable accrediting body as approved by the board or in a
field closely related to an accredited marriage and family therapy
program as determined by the board, or have received training
equivalent to such degree as may be determined by the board; and
(ii) Have at least two years of supervised professional
experience in marriage and family therapy of such a nature as is
designated by the board after earning a master's or equivalent.
(B) (i) Have earned a doctorate degree in marriage and family
therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, the
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs, or a comparable accrediting body as approved by the board
or in a field closely related to an accredited marriage and family
therapy program as determined by the board, or have received
training equivalent to such degree as may be determined by the
board; and
(ii) Have at least one year of supervised professional
experience in marriage and family therapy of such a nature as is
designated by the board after earning a doctorate or equivalent.
(5) Have passed a standardized national certification
examination in marriage and family therapy as approved by the
board.
(6) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony or crime
involving moral turpitude under the laws of any jurisdiction:
(A) If the applicant has never been convicted of a felony or
a crime involving moral turpitude, the applicant shall submit
letters of recommendation from three persons not related to the
applicant and a sworn statement from the applicant stating that he
or she has never been convicted of a felony or a crime involving
moral turpitude; or
(B) If the applicant has been convicted of a felony or a crime
involving moral turpitude, it is a rebuttable presumption that the
applicant is unfit for licensure unless he or she submits competent
evidence of sufficient rehabilitation and present fitness to perform the duties of a licensed professional counselor as may be
established by the production of:
(i) Documentary evidence including a copy of the relevant
release or discharge order, evidence showing compliance with all
conditions of probation or parole, evidence showing that at least
one year has elapsed since release or discharge without subsequent
conviction, and letters of reference from three persons who have
been in contact with the applicant since his or her release or
discharge; and
(ii) Any collateral evidence and testimony as may be requested
by the board which shows the nature and seriousness of the crime,
the circumstances relative to the crime or crimes committed and any
mitigating circumstances or social conditions surrounding the crime
or crimes and any other evidence necessary for the board to judge
present fitness for licensure or whether licensure will enhance the
likelihood that the applicant will commit the same or similar
offenses;
(7) Not be an alcohol or drug abuser as these terms are
defined in section eleven, article one-a, chapter twenty-seven of
this code: Provided, That an applicant who has had at least two
continuous years of uninterrupted sobriety in an active recovery
process, which may, in the discretion of the board, be evidenced by
participation in a twelve-step program or other similar group or process, may be considered;
(b) A person seeking licensure under the provisions of this
section shall submit an application on a form prescribed by the
board and pay all applicable fees.
(c) A person who is licensed for the previous five years and
has similar qualifications as required by subdivision (1), (2),
(3), (4)(A)(i), (4)(B)(i), (6) and (7) of subsection (a) of this
section is eligible for a license to practice marriage and family
therapy until July 1, 2012, and is eligible for renewal under
section ten.
§30-31-10. Renewal requirements.
(a) A licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage
and family therapist shall renew his or her license at a time
determined by the board and by completing a form prescribed by the
board and submit any other information required by the board.
(b) The board shall charge a fee for each renewal of a license
and shall charge a late fee for any renewal not properly completed
and received with the appropriate fee by the board at the
appropriate date.
(c) The board shall require as a condition for the renewal of
a license that each person regulated by the article complete
continuing education.
(d) The board may deny an application for renewal for any reason which would justify the denial of an original application
for a license.
§30-31-11. Persons exempted from licensure.
(a) Nothing in this article applies to the following
activities:
(1) Teaching, lecturing or engaging in research in
professional counseling or marriage and family therapy so long as
such activities do not otherwise involve the practice of
professional counseling or marriage and family therapy directly
affecting the welfare of the person counseled;
(2) The official duties of persons employed as professional
counselors or marriage and family therapists by the State of West
Virginia, any of its departments, agencies, divisions, bureaus,
political subdivisions, counties, county boards of education,
regional education service agencies, municipalities or any other
facilities or programs established, supported or funded, in whole
or in part, by the governmental entity;
(3) The official duties of persons employed as professional
counselors or marriage and family therapists by any department,
agency, division or bureau of the United States of America;
(4) The official duties of persons serving as professional
counselors or marriage and family therapists, whether as volunteers
or for compensation or other personal gain, in any public or private nonprofit corporations, organizations, associations or
charities;
(5) The official duties of persons who are employed by a
licensed professional counselor or licensed marriage and family
therapist, whose duties are supervised by a licensed professional
counselor or licensed marriage and family therapists and who
represent themselves by the title provisionally licensed counselor
or provisionally licensed marriage and family therapist, and do not
represent themselves as licensed professional counselors or
licensed marriage and family therapists as defined by section three
of this article;
(6) The activities of a student of professional counseling or
marriage and family therapy which are part of the prescribed course
of study at an accredited educational institution and are
supervised by a licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage
and family therapist or by a teacher, instructor or professor of
counseling or marriage and family therapy acting within the
official duties or scope of activities exempted by this section; or
(7) The activities and services of qualified members of other
recognized professions such as physicians, psychologists,
psychoanalysts, social workers, lawyers, clergy, nurses or teachers
performing counseling or marriage and family therapy consistent
with the laws of this state, their training and any code of ethics of their professions so long as such persons do not represent
themselves as licensed professional counselors or licensed marriage
and family therapists as defined by section three of this article.
(b) Nothing in the article requires licensing of the following
persons pursuant to this article:
(1) A school counselor who holds a school counseling
certificate issued by the West Virginia Department of Education and
who is engaged in counseling solely within the scope of his or her
employment with the department, a county board of education or a
regional education service agency; or
(2) A nonresident professional counselor or marriage and
family therapist who holds a license or other authorization to
engage in the practice of professional counseling or marriage and
family therapy issued by another state, the qualifications for
which in the opinion of the board are at least as stringent as
those provided in section eight and section nine of this article,
and who renders counseling services in this state for no more than
thirty days in any calendar year.
(c) Nothing in this article permits a licensed professional
counselor or licensed marriage and family therapist to administer
or prescribe drugs or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine
as defined in article three, chapter thirty and article fourteen,
chapter thirty of this code.
§
30-31-12. Complaints; investigations; due process procedure;
grounds for disciplinary action.
(a) The board may upon its own motion and shall upon the
written complaint of any person cause an investigation to be made
to determine whether grounds exist for disciplinary action under
this article or the legislative rules of the board.
(b) Upon initiation or receipt of the complaint, the board
shall provide a copy of the complaint to the licensee.
(c) The board may cause an investigation to be made into the
facts and circumstances giving rise to the complaint and any person
regulated by this article has an affirmative duty to assist the
board, or its authorized representative, in the conduct of its
investigation.
(d) After reviewing any information obtained through an
investigation, the board shall determine if probable cause exists
that the licensee has violated any provision of this article or
rules promulgated pursuant to this article.
(e) Upon a finding that probable cause exists that the
licensee has violated any provision of this article or rules
promulgated pursuant to this article, the board may enter into a
consent decree or hold a hearing for the suspension or revocation
of the license or the imposition of sanctions against the licensee.
The hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of section ten of this article.
(f) Any member of the board or the executive director of the
board may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to obtain
testimony and documents to aid in the investigation of allegations
against any person regulated by the article.
(g) Any member of the board or its executive director may sign
a consent decree or other legal document on behalf of the board.
(h) The board may, after notice and opportunity for hearing,
deny or refuse to renew, suspend or revoke the license of, impose
probationary conditions upon or take disciplinary action against,
any licensee for any of the following reasons:
(1) Obtaining a license by fraud, misrepresentation or
concealment of material facts;
(2) Being convicted of a felony or other crime involving moral
turpitude;
(3) Being guilty of unprofessional conduct as defined by
legislative rule of the board;
(4) Violating any provision of this article, lawful order or
rule of the board;
(5) Knowingly delegating responsibilities to an individual who
does not have the knowledge, skills or abilities to perform those
responsibilities;
(6) Having had a license revoked or suspended, other disciplinary action taken, or an application for licensure refused,
revoked or suspended by the proper authorities of another
jurisdiction, irrespective of intervening appeals and stays;
(7) Engaging in any act which has endangered or is likely to
endanger the health, welfare or safety of the public.
(i) For the purposes of subsection (h) of this section,
disciplinary action may include:
(1) Reprimand;
(2) Probation;
(3) Administrative fine, not to exceed $1,000 per day per
violation;
(4) Mandatory attendance at continuing education seminars or
other training;
(5) Practicing under supervision or other restriction;
(6) Requiring the licensee to report to the board for periodic
interviews for a specified period of time; or
(7) Other corrective action considered by the board to be
necessary to protect the public, including advising other parties
whose legitimate interests may be at risk.
§30-31-13. Procedures for hearing; right of appeal.
(a) Hearings shall be governed by the provisions of section
eight, article one of this chapter.
(b) The board may conduct the hearing or elect to have an administrative law judge conduct the hearing.
(c) If the hearing is conducted by an administrative law
judge, at the conclusion of a hearing he or she shall prepare a
proposed written order containing findings of fact and conclusions
of law. The proposed order may contain proposed disciplinary
actions if the board so directs. The board may accept, reject or
modify the decision of the administrative law judge.
(d) Any member or the executive director of the board has the
authority to administer oaths, examine any person under oath and
issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum.
(e) If, after a hearing, the board determines the licensee has
violated any provision of this article or the board's rules, a
formal written decision shall be prepared which contains findings
of fact, conclusions of law and a specific description of the
disciplinary actions imposed.
§30-31-14. Hearing and judicial review.
Any licensee adversely affected by a decision of the board
entered after a hearing may obtain judicial review of the decision
in accordance with section four, article five, chapter
twenty-nine-a of this code, and may appeal any ruling resulting
from judicial review in accordance with article six, chapter
twenty-nine-a of this code.
§30-31-15. Criminal proceedings; penalties.
(a) When, as a result of an investigation under this article
or otherwise, the board has reason to believe that a person has
knowingly violated the provisions of this article or rules
promulgated pursuant to this article, the board may bring its
information to the attention of an appropriate law-enforcement
official who may cause criminal proceedings to be brought.
(b) Any person violating a provision of this article or rule
promulgated pursuant to this article, is guilty of a misdemeanor
and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $500 nor
more than $1,000 or confined in jail not more than six months, or
both fined and confined.
§30-31-16. Disclosure.
All information communicated to or acquired by a licensee
while engaged in the practice of counseling or marriage and family
therapy with a client is privileged information and may not be
disclosed by the licensee except:
(a) With the written consent of the client, or in the case of
death or disability, with the written consent of a personal
representative or other person authorized to sue or the beneficiary
of any insurance policy on the client's life, health or physical
condition;
(b) When a communication reveals the contemplation of an act
dangerous to the client or others; or
(c) When the client, or his or her personal representative,
waives the privilege by bringing charges against the licensee.
§30-31-17. Single act evidence of practice.
In any action brought or in any proceeding initiated under
this article, evidence of the commission of a single act prohibited
by this article is sufficient to justify a penalty, injunction,
restraining order or conviction without evidence of a general
course of conduct.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to create licensure for
Marriage and Family Therapists, to be administered by the Board of
Examiners in Counseling.
This article has been entirely rewritten; therefore
strike-throughs and underscoring have been omitted.
THIS BILL IS AN INTERIM BILL RECOMMENDED FOR PASSAGE BY THE
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION.