37-23-208. (Temporary) Opportunity for examination allowed for certain counselors -- licensure -- definition. (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of 37-23-202(1), an individual meeting the requirements of this subsection (1) may take the examination provided for in subsection (2) if the individual:
     (a) holds a master's degree from a master's-level program primarily related to counseling;
     (b) has gained at least 5,000 hours of counseling practice after award of the master's degree required by subsection (1)(a); and
     (c) has been given clinical privileges as a recognized provider of psychotherapy or related services at a community mental health center by the center pursuant to a contract with the mental and addictive disorders division of the department of public health and human services.
     (2) An individual fulfilling the requirements of subsection (1) must, upon application to the board of social work examiners and professional counselors before April 30, 1997, be given the opportunity to take the national board of certified counselors examination used by the board of social work examiners and professional counselors to determine fitness for licensure under Title 37, chapter 23.
     (3) Upon passage of the national board of certified counselors examination taken pursuant to subsection (2) and upon payment of the appropriate fee required by 37-23-206, the board of social work examiners and professional counselors shall issue a license to the individual to practice as a licensed professional counselor exclusively in a community mental health center and in accordance with Title 37, chapter 23.
     (4) Licenses issued pursuant to subsection (3) are subject to Title 37, chapter 23.
     (5) For the purposes of this section, "community mental health center" means a community mental health center as defined in 53-21-201. (Terminates July 1, 1998--sec. 4, Ch. 278, L. 1997.)

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 278, L. 1997.