LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
200 W. Washington St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-0696
iga.in.gov
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6908 NOTE PREPARED: Feb 24, 2022
BILL NUMBER: SB 239 BILL AMENDED: Feb 23, 2022
SUBJECT: Professional Licensing Matters.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Boehnlein BILL STATUS: As Passed House
FIRST SPONSOR: Rep. Zent
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: Practitioner Identification and Advertising– The bill provides that, beginning
January 1, 2023, certain practitioners are subject to disciplinary sanctions if the practitioner communicates
or disseminates to the general public an advertisement that includes deceptive or misleading information or
does not prominently state the profession or license held by the practitioner. It establishes certain exceptions.
Marriage and Family Therapists– The bill decreases the number of experiential practice hours required to
obtain a license as a marriage and family therapist or a therapist associate. It specifies that the hours must
be completed during at least 12 months.
Effective Date: July 1, 2022.
Explanation of State Expenditures: Practitioner Identification and Advertising– A violation of the bill’s
requirements would be subject to administrative orders and procedures by the board or commission within
the Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) that governs the violating practitioner’s profession. The nature of
the violation and the corrective actions of the practitioner will determine the cost to PLA. Additionally, PLA
would likely need to notify license holders of the requirements established by the bill and post updates to the
PLA website. These actions are within the PLA’s routine administrative functions and should be able to be
implemented with no additional appropriations.
Marriage and Family Therapists– The PLA could experience a minor increase in workload to process
additional license applications for marriage and family therapists or therapist associates if the bill’s reduction
in required practice hours makes it easier for students to obtain licensure. Any increase in license
applications is expected to be minimal. The PLA’s administrative expenses are paid from General Fund
SB 239 1 appropriations.
Explanation of State Revenues: Practitioner Identification and Advertising– If a violation occurs, the PLA
may take an action that could impact state revenue. If the violator has a license denied or revoked, fee
revenue would decrease to the General Fund. Health care practitioner license fees range between $40 and
$200 biennially. The PLA may also impose a fine of up to $1,000, which would be deposited in the General
Fund.
Marriage and Family Therapists– If the bill’s reduction in required practice hours results in additional
marriage and family therapy license applicants, the PLA could collect additional revenue from license fees.
Fees for all licenses issued by the Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board are $50 for initial
application and biennial renewal. The fees are deposited in the General Fund. Any additional revenue
collected as a result of the bill is expected to be minimal.
Explanation of Local Expenditures:
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: Professional Licensing Agency.
Local Agencies Affected:
Information Sources: IC 25-1-9-9; Legislative Services Agency, Indiana Handbook of Taxes, Revenues,
and Appropriations, FY 2021.
Fiscal Analyst: Chris Baker, 317-232-9851.
SB 239 2