HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED 2022 Regular Session HOUSE BILL NO. 582 BY REPRESENTATIVES STAGNI, CREWS, DUPLESSIS, ECHOLS, EMERSON, FISHER, GAINES, HARRIS, IVEY, MIKE JOHNSON, JORDAN, LAFLEUR, LARVADAIN, MARCELLE, MCMAHEN, CHARLES OWEN, PRESSLY, SCHLEGEL, SELDERS, AND THOMPSON COUNSELORS/MENTAL HEALTH: Joins Louisiana to the licensed professional counselors interstate compact 1 AN ACT 2To amend and reenact R.S. 37:1103(introductory paragraph) and to enact R.S. 37:1131 3 through 1145, relative to adding the state of Louisiana to the Licensed Professional 4 Counselors Interstate Compact; to provide for the increase of public access to 5 professional counseling services; to provide for the enhancement of public health and 6 safety; to provide for multistate practice regulations; to provide for spousal support 7 for relocating active duty military personnel; to provide for the exchange of licensure 8 among member states; to provide for use of telehealth technology; to provide for 9 uniformity of professional counseling licensure requirements; to eliminate the 10 requirement for licenses in multiple states, to provide for opportunities for interstate 11 practice by licensed professional counselors who meet uniform licensure 12 requirements; and to provide for related matters. 13Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana: 14 Section 1. R.S. 37:1103(introductory paragraph) is hereby amended and reenacted 15and R.S. 37:1131 through 1145 are hereby enacted to read as follows: 16 §1103. Definitions 17 As used in this Chapter Part, the following terms have the meaning ascribed 18 to them in this Section: 19 * * * Page 1 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 §1131. Purpose 2 A. The purpose of this compact is to facilitate interstate practice of licensed 3 professional counselors with the goal of improving public access to professional 4 counseling services. The practice of professional counseling occurs in the state 5 where the client is located at the time of the counseling services. The compact 6 preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety 7 through the current system of state licensure. 8 B. This compact is designed to achieve the following objectives: 9 (1) Increase public access to professional counseling services by providing 10 for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses. 11 (2) Enhance the states’ ability to protect the public’s health and safety. 12 (3) Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate 13 practice for licensed professional counselors. 14 (4) Support spouses of relocating active duty military personnel. 15 (5) Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative and disciplinary 16 information among member states. 17 (6) Allow for the use of telehealth technology to facilitate increased access 18 to professional counseling services. 19 (7) Support the uniformity of professional counseling licensure requirements 20 throughout the states to promote public safety and public health benefits. 21 (8) Invest all member states with the authority to hold a licensed professional 22 counselor accountable for meeting all state practice laws in the state in which the 23 client is located at the time care is rendered through the mutual recognition of 24 member state licenses. 25 (9) Eliminate the necessity for licenses in multiple states. 26 (10) Provide opportunities for interstate practice by licensed professional 27 counselors who meet uniform licensure requirements. Page 2 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 §1132. Definitions 2 As used in this compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following 3 definitions shall apply: 4 (1) "Active duty military" means full-time duty status in the active 5 uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard 6 and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211. 7 (2) "Adverse action" means any administrative, civil, equitable or criminal 8 action permitted by a state’s laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other 9 authority against a licensed professional counselor, including actions against an 10 individual’s license or privilege to practice such as revocation, suspension, 11 probation, monitoring of the licensee, limitation on the licensee’s practice, or any 12 other encumbrance on licensure affecting a licensed professional counselor’s 13 authorization to practice, including issuance of a cease and desist action. 14 (3) "Alternative program" means a non disciplinary monitoring or practice 15 remediation process approved by a professional counseling licensing board to 16 address impaired practitioners. 17 (4) "Continuing competence" or "continuing education" means a 18 requirement, as a condition of license renewal, to provide evidence of completion of 19 educational and professional activities relevant to practice or area of work. 20 (5) "Counseling Compact Commission" or "commission" means the national 21 administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted the 22 compact. 23 (6) "Criminal history background check" means all state records of arrest, 24 prosecution, and conviction, including those which have been expunged or dismissed 25 pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 893 or 894, as well as national 26 records which shall include fingerprints of the applicant, biometrics, and other 27 identifying information, if so requested by the licensing board. 28 (7) "Current significant investigative information" means either of the 29 following: Page 3 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (a) Investigative information that a licensing board, after a preliminary 2 inquiry that includes notification and an opportunity for the licensed professional 3 counselor to respond, if required by state law, has reason to believe is not groundless 4 and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction. 5 (b) Investigative information that indicates that the licensed professional 6 counselor represents an immediate threat to public health and safety regardless of 7 whether the licensed professional counselor has been notified and had an opportunity 8 to respond. 9 (8) "Data system" means a repository of information about licensees, 10 including but not limited to continuing education, examination, licensure, 11 investigative, privilege to practice, and adverse action information. 12 (9) "Encumbered license" means a license in which an adverse action 13 restricts the practice of licensed professional counseling by the licensee and said 14 adverse action has been reported to the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB). 15 (10) "Encumbrance" means a revocation or suspension of, or any limitation 16 on, the full and unrestricted practice of licensed professional counseling by a 17 licensing board. 18 (11) "Executive committee" means a group of directors elected or appointed 19 to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the commission. 20 (12) "Home state" means the member state that is the licensee’s primary 21 state of residence. 22 (13) "Impaired practitioner" means an individual who has a condition(s) that 23 may impair their ability to practice as a licensed professional counselor without some 24 type of intervention and may include but are not limited to alcohol and drug 25 dependence, mental health impairment, and neurological or physical impairments. 26 (14) "Investigative information" means information, records, and documents 27 received or generated by a professional counseling licensing board pursuant to an 28 investigation. Page 4 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (15) "Jurisprudence requirement", if required by a member state, means the 2 assessment of an individual’s knowledge of the laws and rules governing the practice 3 of professional counseling in a state. 4 (16) "Licensed professional counselor" means a counselor licensed by a 5 member state, regardless of the title used by that state, to independently assess, 6 diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions. 7 (17) "Licensee" means an individual who currently holds an authorization 8 from the state to practice as a licensed professional counselor. 9 (18) "Licensing board" means the agency of a state, or equivalent, that is 10 responsible for the licensing and regulation of licensed professional counselors. 11 (19) "Member state" means a state that has enacted the compact. 12 (20) "Privilege to practice" means a legal authorization, which is equivalent 13 to a license, permitting the practice of professional counseling in a remote state. 14 (21) "Professional counseling" means the assessment, diagnosis, and 15 treatment of behavioral health conditions by a licensed professional counselor. 16 (22) "Remote state" means a member state other than the home state, where 17 a licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the privilege to practice. 18 (23) "Rule" means a regulation promulgated by the commission that has the 19 force of law. 20 (24) "Single state license" means a licensed professional counselor license 21 issued by a member state that authorizes practice only within the issuing state and 22 does not include a privilege to practice in any other member state. 23 (25) "State" means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the 24 United States of America that regulates the practice of professional counseling. 25 (26) "Telehealth" means the application of telecommunication technology 26 to deliver professional counseling services remotely to assess, diagnose, and treat 27 behavioral health conditions. Page 5 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (27) "Unencumbered license" means a license that authorizes a licensed 2 professional counselor to engage in the full and unrestricted practice of professional 3 counseling. 4 §1133. State participation in the compact 5 A. To participate in the compact, a state shall currently: 6 (1) License and regulate licensed professional counselors. 7 (2) Require licensees to pass a nationally recognized exam approved by the 8 commission. 9 (3) Require licensees to have a sixty-semester-hour or ninety quarter-hour 10 master’s degree in counseling or sixty semester-hours or ninety quarter-hours of 11 graduate course work in the following areas: 12 (a) Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice. 13 (b) Social and cultural diversity. 14 (c) Human growth and development. 15 (d) Career development. 16 (e) Counseling and helping relationships. 17 (f) Group counseling and group work. 18 (g) Diagnosis, treatment, assessment, and testing. 19 (h) Research and program evaluation. 20 (i) Other areas as determined by the commission. 21 (4) Require licensees to complete a supervised postgraduate professional 22 experience as defined by the commission. 23 (5) Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints 24 about licensees. 25 B. A member state shall: 26 (1) Participate fully in the commission’s data system, including using the 27 commission’s unique identifier as defined in rules. Page 6 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (2) Notify the commission, in compliance with the terms of the compact and 2 rules, of any adverse action or the availability of investigative information regarding 3 a licensee. 4 (3)(a) Implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history 5 records of applicants for an initial privilege to practice. 6 (b) The licensing board shall be entitled to the criminal history record and 7 identification files of the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and 8 Information located within the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, referred 9 to hereafter in this Subparagraph as the "bureau", of any person who is required to 10 be licensed as a licensed professional counselor. Fingerprints, biometrics, and other 11 identifying information of the applicant shall be submitted to the bureau for 12 qualification and registry, and the bureau shall, upon request of the licensing board 13 and after receipt of such fingerprint card and other identifying information from the 14 applicant, make available to the licensing board all arrest and conviction information 15 contained in the bureau's criminal history record and identification files which 16 pertain to the applicant for licensure. In addition, the fingerprints shall be forwarded 17 by the bureau to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history 18 record check. In accordance with the authority provided for in this Chapter, the costs 19 of providing the information required pursuant to this Section shall be charged by the 20 bureau, as specified in R.S. 15:587(B), to the licensing board for furnishing 21 information contained in the bureau's criminal history record and identification files, 22 including any additional cost of providing the national criminal history records 23 check, which pertains to the applicant. The licensing board may impose any or all 24 such fees or costs on the applicant. 25 (c) A member state shall fully implement a criminal background check 26 requirement, within a time frame established by rule, by receiving the results of the 27 Federal Bureau of Investigation record search on criminal background checks and 28 use the results in making licensure decisions. Page 7 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (d) Communication between a member state, the commission, and among 2 member states regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the 3 compact shall not include any information received from the Louisiana Bureau of 4 Criminal Identification and Information and from the Federal Bureau of 5 Investigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a member 6 state under Public Law 92-544. 7 (4) Comply with the rules of the commission. 8 (5) Require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the home state and 9 meet the home state’s qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure, as well as 10 all other applicable state laws. 11 (6) Grant the privilege to practice to a licensee holding a valid 12 unencumbered license in another member state in accordance with the terms of the 13 compact and rules. 14 (7) Provide for the state commissioner's attendance of the Counseling 15 Compact Commission meetings. 16 C. Member states may charge a fee for granting the privilege to practice. 17 D. Individuals not residing in a member state shall remain eligible to apply 18 for a member state’s single state license as provided under the laws of each member 19 state. However, the single state license granted to these individuals shall not be 20 recognized as granting a privilege to practice professional counseling in any other 21 member state. 22 E. Nothing in this compact shall affect the requirements established by a 23 member state for the issuance of a single state license. 24 F. A license issued to a licensed professional counselor by a home state to 25 a resident in that state shall be recognized by each member state as authorizing a 26 licensed professional counselor to practice professional counseling, under a privilege 27 to practice, in each member state. Page 8 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 §1134. Privilege to practice 2 A. To exercise the privilege to practice under the terms and provisions of the 3 compact, the licensee shall do all of the following: 4 (1) Hold a license in the home state. 5 (2) Have a valid United States Social Security Number or National 6 Practitioner Identifier. 7 (3) Be eligible for a privilege to practice in any member state in accordance 8 with Subsections D, G, and H of this Section. 9 (4) Have not had any encumbrance or restriction against any license or 10 privilege to practice within the previous two years. 11 (5) Notify the commission that the licensee is seeking the privilege to 12 practice within a remote state. 13 (6) Meet any continuing competence or continuing education requirements 14 established by the home state 15 (7) Pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, for the privilege to 16 practice. 17 (8) Meet any jurisprudence requirements established by any remote state in 18 which the licensee is seeking a privilege to practice. 19 (9) Report to the commission any adverse action, encumbrance, or restriction 20 on license taken by any nonmember state within thirty days from the date the action 21 is taken. 22 B. The privilege to practice is valid until the expiration date of the home 23 license. The licensee shall comply with the requirements of Subsection A of this 24 Section to maintain the privilege to practice in the remote state. 25 C. A licensee providing professional counseling in a remote state under the 26 privilege to practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations of the remote state. 27 D. A licensee providing professional counseling services in a remote state 28 is subject to that state’s regulatory authority. A remote state may, in accordance with 29 due process and that state’s laws, remove a licensee’s privilege to practice in the Page 9 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 remote state for a specific period of time, impose fines, and take any other necessary 2 actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens. The licensee is not eligible for 3 a privilege to practice in any member state until the specific time for removal has 4 passed and all fines are paid. 5 E. If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee shall lose the privilege 6 to practice in any remote state until all of the following occur: 7 (1) The home state license is no longer encumbered. 8 (2) The licensee has not had any encumbrance or restriction against any 9 license or privilege to practice within the previous two years. 10 F. Once an encumbered license in the home state is restored to good 11 standing, the licensee shall meet the requirements of Subsection A of this Section to 12 obtain a privilege to practice in any remote state. 13 G. If a licensee’s privilege to practice in any remote state is removed, the 14 licensee shall lose the privilege to practice in all other remote states until all of the 15 following have occurred: 16 (1) The specific period of time for which the privilege to practice was 17 removed has ended. 18 (2) All fines have been paid. 19 (3) The licensee has not had any encumbrance or restriction against any 20 license or privilege to practice within the previous two years. 21 H. Once the requirements of Subsection G of this Section have been met, the 22 licensee shall meet the requirements in Subsection A of this Section to obtain a 23 privilege to practice in a remote state. 24 §1135. Obtaining a new home state license based upon the privilege to practice 25 A. A licensed professional counselor may hold a license issued by the home 26 state, which allows for a privilege to practice, in only one member state at a time. 27 B. If a licensed professional counselor changes his primary state of residence 28 by moving between two member states: Page 10 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (1) The licensed professional counselor shall file an application for obtaining 2 a new home state license based on a privilege to practice, pay all applicable fees, and 3 notify the current and new home state in accordance with applicable rules adopted 4 by the commission. 5 (2) Upon receipt of an application for obtaining a new home state license by 6 virtue of a privilege to practice, the new home state shall verify that the licensed 7 professional counselor meets the pertinent criteria outlined in R.S. 37:1134 via the 8 data system, without need for primary source verification except for: 9 (a) A Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint-based criminal background 10 check if not previously performed or updated pursuant to applicable rules adopted 11 by the commission in accordance with Public Law 92-544. 12 (b) Other criminal background checks as required by the new home state. 13 (c) Completion of any requisite jurisprudence requirements of the new home 14 state. 15 (3) The former home state shall convert the former home state license into 16 a privilege to practice once the new home state has activated the new home state 17 license in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the commission. 18 (4) If a licensed professional counselor does not meet the criteria for a 19 privilege to practice described in R.S. 37:1134, the new home state for the licensed 20 professional counselor shall apply its requirements for issuing a new single-state 21 license. 22 (5) The licensed professional counselor who obtains a new home state 23 license by the criteria described in this Section shall pay all applicable fees to the 24 new home state in order to be issued a new home state license. 25 C. If a licensed professional counselor changes his primary state of residence 26 by moving from a member state to a nonmember state, or from a nonmember state 27 to a member state, the state criteria shall apply for issuance of a single-state license 28 in the new state. Page 11 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 D. Nothing in this compact shall interfere with a licensee’s ability to hold a 2 single-state license in multiple states; however, for the purposes of this compact, a 3 licensee shall have only one home state license. 4 E. Nothing in this Section shall affect the requirements established by a 5 member state for the issuance of a single-state license. 6 §1136. Active duty military personnel or his spouses 7 Active duty military personnel, or the spouse of an active duty member of the 8 military, shall designate a home state where the individual has a current license in 9 good standing. The individual may retain the home state designation during the 10 period the service member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a home state, 11 the individual shall only change his home state through application for licensure in 12 the new state or through the process outlined in R.S. 37:1135. 13 §1137. Compact privilege to practice telehealth 14 A. Member states shall recognize the right of a licensed professional 15 counselor, licensed by a home state in accordance with R.S. 37:1133 and under rules 16 promulgated by the commission, to practice professional counseling in any member 17 state via telehealth under a privilege to practice as provided in the compact and rules 18 promulgated by the commission. 19 B. A licensee providing professional counseling services in a remote state 20 under the privilege to practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations of the remote 21 state. 22 §1138. Adverse actions 23 A.(1) In addition to the other powers conferred by state law, a remote state 24 shall have the authority, in accordance with the existing state due process law, to: 25 (a) Take adverse action against a licensed professional counselor’s privilege 26 to practice within that member state. 27 (b) Issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the 28 attendance and testimony of witnesses as well as the production of evidence. 29 Subpoenas issued by a licensing board in a member state for the attendance and Page 12 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another member state 2 shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of competent jurisdiction, according 3 to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in 4 proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any witness fees, 5 travel expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes of the state 6 in which the witnesses or evidence are located. 7 (2) Only the home state shall have the power to take adverse action against 8 a licensed professional counselor’s license issued by the home state. 9 B. For purposes of taking adverse action, the home state shall give the same 10 priority and effect to reported conduct received from a member state as it would if 11 the conduct had occurred within the home state. In so doing, the home state shall 12 apply its own state laws to determine appropriate action. 13 C. The home state shall complete any pending investigations of a licensed 14 professional counselor who changes his primary state of residence during the course 15 of the investigations. The home state shall also have the authority to take appropriate 16 action and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigations to the 17 administrator of the data system. The administrator of the coordinated licensure 18 information system shall promptly notify the new home state of any adverse actions. 19 D. A member state, if otherwise permitted by state law, may recover from 20 the affected licensed professional counselor the costs of investigations and 21 disposition of cases resulting from any adverse action taken against that licensed 22 professional counselor. 23 E. A member state may take adverse action based on the factual findings of 24 the remote state, provided that the member state follows its own procedures for 25 taking the adverse action. 26 F. Joint investigations: 27 (1) In addition to the authority granted to a member state by its respective 28 professional counseling practice act or other applicable state law, any member state 29 may participate with other member states in joint investigations of licensees. Page 13 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (2) Member states shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance 2 materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the 3 compact. 4 G. If adverse action is taken by the home state against the license of a 5 licensed professional counselor, the licensed professional counselor’s privilege to 6 practice in all other member states shall be deactivated until all encumbrances have 7 been removed from the state license. All home state disciplinary orders that impose 8 adverse action against the license of a licensed professional counselor shall include 9 a statement that the licensed professional counselor’s privilege to practice is 10 deactivated in all member states during the pendency of the order. 11 H. If a member state takes adverse action, it shall promptly notify the 12 administrator of the data system. The administrator of the data system shall 13 promptly notify the home state of any adverse actions by remote states. 14 I. Nothing in this compact shall override a member state’s decision that 15 participation in an alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action. 16 §1139. Establishment of Counseling Compact Commission 17 A.(1) The compact member states hereby create and establish a joint public 18 agency known as the Counseling Compact Commission. 19 (2) The commission is an instrumentality of the compact states. 20 (3) Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the commission 21 shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the 22 principal office of the commission is located. The commission may waive venue and 23 jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative 24 dispute resolution proceedings. 25 (4) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign 26 immunity. 27 B. All of the following provisions shall apply to the membership, voting, and 28 meeting of the commission: Page 14 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (1) Each member state shall have and be limited to one delegate selected by 2 that member state’s licensing board. 3 (2) The delegate shall be a current member of the licensing board or the 4 board administrator. 5 (3) Any delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by 6 the laws of the state from which the delegate is appointed. 7 (4) The member state licensing board shall fill any vacancy occurring on the 8 commission within sixty days. 9 (5) Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote with regard to the 10 promulgation of rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity 11 to participate in the business and affairs of the commission. 12 (6) A delegate shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the 13 bylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates’ participation in meetings by 14 telephone or other means of communication. 15 (7) The commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. 16 Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws. 17 (8) The commission shall by rule establish a term of office for delegates and 18 may by rule establish term limits. 19 C. The commission shall have power to carry out all of the following duties: 20 (1) Establish the fiscal year of the commission. 21 (2) Establish bylaws. 22 (3) Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws. 23 (4) Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this 24 compact and the bylaws. 25 (5) Promulgate rules which shall be binding to the extent and in the manner 26 provided for in the compact. 27 (6) Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the 28 commission, provided that the standing of any state counselor licensing board to sue 29 or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected. Page 15 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (7) Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds. 2 (8) Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel including but not 3 limited to employees of a member state. 4 (9) Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define 5 duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the 6 compact, and to establish the commission’s personnel policies and programs relating 7 to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel 8 matters. 9 (10) Accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, 10 equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of 11 the same; provided that at all times the commission shall avoid any appearance of 12 impropriety or conflict of interest. 13 (11) Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise 14 to own, hold, improve, or use, any property, real, personal or mixed; provided that 15 at all times the commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety. 16 (12) Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise 17 dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed. 18 (13) Establish a budget and make expenditures. 19 (14) Borrow money. 20 (15) Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of 21 members, state regulators, state legislators or their representatives, and consumer 22 representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this 23 compact and the bylaws. 24 (16) Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law 25 enforcement agencies. 26 (17) Establish and elect an executive committee. 27 (18) Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to 28 achieve the purposes of this compact consistent with the state regulation of 29 professional counseling licensure and practice. Page 16 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 D. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the 2 commission according to the terms of this Section, including all of the following 3 terms: 4 (1)(a) The executive committee shall be composed of up to eleven members. 5 (b) Seven voting members shall be elected by the commission from the 6 current membership of the commission. 7 (c) Up to four ex-officio, nonvoting members shall be from four recognized 8 national professional counselor organizations. 9 (d) The ex-officio members will be selected by their respective 10 organizations. 11 (2) The commission may remove any member of the executive committee 12 as provided in bylaws. 13 (3) The executive committee shall meet at least annually. 14 (4) The executive committee shall have the following duties and 15 responsibilities: 16 (a) Recommend to the entire commission changes to the rules or bylaws, 17 changes to this compact legislation, fees paid by compact member states such as 18 annual dues, and any commission compact fee charged to licensees for the privilege 19 to practice. 20 (b) Ensure compact administration services are appropriately provided, 21 contractual or otherwise. 22 (c) Prepare and recommend the budget. 23 (d) Maintain financial records on behalf of the commission. 24 (e) Monitor compact compliance of member states and provide compliance 25 reports to the commission. 26 (f) Establish additional committees as necessary. 27 (g) Other duties, as provided in rules or bylaws. 28 (5) Meetings of the commission. Page 17 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (a) All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings 2 shall be given in the same manner as required under the rulemaking provisions in 3 R.S. 37:1141. 4 (b) The commission or the executive committee or other committees of the 5 commission may convene in a closed, nonpublic meeting if the commission or 6 executive committee or other committees of the commission discuss any of the 7 following: 8 (i) Noncompliance of a member state with its obligations under the compact. 9 (ii) The employment, compensation, discipline or other matters, practices, 10 or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the 11 commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures. 12 (iii) Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation. 13 (iv) Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, 14 services, or real estate. 15 (v) Accusations against any person of a crime or formally censuring any 16 person. 17 (vi) Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that 18 is privileged or confidential. 19 (vii) Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would 20 constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. 21 (viii) Disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement 22 purposes. 23 (ix) Disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared 24 by or on behalf of or for use of the commission or other committee charged with 25 responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to this 26 Section. 27 (x) Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or member state 28 statute. Page 18 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (c) If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this Paragraph, 2 the commission’s legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be 3 closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision. 4 (d) The commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all 5 matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of 6 actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views 7 expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified 8 in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under 9 seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the commission or order of a court of 10 competent jurisdiction. 11 (6) Financing of the commission. 12 (a) The commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable 13 expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities. 14 (b) The commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, 15 donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services. 16 (c) The commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each 17 member state or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and 18 activities of the commission and its staff, which shall be in a total amount sufficient 19 to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided 20 by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based 21 upon a formula to be determined by the commission, which shall promulgate a rule 22 binding upon all member states. 23 (d) The commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing 24 the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the commission pledge the credit of 25 any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state. 26 (e) The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and 27 disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission shall be subject 28 to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all 29 receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited Page 19 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall 2 be included in and become part of the annual report of the commission. 3 (7) All of the following provisions relating to qualified immunity, defense, 4 and indemnification shall apply to the commission: 5 (a) The members, officers, executive director, employees, and 6 representatives of the commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either 7 personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of 8 property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any 9 actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person against 10 whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the 11 scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing 12 in this Subparagraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit or 13 liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional, willful, 14 or wanton misconduct of that person. 15 (b) The commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, 16 employee, or representative of the commission in any civil action seeking to impose 17 liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred 18 within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the 19 person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred 20 within the scope of commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided 21 that nothing in this Subparagraph shall be construed to prohibit that person from 22 retaining his own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, 23 or omission did not result from that person’s intentional or willful or wanton 24 misconduct. 25 (c) The commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, 26 executive director, employee, or representative of the commission for the amount of 27 any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or 28 alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of commission 29 employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis Page 20 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties, or 2 responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not 3 result from the intentional, willful, or wanton misconduct of that person. 4 §1140. Data system 5 A. The commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, and 6 utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, 7 adverse action, and investigative information on all licensed individuals in member 8 states. 9 B. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to the contrary, a 10 member state shall submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to 11 whom this compact is applicable as required by the rules of the commission, 12 including all of the following: 13 (1) Identifying information. 14 (2) Licensure data. 15 (3) Adverse actions against a license or privilege to practice. 16 (4) Non-confidential information related to alternative program participation. 17 (5) Any denial of application for licensure, and the reason for such denial. 18 (6) Other information that may facilitate the administration of this compact, 19 as determined by the rules of the commission. 20 (7) Current significant investigative information. 21 C. Investigative information pertaining to a licensee in any member state 22 shall only be available to other member states. 23 D. The commission shall promptly notify all member states of any adverse 24 action taken against a licensee or an individual applying for a license. Adverse action 25 information pertaining to a licensee in any member state shall be available to any 26 other member state. 27 E. Member states contributing information to the data system may designate 28 information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission 29 of the contributing state. Page 21 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 F. Any information submitted to the data system that is subsequently 2 required to be expunged by the laws of the member state contributing the 3 information shall be removed from the data system. 4 §1141. Rulemaking 5 A. The commission shall promulgate reasonable rules in order to effectively 6 and efficiently achieve the purpose of the compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 7 in the event the commission exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is 8 beyond the scope of the purposes of the compact, or the powers granted hereunder, 9 then such an action by the commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect. 10 B. The commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant to the 11 criteria set forth in this Section and the rules adopted in accordance with this Section. 12 Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or 13 amendment. 14 C. If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule, by 15 enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact 16 within four years of the date of adoption of the rule, then such rule shall have no 17 further force and effect in any member state. 18 D. Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted at a regular or special 19 meeting of the commission. 20 E. Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final rule or rules by the 21 commission, and at least thirty days in advance of the meeting at which the rule will 22 be considered and voted upon, the commission shall file a notice of proposed 23 rulemaking in all of the following areas: 24 (1) On the website of the commission or other publicly accessible platform. 25 (2) On the website of each member state's professional counseling licensing 26 board or other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each state 27 would otherwise publish proposed rules. 28 F. The notice of proposed rulemaking shall include all of the following: Page 22 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (1) The proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the rule 2 will be considered and voted upon. 3 (2) The text of the proposed rule or amendment and the reason for the 4 proposed rule. 5 (3) A request for comments on the proposed rule from any interested person. 6 (4) The manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the 7 commission of their intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments. 8 G. Prior to adoption of a proposed rule, the commission shall allow persons 9 to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which shall be made available 10 to the public. 11 H. The commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it 12 adopts a rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by any of the following parties: 13 (1) At least twenty-five persons. 14 (2) A state or federal governmental subdivision or agency. 15 (3) An association having at least twenty-five members. 16 I.(1) If a hearing is held on the proposed rule or amendment, the commission 17 shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing. If the hearing 18 is held via electronic means, the commission shall publish the mechanism for access 19 to the electronic hearing. 20 (2) All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the executive 21 director of the commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to 22 appear and testify at the hearing no less than five business days before the scheduled 23 date of the hearing. 24 (3) Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who 25 wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in 26 writing. 27 (4) All hearings shall be recorded. A copy of the recording shall be made 28 available on request. Page 23 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing 2 on each rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the commission at 3 hearings required by this section. 4 J. Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the 5 scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the commission shall consider all 6 written and oral comments received. 7 K. If no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested 8 parties is received, the commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed 9 rule without a public hearing. 10 L. The commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action 11 on the proposed rule and shall determine the effective date of the rule, if any, based 12 on the rulemaking record and the full text of the rule. 13 M. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the commission may 14 consider and adopt an emergency rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, 15 or hearing, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided in the compact 16 and in this Section shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably 17 possible, but in no event later than ninety days after the effective date of the rule. For 18 the purposes of this Subsection, an emergency rule is one that shall be adopted 19 immediately in order to: 20 (1) Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare. 21 (2) Prevent a loss of commission or member state funds. 22 (3) Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule that is 23 established by federal law or rule. 24 (4) Protect public health and safety. 25 N. The commission or an authorized committee of the commission may 26 direct revisions to a previously adopted rule or amendment for purposes of correcting 27 typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. 28 Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the commission. The 29 revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of thirty days after Page 24 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results 2 in a material change to a rule. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered 3 to the chair of the commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge 4 is made, the revision shall take effect without further action. If the revision is 5 challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the commission. 6 §1142. Oversight; dispute resolution; enforcement 7 A. All of the following provisions shall apply with respect to the compact: 8 (1) The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in 9 each member state shall enforce this compact and take all actions necessary and 10 appropriate to effectuate the compact’s purposes and intent. The provisions of this 11 compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law. 12 (2) All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules in any 13 judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject 14 matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of 15 the commission. 16 (3) The commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any 17 such proceeding and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all 18 purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the commission shall render a 19 judgment or order void as to the commission, this compact, or promulgated rules. 20 B.(1) All of the following provisions relative to default, technical assistance, 21 and termination shall apply with respect to default, technical assistance, and 22 termination: 23 (2) If the commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the 24 performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact or the 25 promulgated rules, the commission shall do all of the following: 26 (a) Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states of 27 the nature of the default, the proposed means of curing the default, and any other 28 action to be taken by the commission. Page 25 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (b) Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the 2 default. 3 C. If a state in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting state may be 4 terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the member 5 states, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact may be 6 terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not 7 relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of 8 default. 9 D. Termination of membership in the compact shall be imposed only after 10 all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to 11 suspend or terminate shall be given by the commission to the governor, the majority 12 and minority leaders of the defaulting state’s legislature, and each of the member 13 states. 14 E. A state that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, 15 obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, 16 including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination. 17 F. The commission shall not bear any costs related to a state that is found to 18 be in default or that has been terminated from the compact, unless agreed upon in 19 writing between the commission and the defaulting state. 20 G. The defaulting state may appeal the action of the commission by 21 petitioning the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal 22 district where the commission has its principal offices. The prevailing member shall 23 be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney fees. 24 H. All of the following dispute resolution requirements shall apply to the 25 commission: 26 (1) Upon request by a member state, the commission shall attempt to resolve 27 disputes related to the compact that arise among member states and between member 28 and nonmember states. Page 26 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 (2) The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation 2 and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate. 3 I. All of the following provisions relating to enforcement shall apply with 4 respect to the commission and the compact: 5 (1) The commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce 6 the provisions and rules of this compact. 7 (2) By majority vote, the commission may initiate legal action in the United 8 States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the 9 commission has its principal offices against a member state in default to enforce 10 compliance with the provisions of the compact and its promulgated rules and bylaws. 11 The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event 12 judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs 13 of such litigation, including reasonable attorney fees. 14 (3) The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the 15 commission. The commission may pursue any other remedies available under 16 federal or state law. 17 §1143. Date of implementation of the commission for counseling profession 18 compact, practice and associate rules, withdrawal, and amendment 19 A. The compact shall come into effect on the date on which the compact 20 statute is enacted into law in the tenth member state. The provisions, which become 21 effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the commission 22 relating to assembly and the promulgation of rules. Thereafter, the commission shall 23 meet and exercise rulemaking powers necessary for the implementation and 24 administration of the compact. 25 B. Any state that joins the compact subsequent to the commission’s initial 26 adoption of the rules shall be subject to the rules as they exist on the date on which 27 the compact becomes law in that state. Any rule that has been previously adopted 28 by the commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the compact 29 becomes law in that state. Page 27 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 C.(1) Any member state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a 2 statute repealing the statute. 3 (2) A member state’s withdrawal shall not take effect until six months after 4 enactment of the repealing statute. 5 (3) Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the 6 withdrawing state’s professional counseling licensing board to comply with the 7 investigative and adverse action reporting requirements of this compact prior to the 8 effective date of withdrawal. 9 D. Nothing contained in this compact shall be construed to invalidate or 10 prevent any professional counseling licensure agreement or other cooperative 11 arrangement between a member state and a nonmember state that does not conflict 12 with the provisions of this compact. 13 E. This compact may be amended by the member states. No amendment to 14 this compact shall become effective and binding upon any member state until it is 15 enacted into the laws of all member states. 16 §1144. Construction and severability 17 This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate its purposes. The 18 provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or 19 provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any 20 member state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, 21 agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this 22 compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or 23 circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to 24 the constitution of any member state, the compact shall remain in full force and 25 effect as to the remaining member states and in full force and effect as to the member 26 state affected as to all severable matters. Page 28 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 1 §1145. Binding effect of compact and other laws 2 A. A licensee providing professional counseling services in a remote state 3 under the privilege to practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations of the remote 4 state. 5 B. Nothing in this Part shall prevent the enforcement of any other law of a 6 member state that is not inconsistent with the compact. 7 C. Any laws of a member state in conflict with the compact are superseded 8 to the extent of the conflict. 9 D. Any lawful actions of the commission, including all rules and bylaws 10 promulgated by the commission, are binding upon the member states. 11 E. All agreements between the commission and the member states are 12 binding in accordance with their terms. 13 F. In the event any provision of the compact exceeds the constitutional limits 14 imposed on the legislature of any member state, the provision shall be ineffective to 15 the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member 16 state. 17 Section 2. (A) The Louisiana State Law Institute is hereby directed to designate R.S. 1837:1101 and 1102 as Part I of Chapter 13 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 191950, and is further directed to apply to the Part the heading "Short title and purpose". 20 (B) The Louisiana State Law Institute is hereby directed to designate R.S. 37:1103 21through 1123 as Part II of Chapter 13 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, 22and is further directed to apply to the Part the heading "Mental Health Counselor Licensing - 23General Provisions". 24 (C) The Louisiana State Law Institute is hereby directed to designate R.S. 37:1131 25through 1145, as enacted by Section 1 of this Act, as Part III of Chapter 13 of the Louisiana 26Revised Statutes of 1950, and is further directed to apply to the Part the heading "Mental 27Health Counselor Licensure Compact". Page 29 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 DIGEST The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] HB 582 Reengrossed 2022 Regular Session Stagni Abstract: Adds Louisiana to the Licensed Professional Counselor Interstate Compact. Proposed law allows Louisiana to join the Licensed Professional Counselor Interstate Compact. Proposed law provides for Louisiana, as a participating state, to adopt the same uniform professional counseling licensure requirements as the states in the Licensed Professional Counselor Interstate Compact. Proposed law eliminates the requirement for licenses in multiple states. Proposed law provides for multistate practice regulations and the exchange of licensure among member states. Proposed law provides for spousal support for relocating active duty military personnel. Proposed law establishes telehealth technology for states in the Licensed Professional Counselor Interstate Compact. Proposed law requires certain hourly requirements of counseling experience and graduate course work for licensees in specific areas of study. (Amends R.S. 37:1103(intro. para.); Adds R.S. 37:1131-1145) Summary of Amendments Adopted by House The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the original bill: 1. Define "criminal history background check" to include all state records of arrest, prosecution, and conviction, including those which have been expunged or dismissed pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure, as well as national records which shall include fingerprints of the applicant, biometrics, and other identifying information. 2. Provide standard criminal background check provisions that are common to health professional licensing boards and regulated by the state. 3. Prohibit communications between a member state, the commission, and among member states regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the compact from including any information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the La. Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information relative to any federal criminal records check performed by a member state. 4. Make technical corrections. Page 30 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 22RS-212 REENGROSSED HB NO. 582 The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill: 1. Require licensees to have a certain amount of semester-hours or quarter-hours in counseling or graduate course work. 2. Expand assessment provisions to include diagnosis and treatment. 3. Allow the commission to determine other areas of study to include in the course work and hours required. 4. Require delegates to be current members of the licensing board or the board administrator. 5. Make technical corrections. Page 31 of 31 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions.