HCS/HB 555 - This act modifies complaint procedures and document retention requirements when prisoners file complaints against professional licensed counselors and licensed social workers. If complaints by prisoners are found to have merit, no further disciplinary action may take place, documentation may not appear on file, and other state licensing boards or national registries may not be notified unless grounds exist for revocation or suspension of the license. Case file documentation shall be destroyed when the committee chooses not to pursue further action.
Licensees subject to meritless claims prior to the effective date of the act may request the committee to destroy documents pertaining to the claim, notify other state licensing boards that the claim was unsubstantiated, and supply the licensee with a letter stating that the claim was unsubstantiated.
Licensees shall not be required to disclose the existence of unsubstantiated claims in relation to the licensing of their profession.
This act is similar to HCS/SCS/SB 272 (2007), and SCS/SB 159 (2007).
CHRIS HOGERTY