SCS/SB 357 - This act modifies licensing provisions relating to professional counselors and psychologists.

Currently, Section 337.029, RSMo, outlines licensure procedures for psychologists. The incorrectly enacted version of this section is repealed. The correctly enacted version contains an additional requirement that the psychologist must hold a current Certificate of Professional Qualification from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.

Licensure requirements for professional counselors are outlined in Section 337.510, RSMo. Subsection 2 of that section states that a person may obtain license reciprocity if he or she is currently licensed in another state with substantially similar licensing requirements. New language requires that reciprocity be awarded. A new subsection 3 is also added to provide for reciprocity to any professional counselor who:

1. Previously held a valid unrevoked, unsuspended license in Missouri;

2. Held a valid license in another state at the time of application in Missouri.

If the above qualifications are satisfied, then a person must be granted a license to return to this state and practice as a professional counselor. The person must follow the same application and fee procedures outlined in this section.

This act contains an emergency clause.
ERIN MOTLEY