ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session
	House: MAPS DPA 15-0-0-0 | 3rd Read 58-0-2-0 Senate: COM DPA 9-0-0-0 | 3rd Read 27-0-3-0 Final Pass: 56-0-4-0 | 25-0-5-0

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HB 2336: licensed mental health professional; definition

Sponsor: Representative Payne, LD 21

Transmitted to the Governor

Overview

Defines individuals who qualify to provide employer-paid traumatic event counseling for public safety employees.

History

Statute currently defines licensed counseling as counseling provided by a licensed mental health professional including psychologists or behavioral health professionals who have training and expertise in treating trauma (A.R.S. § 38-672).

Provisions

1. Defines a licensed mental health professional as an individual who specializes in trauma and crisis, who uses evidence-based treatment options and is one of the following:

a) A psychiatrist who is a licensed medical doctor or osteopathic physician by the Arizona medical board or the Arizona board of osteopathic examiners in medicine and surgery;

b) A licensed psychologist by the state board of psychologist examiners;  

c) A mental health professional licensed by the board of behavioral health examiners in behavioral health who holds a master's or doctoral degree in the mental health profession;

d) A licensed mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric clinical nurse specialist by the Arizona state board of nursing; or

e) A licensed physician assistant by the Arizona regulatory board of physician assistants. (Sec. 1)

2. Extends the delayed repeal date on traumatic event counseling for public safety employees, firefighters and peace officers until January 1, 2027. (Sec. 2, 3)

3. Modifies the definition of licensed counseling. (Sec. 1)   

4. Makes conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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                  HB 2336

Initials FK  Page 0 Transmitted

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