SB 1177 -- LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

SPONSOR:  Barnitz (Cooper, 155)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of
10 to 0.

This bill defines "licensed professional counselor" and includes
these individuals as mental health professionals working in the
Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services within the
Department of Mental Health and the Division of Alcohol and Drug
Abuse within the Department of Health and Senior Services.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and
FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will allow licensed
professional counselors to conduct assessments for involuntary
commitments.  Currently, there are not enough mental health care
practitioners available to assess individuals who pose a
substantial risk to themselves or others.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Barnitz; Division of
Comprehensive Psychiatric Services, Department of Mental Health;
and Dan Holdinghouse, Missouri Mental Health Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:13 pm