HB1256
To Require The Arkansas Board Of Examiners In Counseling To Issue A Provisional License For A Licensed Associate Counselor And A Licensed Associate Marriage And Family Therapist.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to existing Arkansas law regarding professional licensing for counselors and marriage and family therapists. It mandates that the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling issue a provisional license to individuals who have met all other requirements to become a licensed associate counselor. Similarly, the bill requires the board to issue a provisional license for a licensed associate marriage and family therapist under specified conditions. These provisional licenses would be valid for one year. During this year, the provisional licensee would have up to three attempts to pass the required examination. The provisional licenses are explicitly stated as non-renewable. The purpose of this legislation is to create an intermediate licensing step for associate-level professionals in these fields. It aims to facilitate their progression towards full licensure by providing a defined period for examination attempts.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals seeking to become licensed associate counselors and licensed associate marriage and family therapists in Arkansas. Those who have met all qualifications except for passing the licensing examination would directly benefit from the opportunity to obtain a provisional license. This provisional status would allow them to practice under supervision while they prepare for and attempt the examination. The bill could potentially increase the pool of available associate-level mental health professionals in the state.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups most directly and negatively impacted by this bill are not explicitly identified as facing negative consequences. However, one could argue that the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling might experience an increased administrative workload in processing applications for provisional licenses and monitoring compliance. Furthermore, if the intent is to streamline the licensing process, any potential delays or complications in implementing these new provisional licensing requirements could be seen as a negative impact. The existing licensing standards and the rigor of the examination process could also be perceived by some as potentially being altered or diluted, though the bill itself does not propose changes to the examination content.