Bill > HB126

This bill makes several changes to the regulation of professional counselors and marital and family therapists in Alaska: It allows the Board of Professional Counselors to license both professional counselors and associate counselors, and establishes criteria for associate counselor licensure and supervisor certification. The bill also expands the grounds for disciplinary action against licensed professional or associate counselors. For marital and family therapists, the bill modifies the education and clinical practice requirements for licensure, and allows for the extension of licenses for supervised practice. It also updates the definition of "supervision" to allow for synchronous (rather than just face-to-face) consultation. Additionally, the bill includes professional and associate counselors as "health care providers" under various state laws, which impacts areas like liability protections, telehealth, and insurance coverage. It also permits emergency medical services providers to establish review organizations. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, except for certain sections regarding healthcare provider liability and review organizations, which take effect immediately.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/33?Root=HB126