Bill > SB0048

This bill makes several significant amendments to Utah's behavioral health licensing laws, primarily focusing on defining and clarifying key terms related to mental health professionals and clinical supervision. The bill expands and refines the definition of "clinical supervisor" by establishing more precise requirements, including that such supervisors must be licensed mental health therapists in good standing, be approved by a national professional organization, complete supervision instruction or a graduate course, and maintain continuing education in clinical supervision. The legislation also introduces a new definition for the "practice of mental health therapy" that now explicitly includes conveying opinions about diagnoses, prescribing treatment plans, and engaging in various therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the bill creates a new "Mental Health Professionals Education and Enforcement Fund" which will be funded by administrative penalties and can be used for licensee education, public training, and enforcement activities, with any balance over $100,000 at fiscal year-end transferred to the General Fund. The bill also specifies that these changes will take effect on May 7, 2025, providing ample time for mental health professionals and regulatory bodies to understand and implement the new requirements.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0048.html