Bill > HB1256

This bill requires the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling to issue a provisional license for two specific types of professional counselors: Licensed Associate Counselors (LACs) and Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (LAMFTs). Under the new provisions, when an applicant meets all the standard requirements for these professional licenses, the board must issue a provisional license that is valid for one year and allows up to three attempts to pass the required licensing examination. Importantly, these provisional licenses cannot be renewed, which means that applicants must successfully pass the examination within the one-year period to continue their path toward full licensure. This change appears designed to provide a structured pathway for new counseling professionals to complete their licensing requirements, giving them a time-limited opportunity to demonstrate their professional competence through the examination process while working in a provisional capacity.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1256&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R