Bill > SB165

This bill establishes a new category of licensed behavioral health professionals called behavioral health and wellness practitioners in Nevada. The bill defines behavioral health promotion and prevention as a supervised clinical practice focused on identifying mental health risks and accomplishing individualized mental health goals through prevention and intervention strategies. To become licensed, practitioners must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field, complete an approved educational program, pass an examination, and work under the supervision of qualified health care providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or advanced practice registered nurses with psychiatric training. The bill creates a Behavioral Health and Wellness Practitioner Advisory Group to provide guidance to the Board of Psychological Examiners, establishes licensing and renewal requirements, and prohibits unlicensed practice. Additionally, the bill requires Medicaid to cover behavioral health promotion and prevention services provided by these practitioners and allocates funding to Nevada higher education institutions to develop educational programs and scholarships for behavioral health and wellness practitioners and their potential supervisors. The legislation aims to create a structured professional pathway for mental health prevention services while ensuring practitioner competency and patient safety.

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https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/83rd2025/Bill/12183/Overview