Bill > LD1590

This bill aims to reduce counselor and social worker shortages by modifying licensure requirements for professionals from other jurisdictions. Specifically, the bill establishes a more streamlined process for licensing professionals who have held a similar license in another jurisdiction for at least two years. Under the new provisions, applicants can be licensed without additional examination if they have a valid license from another state or territory, have maintained that license for at least two years, and do not have any pending complaints, investigations, or ethics violations. The bill applies to various professional categories including licensed clinical professional counselors, licensed pastoral counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and social workers. An important addition is that the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation must post information about these new licensing provisions on their public website, with clear language indicating the process for out-of-state licensed professionals. The bill requires that the applicant's original license must be from a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent professional requirements, and the licensing board retains the ability to require a jurisprudence examination if mandated by existing laws or rules. These changes are designed to make it easier for qualified professionals from other jurisdictions to quickly obtain licensure in Maine, potentially addressing workforce shortages in counseling and social work fields.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1590&snum=132