AN ACT to make changes to the accreditation associations accepted for licensure as a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 90‑336 reads as rewritten:

§ 90‑336.  Title and qualifications for licensure.

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(b2)      The Board shall issue a license as a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate to an applicant who applies on or after July 1, 2022, and meets all of the following criteria:

(1)        Has earned a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of graduate training as defined by the Board, including a master's degree in counseling or related field from an institution of higher education that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.Programs, the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, or equivalent accreditation program approved by the Board.

(2)        Has passed an examination in accordance with rules adopted by the Board.

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SECTION 2.  The Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors shall adopt temporary rules to implement the provisions of this act.

SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective October 1, 2023.