1. (a) An application for a supporting organization to be approved under this chapter must be submitted before July 1, 2017. An application must be submitted by the supporting organization on its own behalf and must include the following:

   1. (1) The name of the supporting organization.
   2. (2) The disclosure of each occupation that the supporting organization certifies.
   3. (3) Information about how approving the supporting organization will provide consumers additional protection.

   4. (4) The following information about the scope of practice of each occupation to which the supporting organization relates:

      1. (A) The extent to which the scope of practice is similar to the scope of practice of a profession or occupation for which a license or certificate is issued under IC 25 .
      2. (B) The extent to which the services provided by individuals practicing the occupation include fiduciary responsibilities.

      3. (C) The extent to which:

         1. (i) the services provided by individuals practicing the occupation; or

         2. (ii) the powers with which the individuals practicing the occupation are legally vested;

            can be misused for unscrupulous reasons.

   5. (5) The supporting organization's ability to certify and decertify individuals who have earned a specific certification or credential from the supporting organization.
   6. (6) The supporting organization's ability to investigate consumer complaints against the individuals who have earned a specific certification or credential from the supporting organization.
   7. (7) The supporting organization's administrative functionality, including monitoring the individuals who have earned a specific certification or credential from the supporting organization.
   8. (8) Continuing education services provided by the supporting organization.
   9. (9) The supporting organization's length of existence.
   10. (10) The collective reputation of individuals who have earned a specific certification or credential offered by the supporting organization.
   11. (11) Any other information requested by the agency.
2. (b) After the agency has received a completed application, the agency shall evaluate the information included in the application under subsection (a) and hold a public meeting on the application at which public testimony on the application may be presented.
3. (c) After the agency has conducted a public meeting under subsection (b), the executive director shall make a determination as to whether the supporting organization should be approved for purposes of this chapter.

As added by P.L.240-2015, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.49-2017, SEC.13.