1. (a) An individual who applies for a license as a mental health counselor associate must meet the following requirements:

   1. (1) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual has:

      1. (A) received a master's or doctor's degree in mental health counseling therapy or in a related area as determined by the board from an institution of higher education that meets the requirements under section 2 of this chapter or from a foreign school that has a program of study that meets the requirements under section 2(3)(A) or 2(3)(B) of this chapter; and
      2. (B) completed the educational requirements under section 3 of this chapter.
   2. (2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual does not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing on the individual's ability to practice competently.
   3. (3) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual has not been the subject of a disciplinary action by a licensing or certification agency of another state or jurisdiction on the grounds that the individual was not able to practice as a mental health counselor associate without endangering the public.
   4. (4) Pay the fee established by the board.
   5. (5) Pass an examination provided by the board.

2. (b) The board shall issue an associate temporary permit to practice mental health counseling to an individual who:

   1. (1) meets the educational requirements for a license as a mental health counselor;
   2. (2) is pursuing the required clinical supervisory hours for a license as a mental health counselor; and

   3. (3) pays a fee for the temporary permit set by the board.

      An associate temporary permit issued under this subsection expires one

   4. (1) year after the date the permit is issued, without regard to the number of times the individual passes or fails the required examination to become a licensed mental health counselor. The temporary permit may not be renewed.

As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.59. Amended by P.L.195-2018, SEC.15.