PURPOSE: This rule outlines the procedure for application for licensure as a marital and family therapist. (1) Applications for licensure shall be made on the forms provided by the state committee and may be obtained by writing the state committee at PO Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or by calling (573)751-0870. The TDD number is (800)735-2966.

1. (2) An application shall not be considered as officially filed unless it is typewritten or printed in black ink, signed, notarized, accompanied by all documents required by the state committee to include a background check, and the applicant pays the application fee. The application fee shall be in the form of a cashier’s check, personal check or money order. For the purpose of licensure the results of a criminal background check shall be valid for two (2) years.

   1. (A) For the purpose of conducting a background check the applicant shall provide proof of submission of fingerprints to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s approved vendor(s) for both a Missouri State Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check. Proof shall consist of any documentation acceptable to the state committee. Any fees due for the background check shall be paid by the applicant directly to the Missouri State Highway Patrol or its approved vendor(s).
2. (3) The completed application, including all documents, supporting material, and official transcripts sent by the school and required by the division, shall be received at least thirty
3. (30) days before the meeting of the State Committee of Marital and Family Therapists. Applications received less than thirty (30) days before a state committee meeting may be reviewed at the state committee’s discretion.
4. (4) Following review, the applicant shall be informed in writing of the decision regarding the application for licensure.

5. (5) Communication, such as a letter of intent to apply for licensure pursuant to section 337.706.1, RSMo Cum. Supp. 1997, shall have been postmarked no later than February 28, 1996. To complete the application process for licensure pursuant to section 337.706.1, RSMo Cum. Supp. 1997, the following information shall be submitted to the state committee within one (1) year of the effective date of this rule following the receipt of the letter of intent postmarked by February 28, 1996.

   1. (A) The applicant shall provide proof of verification of licensure as a marriage and family therapist from another state. 20 CSR 2233-2

6. (6) An applicant with a license to engage in the practice of marital and family therapy in another state or territory as defined in section 337.715.2, RSMo Cum. Supp. 1997, may apply for licensure in Missouri upon submitting acceptable evidence of his/her qualifications to the division.

   1. (A) An application for licensure shall be reviewed by the state committee and the applicant shall be informed, in writing, of the state committee’s decision.
7. (7) For the purpose of this rule, “acceptable evidence” shall include, but not be limited to, a completed application for licensure on forms provided by the division, documentation of licensure which shall contain information concerning the requirements for licensure, the method of licensing including examination results, date of original licensure, current status of the applicant’s license and payment of the applicable fee.
8. (8) Applicants for licensure from states without marital and family therapy laws or states with marital and family therapy laws which are not substantially equivalent to Missouri’s requirements may qualify for licensure pursuant to section 337.715.1, RSMo Cum. Supp. 1997.

AUTHORITY: section 337.706.2, RSMo Supp. 2007 and sections 337.727.1(6) and (10), RSMo 2000.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 233-2.030. Original rule filed Dec. 31, 1997, effective July 30, 1998. Moved to 20 CSR 2233-2.030, effective Aug. 28, 2006. Amended: Filed Nov. 15, 2007, effective May 30, 2008. *Original authority: 337.706, RSMo 1995, amended 2004 and 337.727, RSMo 1995.