How many times are you allowed to take the licensing examination?
The number of times of taking the examination is not limited as per the Health Occupations title
Who sets the fees for examinations and re-examinations?
The Board
Testing of knowledge of Maryland Professional Counselors and Therapists Act
The examination shall include a portion that tests an applicant's knowledge of the Maryland Professional Counselors and Therapists Act.
What information shall be included on license or certificate issued by the Board?
(1) The kind of license or certificate;
(2) The full name of the licensee or certificate holder;
(3) A serial number;
(4) The signatures of the chairman and the secretary of the Board; and
(5) The seal of the Board.
Can one request a replacement of a license or certificate?
Yes, if the licensee or certificate holder pays the replacement fee set by the Board.
When does a license or certificate expire?
on the date set by the Board, unless the license or certificate is renewed for an additional term.
What is the renewal term for a license or certificate?
no longer than 2 years
When will the Board send out the renewal notice to the licensee or certificate holder?
At least 1 month before the license or certificate expires,
What information will be detailed in the license/certificate renewal notice?
(1) date current license or certificate expires;
(2) date renewal application must be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license or certificate expires; and
(3) amount of the renewal fee.
Does a licensee have to notify the Board when they change their address?
Yes! Each licensee or certificate holder shall notify the Board of any change in the address of the licensee or certificate holder.
What requirements must be met before a licensee or certificate holder can renew their license for an additional 2 year term?
(1) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed or certified;
(2) Pays to the Board the renewal fee set by the Board;
(3) Submits to the Board a renewal application on the form that the Board requires; and
(4) Submits satisfactory evidence of compliance with any
TRUE or FALSE:The Board may authorize home study towards the completion of the continuing education requirements.
FALSE! Home study is NOT permitted
Where is the term of the renewal documented?
The Board shall include the term of the renewal on each renewal license or certificate that the Board issues.
Under what conditions will the Board place a licensee or certificate holder on inactive status?
If the licensee or certificate holder:
(1) Submits to the Board an application for inactive status on the form required by the Board; and
(2) Pays the inactive status fee set by the Board.
Will the Board issue a license or certificate to an individual who is on inactive status?
Only if the individual complies with the renewal requirements that are in effect when the individual requests the renewal of the license or certificate.
Does the Board always approve request to inactive status?
not necessarily! The Board may not place a certified professional counselor-marriage and family therapist or a certified professional counselor on inactive status.
Can a license or certificate be reinstated if the licensee or certificate holder failed to renew for any reason?
Yes they may, although is it not necessarily guaranteed.
How should a licensee or certificate holder display their license?
Conspicuously &/or prominently in the licensee's or certificate holder's office or place of employment.
How should the professional disclosure statement be displayed?
(1) Before the performance of those services, the client is furnished a copy of a professional disclosure statement; or
(2) This professional disclosure statement is displayed in a conspicuous location at the place where the services are performed;
What information should be included in the professional disclosure statement?
1) The name, title, business address, and business telephone number of the licensee or certificate holder performing the services;
(2) The formal professional education of the licensee or certificate holder, including the institutions attended and the deg
regulated counselor or therapist" means:
(1) A licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor;
(2) A licensed clinical marriage and family therapist;
(3) A licensed clinical professional counselor;
(4) A licensed graduate alcohol and drug counselor;
(5) A licensed graduate marriage and family ther
Under what circumstances may a licensee or certificate holder NOT surrender his/her license?
while the licensee or certificate holder is under investigation or while charges are pending against the licensee or certificate holder UNLESS the Board
(2) Allow the license or certificate to lapse by operation of law.
Unless the Board agrees to accept the surrender of a license or certificate, while the licensee or certificate holder is under investigation or while charges are pending against the licensee or certificate holder, a regulated counselor or therapist may no
(1) Surrender the license or certificate; or
(2) Allow the license or certificate to lapse by operation of law.
Under what conditions may the Board accept surrender of license or certificate?
The Board may set conditions on its agreement with the regulated counselor or therapist under investigation or against whom charges are pending to accept surrender of the license or certificate.
What consequences may the Board exert on a license or certificate under the provisions of the Health Occupations Title?
1. deny a license or certificate to any applicant,
2. place any licensee or certificate holder on probation,
3. reprimand any licensee or certificate holder, or
4. suspend or revoke a license of any licensee or a certificate
Under what conditions may the Board exert negative actions against a licensee?
1) Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license or certificate for the applicant, licensee, or certificate holder or for another;
(2) Habitually is intoxicated;
(3) Provides professional services while under the influence of alcohol
If after a hearing the Board finds that there are grounds to place any licensee or certificate holder on probation, reprimand any licensee or certificate holder, or suspend or revoke a license or certificate, the Board may impose a _____.
PENALTY
What kind of penalties can be imposed by the Board?
-- penalty not exceeding $5,000:
-- can be imposed instead of a sanction
-- can be imposed in addition to a sanction
What will the Board do before taking any disciplinary action against a licensee?
it shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board
Do licensee's get any notice about the hearing?
Yes, the Board shall give notice at least 30 days before the hearing personally or by registered mail to the last known address of the individual
TRUE or FALSE: The individual may be represented at the hearing by counsel.
TRUE
Hearing Subpoenas and oaths:
(1) Over the signature of an officer or the administrator of the Board, the Board may issue subpoenas and administer oaths in connection with any investigation under this title and any hearings or proceedings before it.
(2) If, without lawful excuse, a pe
If after due notice the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear...
the Board may hear and determine the matter.
Person aggrieved by final decision of Board in contested case.- Except as provided in this section for an action under � 17-409 of this title, any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board in a contested case, as defined in � 10-201 of the State G
(1) Appeal that decision to the Board of Review; and
(2) Then take any further appeal allowed by Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
Person aggrieved by final decision of Board denying, suspending or revoking license or certificate.- Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board under � 17-509 of this subtitle:
(1) May not appeal to the Board of Review; but
(2) May take a direct judicial appeal as provided in Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
Stay pending judicial review not permitted
An order of the Board may not be stayed pending judicial review.
Appeal by Board
The Board may appeal from any decision that reverses or modifies its order.
An action may be maintained in the name of the State or the Board to enjoin:
[� 17-513. Injunction]
(1) The unauthorized practice of alcohol and drug counseling and clinical alcohol and drug counseling, marriage and family therapy and clinical marriage and family therapy, or professional counseling and clinical professional counseling; or
(2) Conduct th
Who may bring action.- An action under this section may be brought by:
(1) The Board, in its own name;
(2) The Attorney General, in the name of the State; or
(3) A State's Attorney, in the name of the State.
Venue.- An action under this section shall be brought in the county where the defendant:
(1) Resides; or
(2) Engages in the acts sought to be enjoined.
Proof of damage
Proof of actual damages or that any person will sustain any damages if an injunction is not granted is not required for an action under this section.
Other actions permitted
An action under this section is in addition to and not instead of criminal prosecution for the unauthorized practice of alcohol and drug counseling and clinical alcohol and drug counseling, marriage and family therapy and clinical marriage and family ther
For reasons the Board considers sufficient, and on the affirmative vote of a majority of its members then serving, the Board may:
________________________________________
� 17-514.
(1) Reinstate a license or certificate that has been revoked;
(2) Reduce the period of a suspension or probation; or
(3) Withdraw a reprimand.
counselor and therapist rehabilitation committee" means a committee that:
1) Is recognized by the Board; and
(2) Includes but is not limited to alcohol and drug counselors, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors.
counselor and therapist rehabilitation committee's scope of authority:
A rehabilitation committee of the Board or recognized by the Board may function:
(1) Solely for the Board; or
(2) Jointly with a rehabilitation committee representing another board or boards.
What are the duties of the counselor and therapist rehabilitation committee?
evaluates and provides assistance to any counselor/ therapist regulated by the Board, in need of treatment and rehabilitation for alcoholism, drug abuse, chemical dependency, or other physical, emotional, or mental condition.
Discoverability and admissibility of proceedings, records and files:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the proceedings, records, and files of the counselor and therapist rehabilitation committee are not discoverable and are not admissible in evidence in any civil action arising out of the matters that ar
Good faith exemption from civil liability:
A person who acts in good faith and within the scope of jurisdiction of a counselor and therapist rehabilitation committee is not civilly liable for any action as a member of the counselor and therapist rehabilitation committee or for giving information t
� 17-601. Prohibited acts.: Unless an individual is licensed to practice clinical alcohol and drug counseling, clinical marriage and family therapy, or clinical professional counseling, an individual may not:
(1) Represent to the public by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the individual is licensed by the Board to provide clinical alcohol and drug counseling services, clinical marriage and family therapy services, o
� 17-602. Except as otherwise provided in this title, unless an individual has been approved by the Board to practice as a licensed graduate alcohol and drug counselor, a licensed graduate professional counselor, or a licensed graduate marriage and family
(1) Use the title "licensed graduate alcohol and drug counselor", "licensed graduate professional counselor", or "licensed graduate marriage and family therapist";
(2) Use the initials "L.G.A.D.C.", "L.G.P.C.", or "L.G.M.F.T." after the name of the indivi
� 17-603.Except as otherwise provided in this title, unless an individual is certified to practice alcohol and drug counseling, marriage and family therapy, or professional counseling, the individual may not:
(1) Represent to the public by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the individual is certified by the Board to provide counseling or therapy services in this State;
(2) Use any title, abbreviation, sign, card, or
� 17-604. Violations and penalties:
(a) Fine and punishment.- Any person who violates any provision of this subtitle or � 17-301 of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
(b) Separate vi
What other name does the Health Occupations Title 17 have?
This title may be cited as the "Maryland Professional Counselors and Therapists Act".
Through what date is the current Health Occupations Title 17 in effect?
Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, this title and all rules or regulations adopted under this title shall terminate and be of no effect after July 1, 2019.
Alcohol and drug counseling" means
Assisting an individual, family, or group through the client-counselor relationship:
(1) To develop understanding of intrapersonal and interpersonal substance abuse problems;
(2) To define goals relating to substance abuse;
(3) To make decisions relating
Appraisal" means:
(i) Selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting instruments designed to assess an individual's aptitudes, attitudes, abilities, achievements, interests, and personal characteristics; and
(ii) Using nonstandardized methods and techniques for unders
Appraisal" does not include
instruments which require specialized psychological training for administration and interpretation unless the licensed counselor or therapist has completed the training required under � 17-310 of this title.
Certified professional counselor-marriage and family therapist" means
an individual who is certified by the Board to practice MARRIAGE & FAMILY therapy in the State.
Counseling" means
Assisting an individual, family, or group through the client-counselor relationship:
(1) To develop understanding of intrapersonal and interpersonal problems;
(2) To define goals;
(3) To make decisions;
(4) To plan a course of action reflecting the needs,
Fund" means
the State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists Fund.
License" means
unless the context requires otherwise, one of six types of licenses issued by the Board authorizing an individual to practice
What are the 6 types of licenses issued by the board?
CLINICAL...
- alcohol & drug counseling
- marriage & family therapy
- professional counseling
GRADUATE ...
-- alcohol & drug counseling
- marriage & family therapy
- professional counseling
Licensed graduate [...] counselor/therapist" means
an individual approved by the Board to practice graduate [...] counseling/therapy.
Marriage and family therapy" means
Applying marriage and family systems theory, principles, methods, therapeutic techniques, and research in:
(1) Resolving emotional conflict and modifying perception and behavior in the context of marriage and family life; and
(2) The identification and as
Practice [...] counseling/therapy" means
(1) to engage professionally and for compensation in alcohol and drug counseling activities
(2) while representing oneself to be an alcohol & drug counselor that is a certified professional
Practice clinical [...] counseling/therapy" means
(1) to engage professionally and for compensation in [...] and APPRAISAL activities
(2) by providing services involving the application of counseling principles and methods in:
- diagnosis,
- prevention,
- treatment, and
- amelioration of psychological pr
Practice graduate [...] counseling/therapy" means
(1) to practice [...] counseling under the supervision of a licensed clinical [...] counselor or another health care provider licensed under this article, as approved by the Board; and
(2) While fulfilling the requirements for supervised experience under
Who appoints the members of the Board?
The Governor with the advice of the Secretary
How many members are chosen for the Board and what is their composition?
13 Board members are selected
-- 5 LCPCs
-- 3 LCMFTs
-- 3 LCADT
-- 2 consumer members
How is the gender and race of the Board determined?
The composition of the Board as to the race and sex of its members shall reflect the composition of the population of the State.
How are the counselors/therapist candidates identified for the Board?
(1) from a list submitted to the Governor by the Secretary.
(2) Any association representing LCPCs, LCMFTs, & LCADCs may submit recommendations for Board members to the Secretary.
What are the qualifications of the consumer members of the Board?
(1) Shall be members of the general public;
(2) May not be or ever have been certified or licensed as a counselor or therapist or in training to become certified or licensed as a counselor or therapist;
(3) May not have a household member who is certified
Does the Board take an oath?
Before taking office, each appointee to the Board shall take the oath required by Article I, � 9 of the Maryland Constitution.
what is the term of a member of the Board?
(1) The term of a member is 4 years.
(2) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(3) A member may not serve more than 2 consecutive full terms.
(4) To the extent practicable, the Governor shall fill
Under what circumstance might a board member be removed from the Board?
(1) The Governor may remove a member for incompetency, misconduct, or neglect of duty.
(2) Upon the recommendation of the Secretary, the Governor may remove a member whom the Secretary finds to have been absent from 2 successive Board meetings without ade
Who are the officers of the Board?
(1) Chairperson,
(2) vice chairperson and
(3) secretary
How are Board elections held?
.-- annually
-- officers elected annually include a chairperson; vice chairperson; and A secretary.
-- the Board shall determine:
(1) The manner of election of officers;
(2) The term of office of each officer; and
(3) The duties of each officer.
Quorum" means
A majority of the full authorized membership of the Board is a quorum.
What are the duties of the Board?
(1) Maintain a registry of all counselors or therapists currently licensed or certified by the Board;
(2) Submit an annual report to the Governor and the Secretary;
(3) Adopt a code of ethics that the Board considers to be appropriate and applicable to th
Under what conditions may the Board take action against a [...] counselor/therapist?
(1) The Board discusses the proposed action with a Board member who is a licensed [...] counselor/therapist; and
(2) A Board member who is a licensed [...] counselor/therapist votes, either in the affirmative or in the negative, on the proposed action.
Under what circumstance will the Board investigate complaints filed against licensed counselors and therapists?
if, at the time of the violation, the licensed counselor or therapist has also registered and qualified for psychology associate status by virtue of holding a master's degree under Title 18 (Maryland Psychologists Act) of this article.
What procedures are followed by the Board when handling complaints wherein the licensed counselor /therapist also is a psych associate?
(1) notify the Board of Examiners of Psychologists of the complaint in writing within 60 days of receipt of the complaint
(2) The Board shall initiate disciplinary action against any licensed counselor or therapist who also registers as a psychology assoc
Who is responsible for establishing or selecting examinations that the Board considers appropriate to determine the ability of an applicant to be licensed or certified by the Board?
The Board
Under what circumstances may an individual practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice as a [...] in Maryland?
Only if they are licensed by the Board
What are two exceptions to the licensing requirement to practice for counselors/therapists?
(1) A student working under the supervision of a licensed mental health care provider while pursuing a supervised course of study in counseling that the Board approves as qualifying training and experience under this title; or
(2) An individual who, in ac
What requirements must be met in order to qualify for a license to practice [...] ?
(1) Good moral character.
(2) Minimum age of 18 years old.
(3) Must have met educational requirements
(4) Supervised clinical experience
(5) Documentation of graduate work
(6) Documentation of supervised clinical experience
(7) Examination
Identify the educational requirements need to qualify for a license to practice as a counselor/therapist at the Masters Level:
(1) DEGREE -- Hold a master's degree in the counseling field from an accredited educational institution that is approved by the Board; or
(2) PROGRAM -- Have completed a program of studies judged by the Board to be substantially equivalent in subject matt
Identify the educational requirements needed to qualify for a license to practice as a counselor/therapist at the Doctoral Level:
(1) DEGREE -- Hold a master's degree in the counseling field from an accredited educational institution that is approved by the Board; or
(2) PROGRAM -- Have completed a program of studies judged by the Board to be substantially equivalent in subject matt
What criteria is needed to meet the requirement for supervised clinical experience?
-- The applicant shall have completed a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised experience
-- Hours are to be completed over 3 years at a minimum and not less
--- 1 year can be completed before the master; however, 2 years must be completed after the award o
What criteria is needed to meet the requirement for graduate course work in [...]?
The applicant shall provide documentation to the Board evidencing the completion of 60 hours of graduate course work, completed at an accredited college or university approved by the Board that included training in:
(1) Personality development;
(2) Diagno
What documentation of supervised clinical experience is needed?
The applicant shall provide documentation evidencing the completion of 2 years of postgraduate supervised clinical experience as required by the Board.
What examination is necessary in order to qualify for a license to practice?
Except as otherwise provided in this title, the applicant shall pass an examination approved by the Board
What additional courses are required to meet the criteria of alcohol and dug counselor?
The applicant shall have completed a minimum of 26 credit hours in alcohol and drug counselor training, including:
(i) Medical aspects of chemical dependency;
(ii) Group counseling;
(iii) Individual counseling;
(iv) Family counseling;
(v) Assessment and t
What additional courses are required to meet the criteria of marriage and counseling therapist at doctoral level?
A minimum of 90 graduate credit hours in training in marriage and family therapy approved by the Board that includes instruction in the following specialized areas:
(i) Analysis of family systems;
(ii) Family therapy, theory, and techniques;
(iii) Couples
What additional courses are required to meet the criteria of professional counselor at doctoral level?
1. Counseling theory and ethics;
2. Counseling techniques;
3. Human growth and development and maladaptive behaviors;
4. Group dynamics, processing, and counseling;
5. Social and cultural foundations;
6. Lifestyle and career development;
7. Appraisal of i
Under what circumstances would the requirements licensure for [....] counselor/therapist be waived?
(1) the individual is licensed or certified as a [...] in another state, territory, or jurisdiction that has requirements that are equivalent to or exceed the requirements of � 17-302 of this subtitle;
(2) Submits an application to the Board on a form tha
What authority is bestowed upon attaining a license?
(1) to PRACTICE [...] counseling/therapy while the license is effective.
(2) PROVIDE services involving:
--- the application of counseling principles
-- methods in the diagnosis,
-- methods in prevention,
-- methods in treatment, and
-- amelioration of ps
Can a licensed graduate [...] practice?
Only under the supervision as deemed appropriate by the board
What criteria must be met in order to qualify for practice under the supervision of a licensed [...]?
(1) Good moral character.
(2) Minimum age of 18 years old.
(3) Must have master's or doctoral degree counseling field that meets the educational requirements of � 17-302 of this subtitle;
(4) Examination
(5) Board approval to practice
Under what circumstanced may a licensed counselor or therapist engage in assessment activities?
-- Educational requirements specific to testing
-- Supervised clinical experience in testing
-- national examination in testing
What are the educational requirements specific to testing?
(1) Possession of a doctoral or master's degree in counseling or a related field
(2) A minimum of nine graduate courses of at least 3 semester hours in each of the following courses:
(i) Psychopathology;
(ii) Biological bases of behavior;
(iii) Research m
What are the supervision requirements specific to testing?
(1) Completion of 500 hours of supervised, direct, client-related, advanced assessment testing
(2) completed not less than 2 years following the completion of the master's degree, of which a minimum of 100 hours shall include face-to-face supervision
(3)
How is an individual's certification as professional counselor and/or marriage and family therapist represented to the public?
Once certification is obtained by the board....
For "certified professional counselors":
1. Use the title "certified professional counselor";
2. Use the initials "C.P.C." after the name of the individual; or
3. Represent to the public that the individual
How is an individual's certification as alcohol & drug counselor represented to the public?
For certified professional counselor-alcohol and drug
1. Use the title "certified professional counselor-alcohol and drug";
2. Use the initials "C.P.C.-A.D." after the name of the individual;
3. Represent to the public that the individual is certified as
How long is one authorized to practice once a certificate to practice is issued?
the Board authorizes the certificate holder to practice while the certificate is effective