S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  6092

                            I N  S E N A T E

                               (PREFILED)

                             January 4, 2012
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen.  DeFRANCISCO -- read twice and ordered printed, and
  when printed to be committed to the Committee on Higher Education

AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring licensing of
  rehabilitation counselors

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new article 152 to
read as follows:
                               ARTICLE 152
                        REHABILITATION COUNSELING
SECTION 7550. INTRODUCTION.
        7551. DEFINITION OF THE PRACTICE OF "REHABILITATION COUNSELING".
        7552. PRACTICE  OF  REHABILITATION  COUNSELING  AND  USE  OF THE
                TITLES "REHABILITATION COUNSELOR" AND "LICENSED REHABIL-
                ITATION COUNSELOR".
        7553. STATE BOARD FOR REHABILITATION COUNSELING.
        7554. REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROFESSIONAL LICENSE.
        7555. LIMITED PERMITS.
        7556. EXEMPT PERSONS.
        7557. SPECIAL PROVISIONS.
        7558. SEPARABILITY.
  S 7550. INTRODUCTION. THIS ARTICLE APPLIES TO THE PROFESSION OF  REHA-
BILITATION  COUNSELING.  THE  GENERAL  PROVISIONS  FOR  ALL  PROFESSIONS
CONTAINED IN ARTICLE ONE HUNDRED THIRTY OF THIS  TITLE  SHALL  APPLY  TO
THIS ARTICLE.
  S 7551. DEFINITION OF THE PRACTICE OF "REHABILITATION COUNSELING". THE
PRACTICE  OF THE PROFESSION OF REHABILITATION COUNSELING IS DEFINED AS A
SYSTEMATIC PROCESS WHICH ASSISTS PERSONS WITH PHYSICAL, MENTAL, DEVELOP-
MENTAL, COGNITIVE, AND EMOTIONAL DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL,
CAREER, AND INDEPENDENT LIVING GOALS  IN  THE  MOST  INTEGRATED  SETTING
POSSIBLE  THROUGH  THE  APPLICATION OF THE COUNSELING PROCESS. THE COUN-
SELING PROCESS INVOLVES  COMMUNICATION,  GOAL  SETTING,  AND  BENEFICIAL
GROWTH  OR  CHANGE  THROUGH  SELF-ADVOCACY,  PSYCHOLOGICAL,  VOCATIONAL,

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
              

                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD00393-04-2

S. 6092                             2

SOCIAL, AND BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS. THE SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES AND MODAL-
ITIES  UTILIZED  WITHIN  THIS  REHABILITATION  COUNSELING  PROCESS   MAY
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
  1. ASSESSMENT AND APPRAISAL;
  2. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT PLANNING;
  3. CAREER (VOCATIONAL) COUNSELING;
  4.  INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING TREATMENT INTERVENTIONS FOCUSED ON
FACILITATING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MEDICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF DISA-
BILITY;
  5. CASE MANAGEMENT, REFERRAL, AND SERVICE COORDINATION;
  6. PROGRAM EVALUATION AND RESEARCH;
  7. INTERVENTIONS TO REMOVE ENVIRONMENTAL, EMPLOYMENT, AND  ATTITUDINAL
BARRIERS;
  8.   CONSULTATION  SERVICES  AMONG  MULTIPLE  PARTIES  AND  REGULATORY
SYSTEMS;
  9. JOB ANALYSIS, JOB DEVELOPMENT, AND  PLACEMENT  SERVICES,  INCLUDING
ASSISTANCE WITH EMPLOYMENT AND JOB ACCOMMODATIONS;
  10.  THE  PROVISION OF CONSULTATION ABOUT AND ACCESS TO REHABILITATION
TECHNOLOGY.
  S 7552. PRACTICE OF REHABILITATION COUNSELING AND USE  OF  THE  TITLES
"REHABILITATION COUNSELOR" AND "LICENSED REHABILITATION COUNSELOR". ONLY
A PERSON LICENSED  OR EXEMPT UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL PRACTICE REHABILI-
TATION  COUNSELING  OR USE THE TITLE "REHABILITATION COUNSELOR".  ONLY A
PERSON LICENSED UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL USE THE TITLE  "LICENSED  REHA-
BILITATION COUNSELOR" OR ANY OTHER DESIGNATION TENDING TO IMPLY THAT THE
PERSON IS LICENSED TO PRACTICE REHABILITATION COUNSELING.
  S  7553.  STATE  BOARD FOR REHABILITATION COUNSELING. 1. A STATE BOARD
FOR REHABILITATION COUNSELING SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS
ON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE PURPOSE OF  ASSISTING  THE
BOARD  OF  REGENTS  AND THE DEPARTMENT ON MATTERS OF LICENSING AND REGU-
LATION.  THE BOARD SHALL BE COMPOSED OF AT  LEAST  THREE  REHABILITATION
COUNSELORS  LICENSED  PURSUANT  TO  THIS ARTICLE AND AT LEAST ONE PUBLIC
REPRESENTATIVE WHO DOES NOT HOLD INTERESTS IN THE ORGANIZATION,  FINANC-
ING,  OR  DELIVERY OF REHABILITATION COUNSELING SERVICES. MEMBERS OF THE
FIRST BOARD NEED NOT BE LICENSED  PRIOR  TO  THEIR  APPOINTMENT  TO  THE
BOARD.  AN  EXECUTIVE  SECRETARY  TO THE BOARD SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
BOARD OF REGENTS ON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMISSIONER.
  2. THE TERMS OF OFFICE OF THE MEMBERS  OF  THE  BOARD  SHALL  BE  FIVE
YEARS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT OF THE MEMBERS FIRST APPOINTED, ONE SHALL
BE APPOINTED FOR THREE YEARS, ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED FOR FOUR YEARS, AND
TWO SHALL BE APPOINTED FOR FIVE YEARS. ANY VACANCY ON THE BOARD SHALL BE
FILLED BY APPOINTMENT FOR THE REMAINDER OF SUCH MEMBER'S TERM IN ACCORD-
ANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
  3.  THE  MEMBERS  OF THE BOARD SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR
SERVICES BUT EACH MEMBER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE HIS OR HER  ACTUAL
AND NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER DUTIES.
  S  7554.  REQUIREMENTS  FOR  A  PROFESSIONAL LICENSE. TO QUALIFY FOR A
LICENSE AS A "LICENSED REHABILITATION  COUNSELOR",  AN  APPLICANT  SHALL
FULFILL THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
  1. APPLICATION: FILE AN APPLICATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT;
  2.  EXAMINATION:  PASS  THE EXAMINATION OF THE COMMISSION ON REHABILI-
TATION COUNSELING CERTIFICATION (CRCC); BE CERTIFIED BY THAT BODY  AS  A
CERTIFIED REHABILITATION COUNSELOR (CRC);
  3. AGE: BE AT LEAST TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE;
  4.  CHARACTER: BE OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPART-
MENT; AND

S. 6092                             3

  5. FEES: PAY A FEE OF TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS TO THE DEPARTMENT  FOR
ADMISSION  TO  LICENSURE  AND  FOR  AN INITIAL LICENSE; AND A FEE OF ONE
HUNDRED SEVENTY DOLLARS FOR EACH TRIENNIAL REGISTRATION PERIOD.
  S  7555.  LIMITED  PERMITS.  THE  FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LIMITED
PERMIT SHALL APPLY TO THE PROFESSION LICENSED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE:
  1. THE DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE A LIMITED PERMIT  TO  AN  APPLICANT  WHOSE
QUALIFICATIONS  HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR ADMISSION TO THE CRCC EXAMINATION
IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREFOR.
  2. LIMITED PERMITS SHALL BE FOR ONE YEAR AND MAY BE  RENEWED,  AT  THE
DISCRETION OF THE DEPARTMENT, FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR.
  3.  THE FEE FOR EACH LIMITED PERMIT AND FOR EACH RENEWAL THEREOF SHALL
BE SEVENTY DOLLARS.
  S 7556. EXEMPT PERSONS. 1.   THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT  BE  CONSTRUED  TO
AFFECT OR PREVENT QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS, NURSES, PHYSICAL OR OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, COUNSELORS, CREATIVE ARTS THERAPISTS, PSYCHO-
ANALYSTS,  SOCIAL  WORKERS  OR MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY FROM PERFORMING THE
WORK OF A REHABILITATION COUNSELOR WHERE INCIDENT  TO  THE  PRACTICE  OF
THEIR  PROFESSIONS,  PROVIDED  THEY  DO  NOT  HOLD THEMSELVES OUT TO THE
PUBLIC BY ANY TITLE AS BEING ENGAGED IN THE PRACTICE  OF  REHABILITATION
COUNSELING.
  2. THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO AFFECT OR PREVENT A REHABIL-
ITATION  COUNSELING STUDENT FROM ENGAGING IN CLINICAL PRACTICE UNDER THE
SUPERVISION OF A LICENSED OR CERTIFIED REHABILITATION COUNSELOR AS  PART
OF  A PROGRAM CONDUCTED IN AN APPROVED AGENCY AFFILIATED WITH AN ACCRED-
ITED SCHOOL OF  REHABILITATION  COUNSELING  WHICH  IS  APPROVED  BY  THE
DEPARTMENT.
  S  7557.  SPECIAL PROVISIONS. 1.   ANY NONEXEMPT PERSON PRACTICING THE
PROFESSION TO BE LICENSED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE  SHALL  APPLY  FOR  A
LICENSE FOR PRACTICE OF SUCH PROFESSION WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE EFFECTIVE
DATE  OF SUCH PROFESSION.  IF SUCH PERSON DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR A LICENSE ESTABLISHED WITHIN  THIS  ARTICLE,  THE  DEPARTMENT  SHALL
LICENSE  WITHOUT EXAMINATION IF THE APPLICANT SUBMITS EVIDENCE SATISFAC-
TORY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAVING BEEN ENGAGED IN THE  PRACTICE  OF  SUCH
PROFESSION  FOR  AT LEAST FIVE OF THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING EIGHT YEARS.
SUCH EXEMPTION SHALL BE IN EFFECT FOR ONLY ONE YEAR FOLLOWING THE ENACT-
MENT OF THE CHAPTER OF THE LAWS OF TWO THOUSANED TWELVE WHICH ADDED THIS
SECTION.
  2. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL APPROVE ALL FEES AUTHORIZED PURSUANT TO THIS
ARTICLE. SUCH FEES SHALL BE  SET  IN  AMOUNTS  SUFFICIENT  TO  MEET  THE
EXPENSES OF ADMINISTERING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
  3. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROMULGATE ANY RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY
TO ESTABLISH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF REHABILITATION COUNSELORS AND ANY
OTHER  RULES  AND  REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS ARTICLE.
  S 7558. SEPARABILITY. IF ANY SECTION OF THIS ARTICLE, OR PART THEREOF,
SHALL BE ADJUDGED BY ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO BE  INVALID,
SUCH  JUDGMENT  SHALL  NOT AFFECT, IMPAIR OR INVALIDATE THE REMAINDER OF
ANY OTHER SECTION OR PART THEREOF.
  S 2. This act shall take effect on the five  hundred  forty-fifth  day
after  it shall have become a law; provided, however, that any rules and
regulations necessary to implement the provisions of  this  act  on  its
effective  date  are  authorized and directed to be promulgated, amended
and repealed on or before such date.

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                 6092--B

                            I N  S E N A T E

                               (PREFILED)

                             January 4, 2012
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen.  DeFRANCISCO -- read twice and ordered printed, and
  when printed to be committed to the Committee on Higher  Education  --
  committee  discharged,  bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and
  recommitted to said committee -- committee discharged,  bill  amended,
  ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee

AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring licensing of
  rehabilitation counselors

  THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new article 152 to
read as follows:
                               ARTICLE 152
                        REHABILITATION COUNSELING
SECTION 7550. INTRODUCTION.
        7551. DEFINITION OF THE PRACTICE OF "REHABILITATION COUNSELING".
        7552. PRACTICE OF  REHABILITATION  COUNSELING  AND  USE  OF  THE
                TITLES "REHABILITATION COUNSELOR" AND "LICENSED REHABIL-
                ITATION COUNSELOR".
        7553. STATE BOARD FOR REHABILITATION COUNSELING.
        7554. REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROFESSIONAL LICENSE.
        7555. LIMITED PERMITS.
        7556. EXEMPT PERSONS.
        7557. SPECIAL PROVISIONS.
        7558. MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION.
        7559. SEPARABILITY.
  S  7550. INTRODUCTION. THIS ARTICLE APPLIES TO THE PROFESSION OF REHA-
BILITATION  COUNSELING.  THE  GENERAL  PROVISIONS  FOR  ALL  PROFESSIONS
CONTAINED  IN  ARTICLE  ONE  HUNDRED THIRTY OF THIS TITLE SHALL APPLY TO
THIS ARTICLE.
  S 7551. DEFINITION OF THE PRACTICE OF "REHABILITATION COUNSELING". THE
PRACTICE OF THE PROFESSION OF REHABILITATION COUNSELING IS DEFINED AS  A
SYSTEMATIC PROCESS WHICH ASSISTS PERSONS WITH PHYSICAL, MENTAL, DEVELOP-
MENTAL, COGNITIVE, AND EMOTIONAL DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL,

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
              

                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD00393-10-2

S. 6092--B                          2

CAREER,  AND  INDEPENDENT  LIVING  GOALS  IN THE MOST INTEGRATED SETTING
POSSIBLE THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF THE COUNSELING  PROCESS.  THE  COUN-
SELING  PROCESS  INVOLVES  COMMUNICATION,  GOAL  SETTING, AND BENEFICIAL
GROWTH  OR  CHANGE  THROUGH  SELF-ADVOCACY,  PSYCHOLOGICAL,  VOCATIONAL,
SOCIAL, AND BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS. THE SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES AND MODAL-
ITIES  UTILIZED  WITHIN  THIS  REHABILITATION  COUNSELING  PROCESS   MAY
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
  1. ASSESSMENT AND APPRAISAL;
  2. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT PLANNING;
  3. CAREER (VOCATIONAL) COUNSELING;
  4.  INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING TREATMENT INTERVENTIONS FOCUSED ON
FACILITATING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MEDICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF DISA-
BILITY;
  5. CASE MANAGEMENT, REFERRAL, AND SERVICE COORDINATION;
  6. PROGRAM EVALUATION AND RESEARCH;
  7. INTERVENTIONS TO REMOVE ENVIRONMENTAL, EMPLOYMENT, AND  ATTITUDINAL
BARRIERS;
  8.   CONSULTATION  SERVICES  AMONG  MULTIPLE  PARTIES  AND  REGULATORY
SYSTEMS;
  9. JOB ANALYSIS, JOB DEVELOPMENT, AND  PLACEMENT  SERVICES,  INCLUDING
ASSISTANCE WITH EMPLOYMENT AND JOB ACCOMMODATIONS;
  10.  THE  PROVISION OF CONSULTATION ABOUT AND ACCESS TO REHABILITATION
TECHNOLOGY.
  S 7552. PRACTICE OF REHABILITATION COUNSELING AND USE  OF  THE  TITLES
"REHABILITATION COUNSELOR" AND "LICENSED REHABILITATION COUNSELOR". ONLY
A PERSON LICENSED  OR EXEMPT UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL PRACTICE REHABILI-
TATION  COUNSELING  OR USE THE TITLE "REHABILITATION COUNSELOR".  ONLY A
PERSON LICENSED UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL USE THE TITLE  "LICENSED  REHA-
BILITATION COUNSELOR" OR ANY OTHER DESIGNATION TENDING TO IMPLY THAT THE
PERSON IS LICENSED TO PRACTICE REHABILITATION COUNSELING.
  S  7553.  STATE  BOARD FOR REHABILITATION COUNSELING. 1. A STATE BOARD
FOR REHABILITATION COUNSELING SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS
ON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE PURPOSE OF  ASSISTING  THE
BOARD  OF  REGENTS  AND THE DEPARTMENT ON MATTERS OF LICENSING AND REGU-
LATION.  THE BOARD SHALL BE COMPOSED OF AT  LEAST  THREE  REHABILITATION
COUNSELORS  LICENSED  PURSUANT  TO  THIS ARTICLE AND AT LEAST ONE PUBLIC
REPRESENTATIVE WHO DOES NOT HOLD INTERESTS IN THE ORGANIZATION,  FINANC-
ING,  OR  DELIVERY OF REHABILITATION COUNSELING SERVICES. MEMBERS OF THE
FIRST BOARD NEED NOT BE LICENSED  PRIOR  TO  THEIR  APPOINTMENT  TO  THE
BOARD.  AN  EXECUTIVE  SECRETARY  TO THE BOARD SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
BOARD OF REGENTS ON RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMISSIONER.
  2. THE TERMS OF OFFICE OF THE MEMBERS  OF  THE  BOARD  SHALL  BE  FIVE
YEARS; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT OF THE MEMBERS FIRST APPOINTED, ONE SHALL
BE APPOINTED FOR THREE YEARS, ONE SHALL BE APPOINTED FOR FOUR YEARS, AND
TWO SHALL BE APPOINTED FOR FIVE YEARS. ANY VACANCY ON THE BOARD SHALL BE
FILLED BY APPOINTMENT FOR THE REMAINDER OF SUCH MEMBER'S TERM IN ACCORD-
ANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
  3.  THE  MEMBERS  OF THE BOARD SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR
SERVICES BUT EACH MEMBER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE HIS OR HER  ACTUAL
AND NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER DUTIES.
  S  7554.  REQUIREMENTS  FOR  A  PROFESSIONAL LICENSE. TO QUALIFY FOR A
LICENSE AS A "LICENSED REHABILITATION  COUNSELOR",  AN  APPLICANT  SHALL
FULFILL THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
  1. APPLICATION: FILE AN APPLICATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT;

S. 6092--B                          3

  2.  EXAMINATION:  PASS  THE EXAMINATION OF THE COMMISSION ON REHABILI-
TATION COUNSELING CERTIFICATION (CRCC); BE CERTIFIED BY THAT BODY  AS  A
CERTIFIED REHABILITATION COUNSELOR (CRC);
  3. AGE: BE AT LEAST TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE;
  4.  CHARACTER: BE OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPART-
MENT; AND
  5. FEES: PAY A FEE OF TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS TO THE DEPARTMENT  FOR
ADMISSION  TO  LICENSURE  AND  FOR  AN INITIAL LICENSE; AND A FEE OF ONE
HUNDRED SEVENTY DOLLARS FOR EACH TRIENNIAL REGISTRATION PERIOD.
  S 7555. LIMITED PERMITS. THE  FOLLOWING  REQUIREMENTS  FOR  A  LIMITED
PERMIT SHALL APPLY TO THE PROFESSION LICENSED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE:
  1.  THE  DEPARTMENT  MAY  ISSUE A LIMITED PERMIT TO AN APPLICANT WHOSE
QUALIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR ADMISSION TO THE CRCC  EXAMINATION
IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREFOR.
  2.  LIMITED  PERMITS  SHALL BE FOR ONE YEAR AND MAY BE RENEWED, AT THE
DISCRETION OF THE DEPARTMENT, FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR.
  3. THE FEE FOR EACH LIMITED PERMIT AND FOR EACH RENEWAL THEREOF  SHALL
BE SEVENTY DOLLARS.
  S  7556.  EXEMPT  PERSONS. 1.   THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
AFFECT OR PREVENT QUALIFIED PHYSICIANS, NURSES, PHYSICAL OR OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, COUNSELORS, CREATIVE ARTS THERAPISTS, PSYCHO-
ANALYSTS, SOCIAL WORKERS OR MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY  FROM  PERFORMING  THE
WORK  OF  A  REHABILITATION  COUNSELOR WHERE INCIDENT TO THE PRACTICE OF
THEIR PROFESSIONS, PROVIDED THEY DO  NOT  HOLD  THEMSELVES  OUT  TO  THE
PUBLIC  BY  ANY TITLE AS BEING ENGAGED IN THE PRACTICE OF REHABILITATION
COUNSELING.
  2. THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO AFFECT OR PREVENT A REHABIL-
ITATION COUNSELING STUDENT FROM ENGAGING IN CLINICAL PRACTICE UNDER  THE
SUPERVISION  OF A LICENSED OR CERTIFIED REHABILITATION COUNSELOR AS PART
OF A PROGRAM CONDUCTED IN AN APPROVED AGENCY AFFILIATED WITH AN  ACCRED-
ITED  SCHOOL  OF  REHABILITATION  COUNSELING  WHICH  IS  APPROVED BY THE
DEPARTMENT.
  S 7557. SPECIAL PROVISIONS. 1.   ANY NONEXEMPT PERSON  PRACTICING  THE
PROFESSION  TO  BE  LICENSED  PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE SHALL APPLY FOR A
LICENSE FOR PRACTICE OF SUCH PROFESSION WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THIS ARTICLE.  IF SUCH PERSON DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
A LICENSE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THIS ARTICLE, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL  LICENSE
WITHOUT  EXAMINATION  IF  THE APPLICANT SUBMITS EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF HAVING BEEN ENGAGED IN THE PRACTICE OF SUCH PROFESSION
FOR AT LEAST FIVE OF  THE  IMMEDIATELY  PRECEDING  EIGHT  YEARS.    SUCH
EXEMPTION  SHALL  BE IN EFFECT FOR ONLY ONE YEAR FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THIS ARTICLE.
  2. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL APPROVE ALL FEES AUTHORIZED PURSUANT TO THIS
ARTICLE. SUCH FEES SHALL BE  SET  IN  AMOUNTS  SUFFICIENT  TO  MEET  THE
EXPENSES OF ADMINISTERING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE.
  3. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PROMULGATE ANY RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY
TO ESTABLISH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF REHABILITATION COUNSELORS AND ANY
OTHER  RULES  AND  REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS ARTICLE.
  S 7558. MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION.  1.  (A)  EACH  REHABILITATION
COUNSELOR  LICENSED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE REQUIRED TO REGISTER TRIEN-
NIALLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT TO PRACTICE IN THE STATE  SHALL  COMPLY  WITH
THE  PROVISIONS  OF  THE  MANDATORY  CONTINUING  EDUCATION  REQUIREMENTS
PRESCRIBED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION EXCEPT  AS  SET  FORTH  IN
PARAGRAPHS  (B) AND (C) OF THIS SUBDIVISION. SUCH REHABILITATION COUNSE-
LORS  WHO DO NOT SATISFY THE MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

S. 6092--B                          4

SHALL NOT PRACTICE UNTIL THEY HAVE MET SUCH REQUIREMENTS, THEY HAVE PAID
ALL APPLICABLE FEES, AND THEY HAVE BEEN ISSUED A REGISTRATION OR  CONDI-
TIONAL REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE.
  (B)  REHABILITATION  COUNSELORS  SHALL  BE  EXEMPT  FROM THE MANDATORY
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR THE TRIENNIAL  REGISTRATION  PERIOD
DURING  WHICH  THEY ARE FIRST LICENSED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTENT OF
THIS SECTION, ADJUSTMENT TO THE MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION  REQUIRE-
MENT MAY BE GRANTED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR REASONS OF HEALTH CERTIFIED BY
AN  APPROPRIATE  HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL, FOR EXTENDED ACTIVE DUTY WITH
THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, OR FOR OTHER GOOD  CAUSE ACCEPTA-
BLE TO THE DEPARTMENT WHICH MAY PREVENT COMPLIANCE.
  (C) A LICENSED REHABILITATION COUNSELOR NOT ENGAGED  IN  PRACTICE,  AS
DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT, SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE MANDATORY CONTIN-
UING  EDUCATION  REQUIREMENT  UPON  THE  FILING  OF A STATEMENT WITH THE
DEPARTMENT DECLARING SUCH  STATUS. ANY LICENSEE WHO RETURNS TO THE PRAC-
TICE OF REHABILITATION COUNSELOR DURING THE TRIENNIAL REGISTRATION PERI-
OD SHALL NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO REENTERING  THE  PROFESSION  AND
SHALL  MEET SUCH MANDATORY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AS SHALL BE PRESCRIBED
BY REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER.
  2. DURING EACH TRIENNIAL REGISTRATION PERIOD AN APPLICANT  FOR  REGIS-
TRATION    SHALL  COMPLETE  A MINIMUM OF TWENTY-FOUR HOURS OF ACCEPTABLE
CONTINUING EDUCATION, A MAXIMUM OF TWELVE HOURS OF WHICH MAY BE SELF-IN-
STRUCTIONAL COURSE WORK ACCEPTABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT. ANY REHABILITATION
COUNSELOR WHOSE FIRST REGISTRATION DATE FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE  OF
THIS SECTION OCCURS LESS THAN THREE YEARS FROM  SUCH EFFECTIVE DATE, BUT
ON OR AFTER JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN, SHALL COMPLETE CONTIN-
UING  EDUCATION  HOURS  ON  A PRORATED BASIS AT THE RATE OF ONE HOUR PER
MONTH FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND  FOURTEEN  UP
TO THE FIRST REGISTRATION DATE THEREAFTER. A LICENSEE WHO HAS NOT SATIS-
FIED THE MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS SHALL NOT BE ISSUED
A  TRIENNIAL  REGISTRATION  CERTIFICATE  BY THE DEPARTMENT AND SHALL NOT
PRACTICE UNLESS AND UNTIL  A  CONDITIONAL  REGISTRATION  CERTIFICATE  IS
ISSUED,  AS  PROVIDED FOR IN SUBDIVISION THREE OF THIS SECTION, OR UNTIL
HE OR SHE HAS OTHERWISE MET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION.
  3. THE DEPARTMENT, IN ITS DISCRETION, MAY ISSUE A  CONDITIONAL  REGIS-
TRATION  TO  A  LICENSEE  WHO  FAILS  TO  MEET  THE CONTINUING EDUCATION
REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED IN SUBDIVISION TWO  OF  THIS  SECTION  BUT  WHO
AGREES  TO  MAKE UP ANY DEFICIENCIES AND  COMPLETE ANY ADDITIONAL EDUCA-
TION WHICH THE DEPARTMENT MAY REQUIRE. THE FEE FOR  SUCH  A  CONDITIONAL
REGISTRATION  SHALL  BE THE SAME AS, AND IN ADDITION TO, THE FEE FOR THE
TRIENNIAL REGISTRATION. THE DURATION OF  SUCH  CONDITIONAL  REGISTRATION
SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT BUT SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE YEAR. ANY
LICENSEE  WHO  IS  NOTIFIED OF THE DENIAL OF REGISTRATION FOR FAILURE TO
SUBMIT  EVIDENCE,  SATISFACTORY  TO     THE  DEPARTMENT,   OF   REQUIRED
CONTINUING_EDUCATION AND WHO PRACTICES REHABILITATION COUNSELING WITHOUT
SUCH  REGISTRATION, MAY BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS  PURSUANT
TO SECTION SIXTY-FIVE HUNDRED TEN OF THIS TITLE.
  4. AS USED IN SUBDIVISION TWO OF THIS SECTION, "ACCEPTABLE  CONTINUING
EDUCATION"  SHALL  MEAN  COURSES  OF LEARNING AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN  REHABILITATION  COUNSELING
AND  WHICH  MEET  THE STANDARDS PRESCRIBED BY REGULATIONS OF THE COMMIS-
SIONER. THE DEPARTMENT MAY, IN  ITS DISCRETION AND AS NEEDED TO CONTRIB-
UTE TO THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC, REQUIRE THE  COMPLETION  OF
CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES IN SPECIFIC SUBJECTS.

S. 6092--B                          5

  5.  REHABILITATION COUNSELORS SHALL MAINTAIN ADEQUATE DOCUMENTATION OF
COMPLETION OF ACCEPTABLE CONTINUING EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
AND SHALL PROVIDE SUCH DOCUMENTATION AT THE REQUEST OF THE DEPARTMENT.
  6. THE MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION FEE SHALL BE FORTY-FIVE DOLLARS,
SHALL  BE PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF EACH TRIENNIAL REGISTRA-
TION PERIOD, AND SHALL BE PAID IN ADDITION TO THE TRIENNIAL REGISTRATION
FEE REQUIRED BY SECTION SEVENTY-FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE.
  7. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL BE REQUIRED TO MAIL TO ALL LICENSED  REHABILI-
TATION COUNSELORS, PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF EACH TRIENNIAL REGISTRATION
PERIOD,  INFORMATION   SETTING FORTH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH TRIENNIAL
REGISTRATION.
  S 7559. SEPARABILITY. IF ANY SECTION OF THIS ARTICLE, OR PART THEREOF,
SHALL BE ADJUDGED BY ANY COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO BE  INVALID,
SUCH  JUDGMENT  SHALL  NOT AFFECT, IMPAIR OR INVALIDATE THE REMAINDER OF
ANY OTHER SECTION OR PART THEREOF.
  S 2. This act shall take effect on the five  hundred  forty-fifth  day
after  it shall have become a law; provided, however, that any rules and
regulations necessary to implement the provisions of  this  act  on  its
effective  date  are  authorized and directed to be promulgated, amended
and repealed on or before such date.