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House OKs Bill to Extend Counselors' Board
HB 343 Recognizes Successes, Anticipates Possible Merger

(JUNEAU) - The House today passed House Bill 343, which would extend for three years the panel responsible for monitoring professional counselors, giving time for the board to plan a possible merger with a similar governing board for psychologists, social workers and marriage and family therapists.

Rep. Lisa Murkowski (R-Anchorage), who introduced the bill as chair of the House Labor and Commerce Committee, said HB 343 recognizes the outstanding work of the Board of Professional Counselors, a five-member panel responsible for licensing counselors, establishing criteria for supervisor certification, certifying approved counselor supervisors and establishing continuing education and training requirements.

"Regulation and licensing of professional counselors safeguards the public by promoting competence and integrity of those licensed as professional counselors," Murkowski said. "This board operates in an efficient and effective manner. House Bill 343 acknowledges the board's effectiveness and extends its termination date."

While the Division of Legislative Audit has recommended that the Board of Professional Counselors merge with the Marital and Family Therapy Board, testimony on HB 343 made it clear that neither board is ready to merge just yet. The three-year extension not only provides more time to resolve the issue, it aligns the expiration date of the two boards, anticipating the possibility of the Legislature authorizing a combined board, Murkowski said.

HB 343 also makes Alaska's strict education requirements for professional counselors slightly more flexible, she said. While the state requires applicants to have 60 semester hours of training - usually 48 hours earned in a master's degree, plus 12 additional hours of specialized training - some accredited master's programs require but 39 hours. HB 343 allows those with master's degrees and 12 extra credit hours to apply for licensure then continue to accrue hours toward the 60-hour standard.

HB 343 passed the House unanimously, and moves next to the Senate for consideration.

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