Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Monday unanimously passed House Bill 208, which strengthens the existing Alaska statutes that established a board and licensing requirements for professional counselors. HB 208 passed 38-0.

"The last Legislature passed legislation establishing a board and license for professional counselors in Alaska," said Representative Lisa Murkowski (R-Anchorage), sponsor of HB 208. "This measure strengthens existing statutes by defining the authority of the board and what is termed the 'appropriate, quality education and experience' necessary for licensure as a professional counselor."

The bill also addresses three other housekeeping provisions in the applicable statutes:

• adds to the list of health professionals allowed to supervise professional counselors;
• adds professional counselors to the Centralized Licensing Statutes sections regarding the use of the letters "LPC" after a licensed professional's name;
• extends the deadline by six months for current, eligible professional counselors to be "grandfathered" in without having to undergo the supervisory and testing requirements currently required for new entrants into the profession.

HB 208 now moves to the Senate.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
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