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Colorado Mental Health Practice Act Colorado Revised Statutes - PDF
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1 Colorado Mental Health Practice Act Colorado Revised Statutes Title 12 Professions and Occupations Article 43 Mental Health Effective July 1, 2009 DISCLAIMER: Colorado Revised Statutes are made available for public use by the Committee on Legal Services of the Colorado General Assembly through a contractual arrangement with the LexisNexis Group, which prepares and maintains the official website for the state of Colorado. The statutes are copyrighted by the state of Colorado (please see , C.R.S.). Any person wishing to reprint and distribute all or a substantial part of the statutes in either printed or electronic format must obtain prior permission of the Committee on Legal Services; permission is not required to reprint fewer than 200 sections of C.R.S. (please see , C.R.S.). LexisNexis Group customer support can be reached at
2 Table of Contents Colorado Mental Health Practice Act... 1 PART 1 LEGISLATIVE DECLARATION Legislative declaration PART 2 GENERAL PROVISIONS Definitions - repeal Practice outside of or beyond professional training, experience, or competence Boards - meetings - duties - powers - removal of members - immunity Limitation on authority Fees - renewal Records Licensure by endorsement Provisional license - repeal License - issuance Drugs - medicine Collaborate with physician Division of registrations to supervise Professional service corporations for the practice of psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, and addiction counseling - definitions Denial of license - reinstatement Legislative intent - schools and colleges - examinations Mandatory disclosure of information to clients Scope of article - exemptions Title use restrictions Judicial review of final board actions and orders Disclosure of confidential communications Article not to restrict other professions Data base of licensed and unlicensed psychotherapists - violation - penalty - data collection - report to sunrise and sunset review committee - repeal. (Repealed) Powers and duties of the boards Prohibited activities - related provisions Authority of licensing boards and the grievance board - cease-and-desist orders Disciplinary proceedings - judicial review - mental and physical examinations - multiple licenses Reconsideration and review of action of a licensing board or the grievance board Unauthorized practice - penalties Injunctive proceedings Minimum standards for testing Repeal of article PART 3 PSYCHOLOGISTS Definitions State board of psychologist examiners i
3 Practice of psychology defined Qualifications - examinations - licensure Rights and privileges of licensure Exemptions PART 4 SOCIAL WORKERS Definitions State board of social work examiners Social work practice defined Qualifications - examination - licensure and registration Rights and privileges of licensure and a social work degree Scope of part Exemptions School social workers Clinical social work practice of psychotherapy Employees of social services Continuing professional competency - board rules - repeal PART 5 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS Definitions State board of marriage and family therapist examiners Marriage and family therapy practice defined Qualifications - examination - licensure and registration Rights and privileges of licensure and registration Continuing professional competency - board rules - repeal PART 6 LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS Definitions State board of licensed professional counselor examiners Licensure - examination - licensed professional counselors Rights and privileges of licensure Continuing professional competency - board rules - repeal PART 7 STATE GRIEVANCE BOARD Definitions State grievance board - creation - subject to termination Data base of unlicensed psychotherapists - unauthorized practice - penalties - data collection Powers and duties of the grievance board. (Repealed) Prohibited activities - related provisions. (Repealed) Authority of grievance board - cease-and-desist orders. (Repealed) Disciplinary proceedings - judicial review - mental and physical examinations. (Repealed) Reconsideration and review of action of grievance board. (Repealed) Unlawful acts. (Repealed) Injunctive proceedings. (Repealed) Expenses of the grievance board Jurisdiction Records Repeal of article. (Repealed) ii
4 PART 8 ADDICTION COUNSELORS Definitions Practice of addiction counseling defined Licensure or certification of addiction counselors - authority of director - rules Procedures and requirements for license - rules Continuing professional competency - director rules - repeal iii
5 Legislative declaration. PART 1 LEGISLATIVE DECLARATION The general assembly hereby finds and determines that, in order to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state and in order to protect the people of this state against the unauthorized, unqualified, and improper application of psychotherapy, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, and addiction counseling, it is necessary that the proper regulatory authorities be established and adequately provided for. The general assembly therefore declares that there shall be established a state board of psychologist examiners, a state board of social work examiners, a state board of marriage and family therapist examiners, and a state board of licensed professional counselor examiners with the authority to license and take disciplinary actions or bring injunctive actions, or both, concerning licensed psychologists, psychologist candidates, licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors, respectively. There shall also be a state grievance board with the authority to take disciplinary actions or bring injunctive actions, or both, concerning unlicensed psychotherapists. Additionally, the director of the division of registrations in the department of regulatory agencies is authorized to certify and license addiction counselors and take disciplinary actions or bring injunctive actions, or both, concerning addiction counselors. Effective July 1, 2009 Page 1 of 65
6 Definitions - repeal. PART 2 GENERAL PROVISIONS As used in this part 2, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Board" includes the state board of psychologist examiners, the state board of social work examiners, the state board of licensed professional counselor examiners, the state board of marriage and family therapist examiners, and the state grievance board. (1.5) "Certified addiction counselor" means a person who is an addiction counselor certified pursuant to this article. (1.7) "Director" means the director of the division of registrations in the department of regulatory agencies. (2) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2000, p. 1841, 17, effective August 2, 2000.) (3) "Grievance board" means the state grievance board created by section (3.5) "Licensed addiction counselor" means a person who is an addiction counselor licensed pursuant to this article. (4) (Deleted by amendment, L. 98, p. 1107, 4, effective July 1, 1998.) (5) "Licensed professional counselor" means a person who is a professional counselor licensed pursuant to this article. (5.5) "Licensed social worker" means a person who: (a) Is a licensed social worker or licensed clinical social worker; and (b) Is licensed pursuant to this article. (6) "Licensee" means a psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor, or addiction counselor licensed, certified, or registered pursuant to this article. (7) "Marriage and family therapist" means a person who is a marriage and family therapist licensed pursuant to this article. (7.5) "Professional relationship" means an interaction that is deliberately planned or directed, or both, by the psychotherapist toward obtaining specific psychotherapeutic objectives, such as those set forth in subsection (9) of this section. (7.7) (a) "Provisional license" means a license issued pursuant to section (b) This subsection (7.7) is repealed, effective July 1, Effective July 1, 2009 Page 2 of 65
7 (7.8) (a) "Provisional licensee" means a person who holds a provisional license pursuant to section (b) This subsection (7.8) is repealed, effective July 1, (8) "Psychologist" means a person who is a psychologist licensed pursuant to this article. (9) "Psychotherapy" means the treatment, diagnosis, testing, assessment, or counseling in a professional relationship to assist individuals or groups to alleviate mental disorders, understand unconscious or conscious motivation, resolve emotional, relationship, or attitudinal conflicts, or modify behaviors which interfere with effective emotional, social, or intellectual functioning. Psychotherapy follows a planned procedure of intervention which takes place on a regular basis, over a period of time, or in the cases of testing, assessment, and brief psychotherapy, it can be a single intervention. It is the intent of the general assembly that the definition of psychotherapy as used in this part 2 be interpreted in its narrowest sense to regulate only those persons who clearly fall within the definition set forth in this subsection (9). (9.3) "Registrant" means a psychologist candidate registered pursuant to this article. (9.5) "Regulated" means a person who is listed in the state grievance board data base. (9.7) "School psychologist" means a person who practices psychotherapy and who is a school psychologist licensed pursuant to the provisions of section , C.R.S. (10) "Unlicensed psychotherapist" means any person whose primary practice is psychotherapy or who holds himself or herself out to the public as being able to practice psychotherapy for compensation and who is not licensed under this title to practice psychotherapy. "Unlicensed psychotherapist" also means a person who is a licensed school psychologist licensed pursuant to section (1) (b), C.R.S., and who is practicing outside of a school setting Practice outside of or beyond professional training, experience, or competence. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, no licensee, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist is authorized to practice outside of or beyond his or her area of training, experience, or competence Boards - meetings - duties - powers - removal of members - immunity. (1) In addition to all other powers and duties conferred or imposed upon each board by this article or by any other law, each board shall have the powers specified in this section. (2) (a) (I) Each board shall annually hold a meeting and elect from its membership a chairperson and vice-chairperson. Each board shall meet at such times as it deems necessary or advisable or as deemed necessary and advisable by the chairperson, a majority of its members, or the governor. Each board may conduct meetings by electronic Effective July 1, 2009 Page 3 of 65
8 means. Reasonable notice of all meetings shall be given in the manner prescribed by each board. A majority of each board shall constitute a quorum at any meeting or hearing. (II) All meetings shall be open to the public, except when a board, or an administrative law judge acting on behalf of a board, specifically determines that the harm to a complainant or other recipient of services to keep such proceedings or documents relating thereto open to the public outweighs the public interest in observing the proceedings; or when the licensee, registrant, or unlicensed psychotherapist is participating in good faith in a program approved by the board designed to end such addiction or dependency and the licensee, registrant, or unlicensed psychotherapist has not violated any provisions of the board's order regarding such person's participation in such treatment program. If the board determines that it is in the best interest of a complainant or other recipient of services to keep such proceedings or documents relating thereto closed to the public, the final action of the board shall be open to the public without disclosing the name of the client or other recipient. In all open meetings, the board shall take reasonable steps not to disclose the names of the recipients of services. (b) The proceedings of each board shall be conducted pursuant to article 4 of title 24, C.R.S. (3) Each board is authorized to: (a) Adopt, and from time to time revise, such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its powers and duties; (b) Adopt an examination; (c) Examine for, deny, withhold, or approve the license of an applicant, and renew licenses pursuant to section ; (d) Appoint advisory committees to assist in the performance of its duties; (e) Conduct hearings as necessary to carry out its powers and duties. (3.5) In carrying out its duties related to the approval of applications for licensure pursuant to this section, section , and parts 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this article, each board shall delegate the function of the preliminary review and approval of applications to the staff of each such board, with approval of such applications ratified by action of each such board. Each board, in its sole discretion, may individually review any application requiring board consideration prior to the approval thereof pursuant to section and parts 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this article. (4) Each board and the director shall maintain current lists of the names of all licensees, registrants, certificate holders, and unlicensed psychotherapists and records of cases and decisions rendered by the board or the director. In addition, each board and the director shall keep an accurate record of the results of all examinations for at least five years subsequent to the date of the examination. (5) Repealed. Effective July 1, 2009 Page 4 of 65
9 (6) Publications of each board intended for circulation in quantity outside the board shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of section , C.R.S. (7) (a) The director and any member of a board or of a professional review committee authorized by a board or director, any member of staff to a board, committee, or the director, any person acting as a witness or consultant to a board, committee, or the director, any witness testifying in a proceeding authorized under this article, and any person who lodges a complaint pursuant to this article shall be immune from liability in any civil action brought against him or her for acts occurring while acting in his or her capacity as the director, board or committee member, staff, consultant, or witness, respectively, if such individual was acting in good faith within the scope of his or her respective capacity, made a reasonable effort to obtain the facts of the matter as to which he or she acted, and acted in the reasonable belief that the action taken by him or her was warranted by the facts. Any person participating in good faith in lodging a complaint or participating in any investigative or administrative proceeding pursuant to this article shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability that may result from such participation. (b) Further, any person participating in good faith in the making of a complaint or report, or participating in any investigative or administrative proceeding before the board or the director, pursuant to this article, shall be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that otherwise might result by reason of such action. (8) (Deleted by amendment, L. 98, p. 1108, 6, effective July 1, 1998.) (9) Any board member having an immediate personal, private, or financial interest in any matter pending before the board shall disclose the fact and shall not vote upon such matter. (10) The governor may remove any board member for misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of duty. Actions constituting neglect of duty shall include, but not be limited to, the failure of board members to attend three consecutive meetings or at least threequarters of the board's meetings in any one calendar year. (11) (a) A professional review committee may be established pursuant to this subsection (11) to investigate the quality of care being given by a person licensed, registered, certified, or regulated pursuant to this article. If such a committee is established, it shall include in its membership at least three persons licensed, registered, certified, or regulated under either part 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 of this article, whichever is applicable, and such persons shall be licensees, registrants, certificate holders, or unlicensed psychotherapists in the same profession as the licensee, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist who is the subject of a professional review proceeding, but such committee may be authorized to act only by a society or an association of persons licensed, registered, certified, or regulated pursuant to this article whose membership includes not less than one-third of the persons licensed, registered, certified, or regulated pursuant to part 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 of this article, whichever is applicable, residing in this state if the licensee, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist whose services are the subject of review is a member of such society or association. Effective July 1, 2009 Page 5 of 65
10 (b) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2004, p. 1849, 101, effective August 4, 2004.) Limitation on authority. The authority granted each board under the provisions of this article shall not be construed to authorize a board to arbitrate or adjudicate fee disputes between licensees or between a licensee and any other party Fees - renewal. (1) All fees collected under parts 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this article shall be transmitted to the state treasurer who shall credit the same to the division of registrations cash fund pursuant to section , C.R.S. (2) Each board may charge application and examination fees established pursuant to section , C.R.S., to all applicants for licensure under this part 2. No fees received from applicants seeking licensure shall be refunded. (3) Every person licensed, certified, or registered to practice psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, or addiction counseling, or listed in the state grievance board data base, within the state shall renew or reinstate his or her license, certification, or registration pursuant to a schedule established by the director, and licenses, certifications, and registrations shall be renewed or reinstated pursuant to section (8), C.R.S. The director may establish renewal fees and delinquency fees for reinstatement pursuant to section , C.R.S. If a person fails to renew his or her license, certification, or registration pursuant to the schedule established by the director, such license, certification, or registration shall expire. Any person whose license, certification, or registration has expired shall be subject to the penalties provided in this article or section (8), C.R.S. (3.5) The director shall coordinate fee setting pursuant to this section so that all licensees, registrants, certificate holders, and unlicensed psychotherapists pay fees as required by this section and section (1). (4) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2004, p. 1850, 102, effective August 4, 2004.) Records. (1) The director and each board shall keep a record of proceedings and a register of all applications for licenses or certifications, which shall include: (a) The name, age, and residence of each applicant; (b) The date of the application; (c) The place of business of such applicant; (d) A summary of the educational and other qualifications of each applicant; Effective July 1, 2009 Page 6 of 65
11 (e) Whether or not an examination was required and, if required, the scores of the examination; (f) Whether or not licensure was granted; (g) The date of the action of the director or board; (h) Such other information as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the director or board in aid of the requirements of this section Licensure by endorsement. The board or the director, as appropriate, may issue a license by endorsement to engage in the practice of psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, or addiction counseling to any applicant who has a license, registration, or certification in good standing as a psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, or addiction counselor under the laws of another jurisdiction if the applicant presents proof satisfactory to the board or director that, at the time of application for a Colorado license by endorsement, the applicant possesses credentials and qualifications that are substantially equivalent to the requirements of section , , , , or , whichever is applicable. Each board or the director shall promulgate rules setting forth the manner in which credentials and qualifications of an applicant will be reviewed by the board or the director Provisional license - repeal. (1) (a) The board or director may issue a provisional license to an applicant who has completed a post-graduate degree that meets the educational requirements for licensure in section , , , , or , as applicable, and who is working in a residential child care facility as defined in section (8), C.R.S., under the supervision of a licensee. (b) A provisional license issued pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) shall terminate at the earliest of: (I) Thirty days after termination of the provisional licensee's employment with a qualifying residential child care facility, unless the provisional licensee obtains and submits to the board or director proof of employment with another residential child care facility; or (II) Thirty days after termination of the provisional licensee's supervision by a licensee unless the provisional licensee obtains and submits to the board or director proof of supervision by another licensee. (c) A provisional licensee shall notify the board or director of any change in supervision within thirty days after the change. (2) The director and each board may charge an application fee to an applicant for a provisional license. All fees collected pursuant to this subsection (2) shall be transmitted Effective July 1, 2009 Page 7 of 65
12 to the state treasurer, who shall credit the same to the division of registrations cash fund pursuant to section , C.R.S. An application for a provisional license shall identify the name, contact information, and license number of the licensee providing supervision of the provisional licensure applicant. (3) This section is repealed, effective July 1, License - issuance. Each board shall issue a certificate of licensure whenever an applicant for licensure successfully qualifies therefor as provided in this article Drugs - medicine. Nothing in this article shall be construed as permitting psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and addiction counselors licensed, certified, or registered under this article or unlicensed psychotherapists to administer or prescribe drugs or in any manner engage in the practice of medicine as defined by the laws of this state Collaborate with physician. A licensee, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist, in order to make provision for the diagnosis and treatment of medical problems, shall collaborate with a physician licensed under the laws of this state, except when practicing pursuant to the provisions of section (9). A licensee, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist shall not diagnose, prescribe for, treat, or advise a client with reference to medical problems Division of registrations to supervise. Each board shall be under the supervision and control of the division of registrations of the department of regulatory agencies as created by section , C.R.S Professional service corporations for the practice of psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, and addiction counseling - definitions. (1) Licensees may form professional service corporations for the practice of psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, or addiction counseling under the "Colorado Business Corporation Act", articles 101 to 117 of title 7, C.R.S., if such corporations are organized and operated in accordance with the provisions of this section. The articles of incorporation of such corporations shall contain provisions complying with the following requirements: (a) The name of the corporation shall contain the words "professional company" or "professional corporation" or abbreviations thereof. Effective July 1, 2009 Page 8 of 65
13 (b) The corporation shall be organized by licensees for the purpose of conducting the practice of psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, or addiction counseling by the respective licensees of those practices. The corporation may be organized with any other person, and any person may own shares in such corporation, if the following conditions are met: (I) The practice of psychology by the professional service corporation is performed by or under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, and any psychologist member of the professional service corporation remains individually responsible for his professional acts and conduct as provided elsewhere in this article; or (II) (Deleted by amendment, L. 98, p. 1111, 11, effective July 1, 1998.) (III) The practice of social work by the professional service corporation is performed by a licensed social worker acting independently or under the supervision of a person licensed pursuant to this article or a licensed social worker. Any licensed social worker member of the professional service corporation remains individually responsible for his or her professional acts and conduct as provided elsewhere in this article; or (IV) The practice of marriage and family therapy by the professional service corporation is performed by a licensed marriage and family therapist acting independently or under the supervision of a person licensed pursuant to this article or a licensed marriage and family therapist. Any licensed marriage and family therapist member of the professional service corporation remains individually responsible for his professional acts and conduct as provided elsewhere in this article; or (V) The practice of professional counseling by the professional service corporation is performed by a licensed professional counselor acting independently or under the supervision of a person licensed pursuant to this article or a licensed professional counselor. Any licensed professional counselor member of the professional service corporation remains individually responsible for his professional acts and conduct as provided elsewhere in this article. (VI) The practice of addiction counseling by the professional service corporation is performed by a licensed addiction counselor acting independently or under the supervision of a person licensed pursuant to this article or a licensed addiction counselor. Any licensed addiction counselor member of the professional service corporation remains individually responsible for his or her professional acts and conduct as provided in this article. (c) The corporation may exercise the powers and privileges conferred upon corporations by the laws of Colorado only in furtherance of and subject to its corporate purpose. (d) and (e) Repealed. (f) Lay directors and officers shall not exercise any authority whatsoever over professional matters. Effective July 1, 2009 Page 9 of 65
14 (g) The articles of incorporation shall provide, and all shareholders of the corporation shall agree, that either all shareholders of the corporation shall be jointly and severally liable for all acts, errors, and omissions of the employees of the corporation or that all shareholders of the corporation shall be jointly and severally liable for all acts, errors, and omissions of the employees of the corporation except during periods of time when the corporation shall maintain in good standing professional liability insurance which meets the following minimum standards: (I) The insurance shall insure the corporation against liability imposed upon the corporation by law for damages resulting from any claim made against the corporation arising out of the performance of professional services for others by those officers and employees of the corporation who are licensed to practice under this article or who are certified or licensed school psychologists or by those employees who provide professional services under supervision. (II) Such insurance policies shall insure the corporation against liability imposed upon it by law for damages arising out of the acts, errors, and omissions of all nonprofessional employees. (III) The insurance shall be in an amount for each claim of at least one hundred thousand dollars multiplied by the number of persons licensed to practice under this article, or by the number of certified or licensed school psychologists, employed by the corporation; and the policy may provide for an aggregate maximum limit of liability per year for all claims of three hundred thousand dollars also multiplied by the number of licensees or certified or licensed school psychologists employed by the corporation; but no firm shall be required to carry insurance in excess of three hundred thousand dollars for each claim with an aggregate maximum limit of liability for all claims during the year of nine hundred thousand dollars. (IV) The insurance policy may provide that it does not apply to: Any dishonest, fraudulent, criminal, or malicious act or omission of the insured corporation or any stockholder or employee thereof; or the conduct of any business enterprise (as distinguished from the practice of licensees or certified or licensed school psychologists) in which the insured corporation under this section is not permitted to engage but which nevertheless may be owned by the insured corporation or in which the insured corporation may be a partner or which may be controlled, operated, or managed by the insured corporation in its own or in a fiduciary capacity, including the ownership, maintenance, or use of any property in connection therewith, when not resulting from breach of professional duty of, bodily injury to, or sickness, disease, or death of any person or to injury to or destruction of any tangible property, including the loss of use thereof. (V) The insurance policy may contain reasonable provisions with respect to policy periods, territory, claims, conditions, and other usual matters. (2) The corporation shall do nothing that, if done by a licensee and employed by it, would violate the provisions of section (1). Any violation of this section by the corporation shall be grounds for a board to discipline any licensee pursuant to section Effective July 1, 2009 Page 10 of 65
15 (3) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to diminish or change the obligation of each licensee employed by the corporation to conduct his or her practice so as not to violate the provisions of section (1). Any licensee who by act or omission causes the corporation to act or fail to act in a way that violates the provisions of section (1) or any provision of this section shall be deemed personally responsible for such act or omission and shall be subject to discipline therefor by the board. (4) A professional service corporation may adopt a pension, profit sharing (whether cash or deferred), health and accident, insurance, or welfare plan for all of its employees, including lay employees, if such plan does not require or result in the sharing of specific or identifiable fees with lay employees and if any payments made to lay employees, or into any such plan in behalf of lay employees, are based upon their compensation or length of service, or both, rather than the amount of fees or income received. (5) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to modify the privileges regarding confidential communications specified in sections and (1) (g), C.R.S. (6) Nothing in this article shall be construed to limit persons licensed under any part of this article or certified or licensed school psychologists from forming a corporation with persons licensed under any other part of this article or certified or licensed school psychologists. (7) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) "Articles of incorporation" includes operating agreements of limited liability companies and partnership agreements of registered limited liability partnerships. (b) "Corporation" includes a limited liability company organized under the "Colorado Limited Liability Company Act", article 80 of title 7, C.R.S., and a limited liability partnership registered under section or , C.R.S. (c) "Director" and "officer" of a corporation includes a member and a manager of a limited liability company and a partner in a registered limited liability partnership. (d) "Employees" includes employees, members, and managers of a limited liability company and employees and partners of a registered limited liability partnership. (e) "Share" includes a member's rights in a limited liability company and a partner's rights in a registered limited liability partnership. (f) "Shareholder" includes a member of a limited liability company and a partner in a registered limited liability partnership Denial of license - reinstatement. (1) Each board is empowered to determine whether an applicant for licensure possesses the qualifications for licensure required by this article. (2) If a board, or the director pursuant to the authority specified in part 8 of this article, determines that an applicant does not possess the applicable qualifications Effective July 1, 2009 Page 11 of 65
16 required by this article or, for a licensed clinical social worker, licensed social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor, licensed addiction counselor, or level II or III certified addiction counselor, is unable to demonstrate his or her continued professional competence as required by section , , , or , respectively, the board, or the director pursuant to the authority specified in part 8 of this article, may deny the applicant a license or deny the reinstatement of a license; and, in such instance, the board or director shall provide the applicant with a statement in writing setting forth the basis of the board's or director's determination that the applicant does not possess the qualifications or professional competence required by this article. The applicant may request a hearing on the determination as provided in section (9), C.R.S. (3) If a board has any reason to believe that or receives any information that an applicant, renewal applicant, or reinstatement applicant has done any of the acts set forth in section (1) as grounds for discipline, the board may deny a license to the applicant, renewal applicant, or reinstatement applicant if the board determines that there is a basis for such denial. The order of the board to grant or deny such license shall be the final agency action. (4) A board, on its own motion or upon application, at any time after the refusal to grant a license, may reconsider its prior action and grant such license. The taking of any such further action shall rest in the sole discretion of the board; except that the board shall not act in contradiction to a decision of the grievance board Legislative intent - schools and colleges - examinations. It is the intent of the general assembly that the definition relating to full-time courses of study and institutions of higher education for graduation of persons who are thereby qualified to take examinations for licensure under this article be liberally construed by the director and each board under the director's or board's rule-making powers to ensure the right to take such examinations. It is not the intent that technical barriers be used to deny the ability to take such examination Mandatory disclosure of information to clients. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, every unlicensed psychotherapist, licensee, certificate holder, or registrant shall provide the following information in writing to each client during the initial client contact: (a) The name, business address, and business phone number of the unlicensed psychotherapist, licensee, certificate holder, or registrant; (b) A listing of any degrees, credentials, certifications, and licenses; (c) A statement indicating that the practice of both licensed and unlicensed persons and certified or licensed school psychologists in the field of psychotherapy is regulated by the department of regulatory agencies and an address and telephone number for the grievance board; and Effective July 1, 2009 Page 12 of 65
17 (d) A statement indicating that: (I) A client is entitled to receive information about the methods of therapy, the techniques used, the duration of therapy, if known, and the fee structure; (II) The client may seek a second opinion from another therapist or may terminate therapy at any time; (III) In a professional relationship, sexual intimacy is never appropriate and should be reported to the director or the board that regulates, registers, certifies, or licenses such unlicensed psychotherapist, registrant, certificate holder, or licensee; (IV) The information provided by the client during therapy sessions is legally confidential in the case of licensed marriage and family therapists, social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, licensed or certified addiction counselors, and unlicensed psychotherapists, except as provided in section and except for certain legal exceptions that will be identified by the licensee, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist should any such situation arise during therapy. (2) If the client is a child who is consenting to mental health services pursuant to section , C.R.S., disclosure shall be made to the child. If the client is a child whose parent or legal guardian is consenting to mental health services, disclosure shall be made to the parent or legal guardian. (3) In residential, institutional, or other settings where psychotherapy may be provided by multiple providers, disclosure shall be made by the primary therapist. The institution shall also provide a statement to the patient containing the information in paragraphs (c) and (d) of subsection (1) of this section and a statement that the patient is entitled to the information listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) of this section concerning any psychotherapist in the employ of the institution who is providing psychotherapy services to the patient. (4) The disclosure of information required by subsection (1) of this section is not required when psychotherapy is being administered in any of the following circumstances: (a) In an emergency; (b) Pursuant to a court order or involuntary procedures pursuant to sections to , C.R.S.; (c) The sole purpose of the professional relationship is for forensic evaluation; (d) The client is in the physical custody of either the department of corrections or the department of human services and such department has developed an alternative program to provide similar information to such client and such program has been established through rule or regulation pursuant to the "State Administrative Procedure Act", article 4 of title 24, C.R.S.; (e) The client is incapable of understanding such disclosure and has no guardian to whom disclosure can be made; Effective July 1, 2009 Page 13 of 65
18 (f) By a social worker practicing in a hospital that is licensed or certified under section (1) (a) (I) or (1) (a) (II), C.R.S.; (g) By a person licensed or certified pursuant to this article, or by an unlicensed psychotherapist practicing in a hospital that is licensed or certified under section (1) (a) (I) or (1) (a) (II), C.R.S. (5) If the client has no written language or is unable to read, an oral explanation shall accompany the written copy. (6) Unless the client, parent, or guardian is unable to write, or refuses or objects, the client, parent, or guardian shall sign the disclosure form required by this section not later than the second visit with the psychotherapist Scope of article - exemptions. (1) Any person engaged in the practice of religious ministry shall not be required to comply with the provisions of this article; except that such person shall not hold himself or herself out to the public by any title incorporating the terms "psychologist", "social worker", "licensed social worker", "LSW", "licensed clinical social worker", "clinical social worker", "LCSW", "licensed marriage and family therapist", "LMFT", "licensed professional counselor", "LPC", "addiction counselor", "licensed addiction counselor", "LAC", "certified addiction counselor", or "CAC" unless that person has been licensed or certified pursuant to this article. (2) The provisions of this article shall not apply to the practice of employment or rehabilitation counseling as performed in the private and public sectors; except that the provisions of this article shall apply to employment or rehabilitation counselors practicing psychotherapy in the field of mental health. (3) The provisions of this article shall not apply to employees of the department of human services, employees of county departments of social services, or personnel under the direct supervision and control of the department of human services or any county department of social services for work undertaken as part of their employment. (4) The provisions of this article shall not apply to persons who are licensed pursuant to section , C.R.S., and who are not licensed under this article for work undertaken as part of their employment by, or contractual agreement with, the public schools. (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the applicability of the provisions of section , C.R.S., which shall apply to any person while he is practicing psychotherapy as defined in this article. (6) The provisions of this article shall not apply to mediators resolving judicial disputes pursuant to part 3 of article 22 of title 13, C.R.S. (7) The provisions of this article shall not apply to mental health professionals acting within the scope of a court appointment to undertake custodial evaluations in domestic relations cases in the courts of this state or to mental health professionals acting within Effective July 1, 2009 Page 14 of 65
19 the scope of a court appointment to undertake domestic and child abuse evaluations for purposes of legal proceedings in the courts of this state. (8) The provisions of section shall not apply to employees of community mental health centers or clinics as those centers or clinics are defined by section , C.R.S., but such persons practicing outside the scope of employment as employees of a facility defined by section , C.R.S., shall be subject to the provisions of section (9) The provisions of this article shall not apply to a person who resides in another state and who is currently licensed or certified as a psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, professional counselor, or addiction counselor in that state to the extent that the licensed or certified person performs activities or services in this state, if the activities and services are: (a) Performed within the scope of the person's license or certification; (b) Do not exceed twenty days per year in this state; (c) Are not otherwise in violation of this article; and (d) Disclosed to the public that the person is not licensed or certified in this state. (10) The provisions of this article shall not apply to a professional coach who has had coach-specific training and who serves clients exclusively as a coach Title use restrictions. A psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor, or addiction counselor may only use the title for which he or she is licensed, certified, or registered under this article. Except as provided in section (3), no other person shall hold himself or herself out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the terms "licensed clinical social worker", "clinical social worker", "LCSW", "licensed social worker", "LSW", "marriage and family therapist", "LMFT", "professional counselor", "LPC", "psychologist", "psychologist candidate", "psychology", "psychological", "addiction counselor", "licensed addiction counselor", "LAC", "certified addiction counselor", or "CAC", and no other person shall state or imply that he or she is licensed to practice social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, psychology, or addiction counseling. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a person from stating or using the educational degrees that such person has obtained Judicial review of final board actions and orders. Final actions and orders of a board appropriate for judicial review may be judicially reviewed in the court of appeals, and judicial proceedings for the enforcement of a board order may be instituted in accordance with section (11), C.R.S. Effective July 1, 2009 Page 15 of 65
20 Disclosure of confidential communications. (1) A licensee, school psychologist, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist shall not disclose, without the consent of the client, any confidential communications made by the client, or advice given thereon, in the course of professional employment; nor shall a licensee's, school psychologist's, registrant's, certificate holder's, or unlicensed psychotherapist's employee or associate, whether clerical or professional, disclose any knowledge of said communications acquired in such capacity; nor shall any person who has participated in any therapy conducted under the supervision of a licensee, school psychologist, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist, including, but not limited to, group therapy sessions, disclose any knowledge gained during the course of such therapy without the consent of the person to whom the knowledge relates. (2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply when: (a) A client or the heirs, executors, or administrators of a client file suit or a complaint against a licensee, school psychologist, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist on any cause of action arising out of or connected with the care or treatment of such client by the licensee, school psychologist, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist; (b) A licensee, school psychologist, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist was in consultation with a physician, registered professional nurse, licensee, school psychologist, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist against whom a suit or complaint was filed based on the case out of which said suit or complaint arises; (c) A review of services of a licensee, school psychologist, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist is conducted by any of the following: (I) A board or the director or a person or group authorized by the board or director to make an investigation on its behalf; (II) The governing board of a hospital licensed pursuant to part 1 of article 3 of title 25, C.R.S., where said licensee, school psychologist, registrant, certificate holder, or unlicensed psychotherapist practices or the medical staff of such hospital if the medical staff operates pursuant to written bylaws approved by the governing board of such hospital; or (III) A professional review committee established pursuant to section (11) if said person has signed a release authorizing such review. (3) The records and information produced and used in the review provided for in paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of this section shall not become public records solely by virtue of the use of such records and information. The identity of any client whose records are so reviewed shall not be disclosed to any person not directly involved in such review process, and procedures shall be adopted by the director or a board, hospital, Effective July 1, 2009 Page 16 of 65