Senate Bill 1573 Summary

• Expands unauthorized practice of behavioral health to include practicing or attempting to practice without authorization, or holding oneself out as trained to practice behavioral health, in addition to existing prohibitions on claiming licensure.

• Maintains class 2 misdemeanor penalty for unauthorized practice of behavioral health with civil penalty up to $500 per offense.

• Adds new provision making conspiracy with or aiding and abetting unauthorized practice a class 2 misdemeanor with civil penalty up to $500 per offense.

• Requires the behavioral health board to notify the Department of Health Services when investigating a person employed or contracted by a licensed health care institution.

• Clarifies that civil penalties apply daily for each violation, and all fees from unauthorized services must be refunded by persons found guilty.