DE HB67

Prohibits licensure of mental health and chemical dependency professionals convicted of felony sexual offenses and requires permanent license revocation for such convictions.

Requires all applicants for licensure as licensed professional counselors of mental health, chemical dependency professionals, and marriage and family therapists to submit fingerprints and undergo state and federal criminal background checks at applicant's expense.

Mandates existing licensees submit fingerprints for criminal background checks by January 1, 2013, and requires all licensees to be re-fingerprinted every 10 years at their own expense.

Establishes duty for licensed practitioners to report to the Division of Professional Regulation within 30 days any information indicating another practitioner or healthcare provider has engaged in conduct grounds for discipline, is unable to safely practice, or in the case of physicians, engaged in unprofessional conduct.

Provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for persons making good faith reports of professional misconduct, with gross or wanton negligence to be proven by the complainant.