HF1186 Summary

• Modifies the definition of "mental health practitioner" to include alternative pathways for qualification, including language fluency in non-English ethnic languages with 40 hours of training, or work in day treatment programs with specific training and supervision requirements.

• Allows program staff who have completed required training and are under clinical supervision of a mental health professional to use restrictive procedures (physical escort, holding, seclusion, and limited mechanical restraints in emergencies) previously restricted to mental health professionals and practitioners.

• Removes the high school diploma or equivalent requirement for certified peer specialists and certified family peer specialists, requiring only that candidates be at least 21 years of age.

• Adds exemption for mental health practitioners in day treatment settings from the standard 2,000-hour supervised experience requirement if they receive 40 hours of training within six months of employment and weekly clinical supervision.

• Expands mental health practitioner qualifications under children's therapeutic services to include specific behavioral science degree fields and allows mental health behavioral aide work hours to count toward the required 6,000 hours of supervised experience.