NY S09449

Adds definitions of "diagnosis" and "development of assessment-based treatment plans" to education law, establishing these as processes within a psychosocial framework.

Creates a new "diagnostic privilege" for licensed mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts requiring: a 60-semester-hour master's degree or higher with 12+ clinical hours, 2,000 hours of supervised direct client contact, and a $175 fee.

Allows practitioners licensed before June 24, 2024 to obtain the diagnostic privilege by submitting attestation of 3 years of relevant experience within 3 years of the law's effective date.

Eliminates the requirement for mental health professionals with a diagnostic privilege to obtain medical evaluation and consultation with a physician before treating serious mental illnesses on a continuous basis.

Effective June 24, 2022 for most provisions; sections establishing the diagnostic privilege take effect June 24, 2024; temporary provision prohibiting restrictions on diagnosis expires June 24, 2025.