OK SB249

Amends 59 O.S. 2011, Section 1905 to authorize the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure to promulgate rules allowing out-of-state licensed professional counselors to provide counseling services during declared emergencies.

Out-of-state counselor services are limited to the duration of a Governor or Legislature-declared emergency under the Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003 or a Governor-declared catastrophic health emergency.

Out-of-state counselor services must be provided on a pro bono basis or reimbursed by nongovernmental entities only.

Explicitly prohibits the Board from adopting permanent rules that weaken licensing requirements established by the Licensed Professional Counselors Act, Marital and Family Therapist Licensure Act, and Licensed Behavioral Practitioner Act.

Becomes effective November 1, 2015.