OK SB609

Attorney General must adopt and promulgate rules to create a voluntary certification program for victim assistance professionals based on guidelines from the National Advocate Credentialing Program Consortium.

Certification guidelines may include annual attendance by victim assistance professionals at victim-centered and trauma-informed training based on guidance from national, state and Tribal victim assistance organizations.

Licensed physicians, psychologists, social workers, clergy, marital and family therapists, behavioral practitioners, and professional counselors are exempt from certification requirements, but only if in private practice and not operating a domestic violence or sexual assault program.

Attorney General is authorized to collect $150.00 from each applicant to help defray costs of the certification process.

Act becomes effective November 1, 2017.