CHAPTER 214

H.P. 30 - L.D. 27

An Act To Require That Licensed Pastoral Counselors Be

Recognized as Licensed Professionals for Purposes of

Insurance Reimbursement

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 24-A MRSA §2744, as amended by PL 2003, c. 65, §1 and affected by §5, is further amended to read:

§2744. Mental health services

1. Notwithstanding any provision of a health insurance policy subject to this chapter, whenever the policy provides for payment or reimbursement for services that are within the lawful scope of practice of a psychologist licensed to practice in this State; a certified social worker licensed for the independent practice of social work in this State who has at least a masters degree in social work from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in social work for at least 2 years, and who, after January 1, 1985, must be licensed as a clinical social worker in this State; a licensed clinical professional counselor licensed for the independent practice of counseling who has at least a masters degree in counseling from an accredited educational institution, has been employed in counseling for at least 2 years and, after January 1, 2002, must be licensed as a clinical professional counselor in this State,; a licensed pastoral counselor licensed as a pastoral counselor in the State; or a licensed nurse who is certified by the American Nurses' Association as a clinical specialist in adult psychiatric and mental health nursing or as a clinical specialist in child and