HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1390
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the Licensed Professional Counseling Compact.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes that as of 2022, ten states enacted the Interstate Counseling Compact. Furthermore, the legislature finds there are insufficient numbers of qualified mental health professionals in Hawaii.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to propose Hawaii recognize the licenses granted under the Interstate Counseling Compact by amending Section 453D-8, Hawaii Revised Statues to include recognition of compacts.

SECTION 2. Section 453D-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[§453D-8] Reciprocity. (a) The director may enter into a reciprocity agreement with any state or compact that licenses mental health counselors if the director finds that the state or compact has substantially the same or higher requirements as this chapter.

(b) The agreement shall provide that the director shall license any resident of that state who is currently licensed by that state or compact if the individual has met or exceeded the requirements of this chapter."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Counseling; Compact;

Description:

Enables the director of commerce and consumer affairs to license counselors from states which participate in the Counseling Compact.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.