ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

Senate: HHS DPA 7-0-1-0 | 3rd Read 29-0-1-0

House: HHS DP 9-0-0-0


SB 1220: mental health professionals; trauma counseling

Sponsor:  Senator Gray, LD  21

House Engrossed

Overview

Modifies the definition of a licensed mental health professional as it relates to traumatic event counseling for peace officers and firefighters.

History

Established by Laws 2016, Chapter 240, the Traumatic Event Counseling Program (Program), requires employers to pay for up to 12 licensed counseling visits for any peace officer or firefighter who has been exposed to traumatic events while on duty. Such traumatic events include: 1) visually witnessing the death or maiming of one or more human beings; 2) responding to or being directly involved in a criminal investigation of an offense involving a dangerous crime against children; 3) requiring rescue in the line of duty where one’s life was endangered; 4) using deadly force; 5) witnessing the death of another peace officer or firefighter; and 6) responding to or being directly involved in an investigation regarding the drowning or near drowning of a child.

Counseling that is offered to employees who have been exposed to the above specified trauma is to be conducted with a licensed mental health professional. These professionals are responsible for determining if the employee needs additional sessions and if they are fit for duty. Under current law, a licensed mental health professional is defined as a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist (A.R.S. § 38-673).

Provisions

1.   ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes)	     ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes)      ☐ Emergency (40 votes)	☐ Fiscal NoteModifies the definition of a licensed mental health professional by including an individual who specializes in trauma and crisis and uses evidenced-based treatment options and who is one of the following:

a)   A licensed mental health professional who holds either a master's or doctoral degree related to the mental health profession; and

b)   A licensed mental health nurse practitioner or a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist. (Sec. 1)

2.   Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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6.                     SB 1220

7.   Initials EB/SF        Page 0 House Engrossed

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