How SB 674 changes current law

Compared against the N.C. General Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

This bill establishes reciprocity agreements for licensed mental health professionals in North Carolina to improve access to mental health care.

• Chapter 90

  Article 18J. Mental Health Professionals Licensure Reciprocity.

  A new Article on mental health licensure reciprocity is created.

• § 90-270.201

  (1) Licensed clinical mental health counselor associate. – As defined in G.S. 90-330.

  Defines 'Licensed clinical mental health counselor associate' as per existing law.

• § 90-270.201

  (2) Licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor. – As defined in G.S. 90-330.

  Defines 'Licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor' as per existing law.

• § 90-270.201

  (3) Licensed marriage and family therapist. – As defined in G.S. 90-270.47.

  Defines 'Licensed marriage and family therapist' as per existing law.

• § 90-270.201

  (4) Licensed marriage and family therapy associate. – As defined in G.S. 90-270.47.

  Defines 'Licensed marriage and family therapy associate' as per existing law.

• § 90-270.201

  (5) Licensed mental health professional. – A licensed clinical mental health counselor associate, licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor, licensed marriage and family therapy associate, licensed marriage and family therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

  Defines 'Licensed mental health professional' to include various licensed mental health practitioners.

• § 90-270.201

  (6) Psychiatrist. – Licensed in accordance with Article 1 of this Chapter.

  Defines 'Psychiatrist' as per existing legal definition.

• § 90-270.201

  (7) Psychologist. – As defined in G.S. 90-270.136.

  Defines 'Psychologist' as per existing law.

• § 90-270.202

  (a) A licensed mental health professional licensed or certified in another State shall be able to practice in their respective scopes of licensure in this State under the appropriate licensing board in accordance with this Article.

  Allows licensed mental health professionals from other states to practice in North Carolina under certain conditions.

• § 90-270.202

  (b) No later than 60 days after receipt of an application from a licensed mental health professional under this Article, an occupational licensing board shall either issue a license or certification or notify the applicant when the applicant does not qualify under this Article for licensure or certification.

  Sets a time frame for occupational licensing boards to process applications from mental health professionals.

• § 90-270.202

  (c) Nothing in this Article shall be construed to supersede or invalidate any existing interstate compact or reciprocity agreement, including Articles 24A and 18H of this Chapter, entered into by the State or an occupational licensing board that licenses or certifies applicants pursuant to this Article.

  Clarifies that this Article does not affect existing interstate compacts or agreements.

• SECTION 2

  The Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, North Carolina Psychology Board, North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board, and the North Carolina Medical Board shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this act.

  Mandates specific boards to create rules for implementing the new reciprocity provisions.