SB 674

Enacts Article 18J to GS Chapter 90 and titles the article the “Mental Health Licensure Recognition Act (Act).” Sets forth seven defined terms. Enacts GS 90-270.202 allowing a licensed mental health professional licensed or certified in another State to be able to practice in their respective scopes of licensure in this State under the appropriate licensing board in accordance with the Act. Requires a licensed mental health professional seeking to qualify for such licensure to comply with six listed criteria including having engaged in the active practice of the occupation for which the person is seeking a license or certification from the occupational licensing board in this State for at least two of the five years preceding the date of the application and not having committed any act in any jurisdiction that would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license to practice that occupation in this State at the time the act was committed and has no pending complaints. Requires the applicable licensing board to issue a decision on an application within 60 days of receiving a completed application, as described. Clarifies that the act does not supersede or invalidate any existing interstate compact or reciprocity agreement, including Articles 24A and 18H of GS Chapter 90. Directs 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 to adopt rules to implement the provisions of the act.