Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors

BULLETIN To: All Health Insurers Re: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors Date: March 26, 1999 Bulletin: Life and Health 99-6 Chapter 132 (House Bill 768) of the Acts of the General Assembly of 1998, enacted provisions to license clinical professional counselors, clinical marriage and family therapists, and clinical alcohol and drug counselors by the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. The provisions are codified as Title 17, Subtitle 3A of the Health Occupations Article. These provisions went into effect October 1, 1998. Pursuant to §15-701 of the Insurance Article, if an individual or group health insurance policy provides for reimbursement of a service which is within the lawful scope of practice of a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, or a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, the insurer is required to pay benefits for services provided by such licensed counselors or therapists. Please note that coverage for the services of such licensed counselors or therapists cannot be excluded pursuant to §15-704 of the Insurance Article. §15-704 of the Insurance Article is applicable to Certified Professional Counselors who are not licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. If you have any questions about this bulletin, please contact the Maryland Insurance Administration at 410-468-2170. Donna B. Imhoff Associate Commissioner Life and Health