NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.



Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.





F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Kidd DATE TYPED: 03/03/01 HB
SHORT TITLE: Provisional Licensure for Certain Therapists SB 640
ANALYST: Valdes




REVENUE



Estimated Revenue
Subsequent

Years Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02
See Fiscal Implications

Section



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



Senate Bill 640 amends the Counseling and Therapy Practice Act to allow an applicant to obtain a provisional license to engage in counseling and therapy practice in the state if the applicant has a current valid license or other regulatory document to practice in another state.



Significant Issues



The provisional license is valid for a period up to three years during the time the applicant is completing additional requirements for education, experience or supervision and examination that are required by the Counseling and Therapy Practice Act.



The Counseling and Therapy Practice Board is required to issue a provisional license within five working days after the application is received once the Board determines that licensure from another state is valid and the applicant has submitted payment for the license fee. The applicant must also provide the Board with a personal development plan for licensure.



This bill would allow new residents of the state to establish a practice without the long waiting period that is necessary under present law. This would eliminate a barrier for those qualified professionals from another state wishing to have gainful employment in New Mexico.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



No fiscal impact on the Board's budget. Minimal additional revenue will be collected on provisional license fees.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



There would be minimal impact issuing provisional licenses to newly established residents wishing to obtain licensing in the profession.



TECHNICAL ISSUES



The amount of the provisional license fee was not stated in the bill unless the intent is to charge the same amount as the permanent license in each of the specialized therapy and counseling areas.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



The bill would be effective upon signature of the Governor due to the emergency clause.



MV/ar