California Legal Codes and Statutes

Chapter 15 - Telephone Medical Advice Services

California Business and Professions Code — §§ 4999-4999.7

Sections (58)

§ 4999

Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 799, Sec. 28. (SB 1039) Effective January 1, 2017.

“Telephone medical advice service” means any business entity that employs, or contracts or subcontracts, directly or indirectly, with, the full-time equivalent of five or more persons functioning as health care professionals, whose primary function is to provide telephone medical advice, that provides telephone medical advice services to a patient at a California address. “Telephone medical advice service” does not include a medical group that operates in multiple locations in California if no more than five full-time equivalent persons at any one location perform telephone medical advice services and those persons limit the telephone medical advice services to patients being treated at that location.

§ 4999.2

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 684, Sec. 1. (AB 1102) Effective January 1, 2023.

A telephone medical advice service shall be responsible for complying with the following requirements:

(a)(1) Ensuring that all health care professionals who provide medical advice services are appropriately licensed, certified, or registered as a physician and surgeon pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) or the Osteopathic Initiative Act, as a dentist, dental hygienist, dental hygienist in alternative practice, or dental hygienist in extended functions pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1600), as an occupational therapist pursuant to Chapter 5.6 (commencing with Section 2570), as a registered nurse pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 2700), as a

psychologist pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900), as a naturopathic doctor pursuant to Chapter 8.2 (commencing with Section 3610), as a marriage and family therapist pursuant to Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 4980), as a licensed clinical social worker pursuant to Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4991), as a licensed professional clinical counselor pursuant to Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 4999.10), as an optometrist pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 3000), or as a chiropractor pursuant to the Chiropractic Initiative Act, and operating consistent with the laws governing their respective scopes of practice in the state within which they provide telephone medical advice services, except as provided in subdivision (b).

(2)Ensuring that all health care professionals who provide telephone

medical advice services from an out-of-state location, as identified in paragraph (1), are licensed, registered, or certified in the state within which they are providing the telephone medical advice services and are operating consistent with the laws governing their respective licenses and scopes of practice.

(b)Ensuring that the telephone medical advice provided is consistent with good professional practice.
(c)Maintaining records of telephone medical advice services, including records of complaints, provided to patients in California for a period of at least five years.
(d)Ensuring that no staff member uses a title or designation when speaking to an enrollee, subscriber, or consumer that may cause a reasonable person

to believe that the staff member is a licensed, certified, or registered health care professional described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), unless the staff member is a licensed, certified, or registered professional.

(e)Complying with all directions and requests for information made by the Department of Consumer Affairs and respective healing arts licensing boards.
§ 4999.5

Repealed and added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 799, Sec. 34. (SB 1039) Effective January 1, 2017.

The respective healing arts licensing boards shall be responsible for enforcing this chapter and any other laws and regulations affecting California licensed health care professionals providing telephone medical advice services.

§ 4999.7

Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 426, Sec. 52. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2016.

(a)This section does not limit, preclude, or otherwise interfere with the practices of other persons licensed or otherwise authorized to practice, under any other provision of this division, telephone medical advice services consistent with the laws governing their respective scopes of practice, or licensed under the Osteopathic Initiative Act or the Chiropractic Initiative Act and operating consistent with the laws governing their respective scopes of practice.
(b)For purposes of this chapter, “telephone medical advice” means a telephonic communication between a patient and a health care professional in which the health care professional’s primary function is to provide to the patient a telephonic response to the

patient’s questions regarding his or her or a family member’s medical care or treatment. “Telephone medical advice” includes assessment, evaluation, or advice provided to patients or their family members.

(c)For purposes of this chapter, “health care professional” is an employee or independent contractor described in Section 4999.2 who provides medical advice services and is appropriately licensed, certified, or registered as a dentist, dental hygienist, dental hygienist in alternative practice, or dental hygienist in extended functions pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1600), as a physician and surgeon pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) or the Osteopathic Initiative Act, as a registered nurse pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 2700), as a psychologist pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900), as a naturopathic doctor pursuant to Chapter 8.2 (commencing with Section 3610), as an

optometrist pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 3000), as a marriage and family therapist pursuant to Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 4980), as a licensed clinical social worker pursuant to Chapter 14 (commencing with Section 4991), as a licensed professional clinical counselor pursuant to Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 4999.10), or as a chiropractor pursuant to the Chiropractic Initiative Act, and who is operating consistent with the laws governing his or her respective scopes of practice in the state in which he or she provides telephone medical advice services.

§ 4999.10

Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 619, Sec. 3. (SB 788) Effective January 1, 2010.

This chapter constitutes, and may be cited as, the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Act.

§ 4999.11

Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 619, Sec. 3. (SB 788) Effective January 1, 2010.

In enacting this chapter, the Legislature recognizes that licensed professional clinical counselors practice a separate and distinct profession from the professions practiced by licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed clinical social workers. As such, the Legislature recognizes the need to appropriately test licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed clinical social workers seeking to become licensed professional clinical counselors on the difference in practice between the professions.

§ 4999.12

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 86. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a)“Board” means the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
(b)“Accredited” means a school, college, or university accredited by a regional or national institutional accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
(c)“Approved” means a school, college, or university that possessed unconditional approval by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at the time of the applicant’s graduation from the school, college, or university.
(d)“Applicant for licensure” means an unlicensed person who has completed the required education and required hours of supervised experience for licensure.
(e)“Licensed professional clinical counselor” or “LPCC” means a person licensed under this chapter to practice professional clinical counseling, as defined in Section 4999.20.
(f)“Associate” means an unlicensed person who meets the requirements of Section 4999.42 and is registered with the board.
(g)“Clinical counselor trainee” means an unlicensed person who is currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program, as specified in Section 4999.32 or 4999.33, that is designed to qualify the person for licensure and who has completed no less than 12

semester units or 18 quarter units of coursework in any qualifying degree program.

(h)“Supervisor” means an individual who meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Has held an active license for at least two years within the five-year period immediately preceding any supervision as either:
(A)A licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, psychologist licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900), licensed clinical social worker, licensed educational psychologist, or equivalent out-of-state license. A licensed educational psychologist may only supervise the provision of educationally related mental health services that are consistent with the scope of

practice of an educational psychologist, as specified in Section 4989.14.

(B)A physician and surgeon who is certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, or an out-of-state licensed physician and surgeon who is certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
(2)For at least two years within the five-year period immediately preceding any supervision, has practiced psychotherapy, provided psychological counseling pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 4989.14, or provided direct clinical supervision of psychotherapy performed by marriage and family therapist trainees, associate marriage and family therapists, associate professional clinical counselors, or associate clinical social workers. Supervision of

psychotherapy performed by a social work intern or a professional clinical counselor trainee shall be accepted if the supervision provided is substantially equivalent to the supervision required for registrants.

(3)Has received training in supervision as specified in this

chapter and by regulation.

(4)Has not provided therapeutic services to the supervisee.
(5)Has and maintains a current and active license that is not under suspension or probation as one of the following:
(A)A marriage and family therapist, professional clinical counselor, clinical social worker, or licensed educational psychologist issued by the board.
(B)A psychologist licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900).
(C)A physician and surgeon who is certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
(6)Is not a spouse, domestic partner, or relative of the supervisee.
(7)Does not currently have or previously had a personal, professional, or business relationship with the supervisee that undermines the authority or effectiveness of the supervision.
(i)“Client centered advocacy” includes, but is not limited to, researching, identifying, and accessing resources, or other activities, related to obtaining or providing services and supports for clients or groups of clients receiving psychotherapy or counseling services.
(j)“Advertising,” as used in this chapter, includes, but is not limited to, any public communication as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 651, the issuance of any card, sign, or device to

any person, or the causing, permitting, or allowing of any sign or marking on, or in, any building or structure, or in any newspaper, magazine, or directory, or any printed matter whatsoever, with or without any limiting qualification. Signs within religious buildings or notices in bulletins from a religious organization mailed to a congregation are not advertising within the meaning of this chapter.

(k)“Referral” means evaluating and identifying the needs of a client to determine whether it is advisable to refer the client to other specialists, informing the client of that judgment, and communicating that determination as requested or deemed appropriate to referral sources.
(l)“Research” means a systematic effort to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data

that describes how social characteristics, behavior, emotion, cognitions, disabilities, mental disorders, and interpersonal transactions among individuals and organizations interact.

(m)“Supervision” means responsibility for, and control of, the quality of mental health and related services provided by the supervisee. Consultation or peer discussion shall not be considered supervision and shall not qualify as supervised experience. Supervision includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1)Ensuring the extent, kind, and quality of counseling performed is consistent with the education, training, and experience of the supervisee.
(2)Monitoring and evaluating the supervisee’s assessment, diagnosis, and

treatment decisions and providing regular feedback.

(3)Monitoring and evaluating the supervisee’s ability to provide services at the site or sites where the supervisee is practicing and to the particular clientele being served.
(4)Monitoring and addressing clinical dynamics, including, but not limited to, countertransference-, intrapsychic-, interpersonal-, or trauma-related issues that may affect the supervisory or the practitioner-patient relationship.
(5)Ensuring the supervisee’s compliance with laws and regulations governing the practice of licensed professional clinical counseling.
(6)Reviewing the supervisee’s progress notes, process notes, and

other patient treatment records, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

(7)With the client’s written consent, providing direct observation or review of audio or video recordings of the supervisee’s counseling or therapy, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.
(n)“Clinical setting” means any setting that meets both of the following requirements:
(1)Lawfully and regularly provides mental health counseling or psychotherapy.
(2)Provides oversight to ensure that the associate’s work meets the experience and supervision requirements set forth in this chapter and in regulation and is within the scope of practice of the profession.
§ 4999.13

Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 148, Sec. 4. (SB 274) Effective August 1, 2011.

A person engages in the practice of professional clinical counseling when he or she performs or offers to perform or holds himself or herself out as able to perform this service for remuneration in any form, including donations.

§ 4999.14

Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 703, Sec. 38. (SB 1491) Effective January 1, 2019.

The board shall do all of the following:

(a)Communicate information about its activities, the requirements and qualifications for licensure, and the practice of professional clinical counseling to the relevant educational institutions, supervisors, professional associations, applicants, clinical counselor trainees, associates, and the public.
(b)Develop policies and procedures to assist educational institutions in meeting the educational qualifications of Sections 4999.32 and 4999.33.
§ 4999.20

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 440, Sec. 3. (AB 462) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)(1) “Professional clinical counseling” means the application of counseling interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques to identify and remediate cognitive, mental, and emotional issues, including personal growth, adjustment to disability, crisis intervention, and psychosocial and environmental problems, and the use, application, and integration of the coursework and training required by Sections 4999.32 and 4999.33. “Professional clinical counseling” includes conducting assessments for the purpose of establishing counseling goals and objectives to empower individuals to deal adequately with life situations, reduce stress, experience growth, change behavior, and make well-informed, rational decisions.
(2)“Professional clinical counseling” is focused exclusively on the application of counseling interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques for the purposes of improving mental health, and is not intended to capture other, nonclinical forms of counseling for the purposes of licensure. For purposes of this paragraph, “nonclinical” means nonmental health.
(3)“Professional clinical counseling” does not include the provision of clinical social work services.
(b)“Counseling interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques” means the application of cognitive, affective, verbal or nonverbal, systemic or holistic counseling strategies that include principles of development, wellness, and maladjustment that reflect a pluralistic

society. These interventions and techniques are specifically implemented in the context of a professional clinical counseling relationship and use a variety of counseling theories and approaches.

(c)“Assessment” means selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting tests, instruments, and other tools and methods designed to measure an individual’s attitudes, abilities, aptitudes, achievements, interests, personal characteristics, disabilities, and mental, emotional, and behavioral concerns and development and the use of methods and techniques for understanding human behavior in relation to coping with, adapting to, or ameliorating changing life situations, as part of the counseling process. “Assessment” shall not include the use of projective techniques in the assessment of personality, individually administered intelligence

tests, neuropsychological testing, or utilization of a battery of three or more tests to determine the presence of psychosis, dementia, amnesia, cognitive impairment, or criminal behavior.

(d)Professional clinical counselors shall refer clients to other licensed health care professionals when they identify issues beyond their own scope of education, training, and experience.
§ 4999.22

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 747, Sec. 18.5. (AB 690) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)Nothing in this chapter shall prevent qualified persons from doing work of a psychosocial nature consistent with the standards and ethics of their respective professions. However, these qualified persons shall not hold themselves out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words “licensed professional clinical counselor” and shall not state that they are licensed to practice professional clinical counseling, unless they are otherwise licensed to provide professional clinical counseling services.
(b)Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to constrict, limit, or withdraw provisions of the Medical Practice Act, the Clinical Social Worker

Practice Act, the Nursing Practice Act, the Psychology Licensing Law, or the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Act.

(c)This chapter shall not apply to any priest, rabbi, or minister of the gospel of any religious denomination who performs counseling services as part of their pastoral or professional duties, or to any person who is admitted to practice law in this state, or who is licensed to practice medicine, who provides counseling services as part of their professional practice.
(d)This chapter shall not apply to an unlicensed or unregistered employee or volunteer working in a governmental entity, a school, a college, a university, or an institution that is both nonprofit and charitable, if both of the following apply:
(1)The work of the employee or volunteer is performed under the oversight and direction of the entity.
(2)(A) On and after July 1, 2020, the employee or volunteer provides a client, prior to initiating psychotherapy services or as soon as practicably possible thereafter, a notice written in at least 12-point type that is in substantially the following form:

NOTICE TO CLIENTS

The (Name of office or unit) of the (Name of agency) receives and responds to complaints regarding the practice of psychotherapy by any unlicensed or unregistered practitioner providing services at (Name of agency). To file a complaint, contact (Telephone number, email address, internet website, or mailing address

of agency).

The Board of Behavioral Sciences receives and responds to complaints regarding services provided by individuals licensed and registered by the board. If you have a complaint and are unsure if your practitioner is licensed or registered, please contact the Board of Behavioral Sciences at 916-574-7830 for assistance or utilize the board’s online license verification feature by visiting www.bbs.ca.gov.

(B)The delivery of the notice described in subparagraph (A) to the client shall be documented.
(e)Notwithstanding subdivisions (c) and (d), all persons registered as associates or licensed under this chapter shall not be exempt from this chapter or the jurisdiction of the

board.

§ 4999.23

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 87. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2030, by its own provisions.

(a)Notwithstanding Section 4999.30, a person who holds a license in another jurisdiction of the United States as a professional clinical counselor may provide professional clinical counseling services in this state for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days in any calendar year, if all of the following conditions are met:
(1)The license from another jurisdiction is at the highest level for independent clinical practice in the jurisdiction in which the license was granted.
(2)The license from another jurisdiction is current, active, and unrestricted.
(3)The client is located in California during the time the person seeks to provide care in California.
(4)The client is a current client of the person and has an established, ongoing client-provider relationship with the person at the time the client became located in California.
(5)The person informs the client of the limited timeframe of the services and that the person is not licensed in California.
(6)The person provides the client with the Board of Behavioral Sciences’ internet website address.
(7)The person informs the client of the jurisdiction in which the person is licensed and the type of license held and provides the client with the

person’s license number.

(b)A person who intends to provide professional clinical counseling services pursuant to this section shall provide the board with all of the following information before providing services:
(1)The name under which the person is licensed in another jurisdiction, the person’s mailing address, the person’s phone number, the person’s social security number or individual taxpayer identification number, and the person’s electronic mailing address, if the person has an electronic mailing address.
(2)The jurisdiction in which the person is licensed, the type of license held, and the license number.
(3)The date on which the person will begin

providing professional clinical counseling services to the person’s client in California.

(c)A person who provides services pursuant to this section shall submit a signed statement, under penalty of perjury, acknowledging that they are subject to the jurisdiction of the board and agreeing to be bound by the laws of this state.
(d)This section does not apply to any person licensed by the board whose license has been suspended or revoked.
(e)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.
§ 4999.25

Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 747, Sec. 20. (AB 690) Effective January 1, 2022.

The settings described in Section 4999.22 are exempt settings and do not fall under the jurisdiction of this chapter or the board except as specified in Section 4999.22, and with the following exceptions:

(a)Any individual working or volunteering in an exempt setting who is licensed or registered under this chapter shall fall under the jurisdiction of the board and is not exempt from this chapter.
(b)An entity that is licensed or certified by a government regulatory agency to provide health care services shall not be considered an exempt setting unless it directly meets the criteria described in Section 4999.22.
§ 4999.26

Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 747, Sec. 21. (AB 690) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
(1)“Nonexempt setting” means a setting that does not qualify as an exempt setting, as specified in Section 4999.22.
(2)“Private practice” means a type of nonexempt setting that meets all of the following criteria:
(A)The practice is owned by a health professional who is licensed under this division, either independently or jointly with one or more other health professionals who are licensed under this division.
(B)The

practice provides clinical mental health services, including psychotherapy, to clients.

(C)One or more licensed health professionals are responsible for the practice and for the services provided and set conditions of client payment or reimbursement for the provision of services.
(3)“Professional corporation” means a type of nonexempt setting and private practice that has been formed pursuant to Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code.
(b)An active license or registration number shall be required to engage in the practice of professional clinical counseling, as defined in Section 4999.20, in nonexempt settings at all times, except as follows:
(1)A trainee may engage in the practice of professional clinical counseling in a nonexempt setting that is not a private practice or a professional corporation while they are gaining supervised experience that meets the requirements of this chapter under the jurisdiction and supervision of their school as specified in Section 4999.36.
(2)An applicant for registration as an associate may engage in the practice of professional clinical counseling in a nonexempt setting that is not a private practice or a professional corporation before the registration number is issued if they are in compliance with subdivision (b) of Section 4999.46 and are gaining supervised experience that meets the requirements of this chapter.
§ 4999.27

Added by renumbering Section 4999.24 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 747, Sec. 19. (AB 690) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)Nothing in this chapter shall restrict or prevent activities of a psychotherapeutic or counseling nature on the part of persons employed by accredited or state-approved academic institutions, public schools, government agencies, or nonprofit institutions who train graduate students pursuing a degree that qualifies for professional clinical counselor licensure at an accredited or state-approved college or university, provided that these activities and services constitute a part of a supervised course of study and that those persons are designated by a title such as “clinical counselor trainee” or other title clearly indicating the training status appropriate to the level of training.
(b)Notwithstanding

subdivision (a), a graduate student shall not perform professional clinical counseling in a private practice or a professional corporation.

§ 4999.30

Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 619, Sec. 3. (SB 788) Effective January 1, 2010.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person shall not practice or advertise the performance of professional clinical counseling services without a license issued by the board, and shall pay the license fee required by this chapter.

§ 4999.32

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 61. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)This section shall apply to applicants for licensure or registration who began graduate study before August 1, 2012, and completed that study on or before December 31, 2018. Those applicants may alternatively qualify under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 4999.33.
(b)To qualify for licensure or registration, applicants shall possess a master’s or doctoral degree that is counseling or psychotherapy in content and that meets the requirements of this section, obtained from an accredited or approved institution, as defined in Section 4999.12. For purposes of this subdivision, a degree is “counseling or psychotherapy in content” if it contains the supervised practicum or field study experience described in paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) and, except as

provided in subdivision (d), the coursework in the core content areas listed in subparagraphs (A) to (I), inclusive, of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c).

(c)The degree described in subdivision (b) shall be a single, integrated program that contains not less than 48 graduate semester units or 72 graduate quarter units of instruction, which shall, except as provided in subdivision (d), include all of the following:
(1)The equivalent of at least three semester units or four quarter units of graduate study in each of the following core content areas:
(A)Counseling and psychotherapeutic theories and techniques, including the counseling process in a multicultural society, an orientation to wellness and prevention, counseling theories to assist in selection of appropriate counseling interventions, models of counseling

consistent with current professional research and practice, development of a personal model of counseling, and multidisciplinary responses to crises, emergencies, and disasters.

(B)Human growth and development across the lifespan, including normal and abnormal behavior and an understanding of developmental crises, disability, psychopathology, and situational and environmental factors that affect both normal and abnormal behavior.
(C)Career development theories and techniques, including career development decisionmaking models and interrelationships among and between work, family, and other life roles and factors, including the role of multicultural issues in career development.
(D)Group counseling theories and techniques, including principles of group dynamics, group process components, developmental stage

theories, therapeutic factors of group work, group leadership styles and approaches, pertinent research and literature, group counseling methods, and evaluation of effectiveness.

(E)Assessment, appraisal, and testing of individuals, including basic concepts of standardized and nonstandardized testing and other assessment techniques, norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessment, statistical concepts, social and cultural factors related to assessment and evaluation of individuals and groups, and ethical strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessment instruments and techniques in counseling.
(F)Multicultural counseling theories and techniques, including counselors’ roles in developing cultural self-awareness, identity development, promoting cultural social justice, individual and community strategies for working with and advocating for diverse

populations, and counselors’ roles in eliminating biases and prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination.

(G)Principles of the diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis, and the use of current diagnostic tools, such as the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the impact of co-occurring substance use disorders or medical psychological disorders, established diagnostic criteria for mental or emotional disorders, and the treatment modalities and placement criteria within the continuum of care.
(H)Research and evaluation, including studies that provide an understanding of research methods, statistical analysis, the use of research to inform evidence-based practice, the importance of research in advancing the profession of counseling, and statistical methods used in conducting research,

needs assessment, and program evaluation.

(I)Professional orientation, ethics, and law in counseling, including professional ethical standards and legal considerations, licensing law and process, regulatory laws that delineate the profession’s scope of practice, counselor-client privilege, confidentiality, the client dangerous to self or others, treatment of minors with or without parental consent, relationship between practitioner’s sense of self and human values, functions and relationships with other human service providers, strategies for collaboration, and advocacy processes needed to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for clients.
(2)In addition to the course requirements described in paragraph (1), a minimum of 12 semester units or 18 quarter units of advanced coursework to develop knowledge of specific treatment issues,

special populations, application of counseling constructs, assessment and treatment planning, clinical interventions, therapeutic relationships, psychopathology, or other clinical topics.

(3)Not less than six semester units or nine quarter units of supervised practicum or field study experience that involves direct client contact in a clinical setting that provides a range of professional clinical counseling experience, including the following:
(A)Applied psychotherapeutic techniques.
(B)Assessment.
(C)Diagnosis.
(D)Prognosis.
(E)Treatment planning.
(F)Treatment.
(G)Issues of development, adjustment, and maladjustment.
(H)Health and wellness promotion.
(I)Other recognized counseling interventions.
(J)A minimum of 150 hours of face-to-face supervised clinical experience counseling individuals, families, or groups.
(d)(1) (A) An applicant whose degree is deficient in no more than two of the required areas of study listed in subparagraphs (A) to (I), inclusive, of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) may satisfy those deficiencies by successfully completing postmaster’s or postdoctoral degree coursework at an accredited or approved institution, as defined in Section 4999.12.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), an applicant shall not be deficient in the required areas of study specified in subparagraph (E) or (G) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) unless the applicant meets one of the following criteria and remediates the deficiency:

(i)The application for licensure was received by the board on or before August 31, 2020.

(ii) The application for registration was received by the board on or before August 31, 2020, and the registration was subsequently issued by the board.

(2)Coursework taken to meet deficiencies in the required areas of study listed in subparagraphs (A) to (I), inclusive, of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall be the equivalent of three semester units or four quarter units of study.
(3)The board shall make the final determination as to whether a degree meets all requirements, including, but not limited to, course requirements, regardless of accreditation.
(e)In addition to the degree described in this section, or as part of that degree, an applicant shall complete the following coursework or training prior to registration as an associate:
(1)A minimum of 15 contact hours of instruction in alcoholism and other chemical substance abuse dependency, as specified by regulation.
(2)A minimum of 10 contact hours of training or coursework in human sexuality as specified in Section 25, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
(3)A two semester unit or three quarter unit

survey course in psychopharmacology.

(4)A minimum of 15 contact hours of instruction in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention strategies, including knowledge of community resources, cultural factors, and same gender abuse dynamics.
(5)A minimum of seven contact hours of training or coursework in child abuse assessment and reporting as specified in Section 28 and any regulations adopted thereunder.
(6)A minimum of 18 contact hours of instruction in California law and professional ethics for professional clinical counselors that includes, but is not limited to, instruction in advertising, scope of practice, scope of competence, treatment of minors, confidentiality, dangerous clients, psychotherapist-client privilege, recordkeeping, client access to records, dual relationships, child abuse,

elder and dependent adult abuse, online therapy, insurance reimbursement, civil liability, disciplinary actions and unprofessional conduct, ethics complaints and ethical standards, termination of therapy, standards of care, relevant family law, therapist disclosures to clients, and state and federal laws related to confidentiality of patient health information. When coursework in a master’s or doctoral degree program is acquired to satisfy this requirement, it shall be considered as part of the 48 semester unit or 72 quarter unit requirement in subdivision (c).

(7)A minimum of 10 contact hours of instruction in aging and long-term care, which may include, but is not limited to, the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging. On and after January 1, 2012, this coursework shall include instruction on the assessment and reporting of, as well as treatment related to, elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect.
(8)A minimum of 15 contact hours of instruction in crisis or trauma counseling, including multidisciplinary responses to crises, emergencies, or disasters, and brief, intermediate, and long-term approaches.
§ 4999.33

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 62. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)This section shall apply to the following:
(1)Applicants for licensure or registration who begin graduate study before August 1, 2012, and do not complete that study on or before December 31, 2018.
(2)Applicants for licensure or registration who begin graduate study before August 1, 2012, and who graduate from a degree program that meets the requirements of this section.
(3)Applicants for licensure or registration who begin graduate study on or after August 1, 2012.
(b)To qualify for licensure or registration, applicants shall possess a master’s or doctoral degree

that is counseling or psychotherapy in content and that meets the requirements of this section, obtained from an accredited or approved institution, as defined in Section 4999.12. For purposes of this subdivision, a degree is “counseling or psychotherapy in content” if it contains the supervised practicum or field study experience described in paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) and, except as provided in subdivision (f), the coursework in the core content areas listed in subparagraphs (A) to (M), inclusive, of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c).

(c)The degree described in subdivision (b) shall be a single, integrated program that contains not less than 60 graduate semester units or 90 graduate quarter units of instruction, which shall, except as provided in subdivision (f), include all of the following:
(1)The equivalent of at least three semester units or four quarter units of

graduate study in all of the following core content areas:

(A)Counseling and psychotherapeutic theories and techniques, including the counseling process in a multicultural society, an orientation to wellness and prevention, counseling theories to assist in selection of appropriate counseling interventions, models of counseling consistent with current professional research and practice, development of a personal model of counseling, and multidisciplinary responses to crises, emergencies, and disasters.
(B)Human growth and development across the lifespan, including normal and abnormal behavior and an understanding of developmental crises, disability, psychopathology, and situational and environmental factors that affect both normal and abnormal behavior.
(C)Career development theories and techniques, including

career development decisionmaking models and interrelationships among and between work, family, and other life roles and factors, including the role of multicultural issues in career development.

(D)Group counseling theories and techniques, including principles of group dynamics, group process components, group developmental stage theories, therapeutic factors of group work, group leadership styles and approaches, pertinent research and literature, group counseling methods, and evaluation of effectiveness.
(E)Assessment, appraisal, and testing of individuals, including basic concepts of standardized and nonstandardized testing and other assessment techniques, norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessment, statistical concepts, social and cultural factors related to assessment and evaluation of individuals and groups, and ethical strategies for selecting, administering, and

interpreting assessment instruments and techniques in counseling.

(F)Multicultural counseling theories and techniques, including counselors’ roles in developing cultural self-awareness, identity development, promoting cultural social justice, individual and community strategies for working with and advocating for diverse populations, and counselors’ roles in eliminating biases and prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination.
(G)Principles of the diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis, and the use of current diagnostic tools, such as the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the impact of co-occurring substance use disorders or medical psychological disorders, established diagnostic criteria for mental or emotional disorders, and the treatment modalities and placement criteria

within the continuum of care.

(H)Research and evaluation, including studies that provide an understanding of research methods, statistical analysis, the use of research to inform evidence-based practice, the importance of research in advancing the profession of counseling, and statistical methods used in conducting research, needs assessment, and program evaluation.
(I)Professional orientation, ethics, and law in counseling, including California law and professional ethics for professional clinical counselors, professional ethical standards and legal considerations, licensing law and process, regulatory laws that delineate the profession’s scope of practice, counselor-client privilege, confidentiality, the client dangerous to self or others, treatment of minors with or without parental consent, relationship between practitioner’s sense of self and human values, functions and

relationships with other human service providers, strategies for collaboration, and advocacy processes needed to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for clients.

(J)Psychopharmacology, including the biological bases of behavior, basic classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications so that appropriate referrals can be made for medication evaluations and so that the side effects of those medications can be identified.
(K)Addictions counseling, including substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and addiction, major approaches to identification, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse and addiction, legal and medical aspects of substance abuse, populations at risk, the role of support persons, support systems, and community resources.
(L)Crisis or trauma counseling, including crisis theory; multidisciplinary responses to crises, emergencies, or disasters; cognitive, affective, behavioral, and neurological effects associated with trauma; brief, intermediate, and long-term approaches; and assessment strategies for clients in crisis and principles of intervention for individuals with mental or emotional disorders during times of crisis, emergency, or disaster.
(M)Advanced counseling and psychotherapeutic theories and techniques, including the application of counseling constructs, assessment and treatment planning, clinical interventions, therapeutic relationships, psychopathology, or other clinical topics.
(2)In addition to the course requirements described in paragraph (1), 15 semester units or 22.5 quarter units of advanced coursework to develop

knowledge of specific treatment issues or special populations.

(3)Not less than six semester units or nine quarter units of supervised practicum or field study experience that involves direct client contact in a clinical setting that provides a range of professional clinical counseling experience, including the following:
(A)Applied psychotherapeutic techniques.
(B)Assessment.
(C)Diagnosis.
(D)Prognosis.
(E)Treatment planning.
(F)Treatment.
(G)Issues of development, adjustment, and

maladjustment.

(H)Health and wellness promotion.
(I)Professional writing including documentation of services, treatment plans, and progress notes.
(J)How to find and use resources.
(K)Other recognized counseling interventions.
(L)A minimum of 280 hours of face-to-face supervised clinical experience counseling individuals, families, or groups.
(d)The 60 graduate semester units or 90 graduate quarter units of instruction required pursuant to subdivision (c) shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of subdivision (c), include instruction in all of the following:
(1)The understanding of human behavior within the social context of socioeconomic status and other contextual issues affecting social position.
(2)The understanding of human behavior within the social context of a representative variety of the cultures found within California.
(3)Cultural competency and sensitivity, including a familiarity with the racial, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds of persons living in California.
(4)An understanding of the effects of socioeconomic status on treatment and available resources.
(5)Multicultural development and cross-cultural interaction, including experiences of race, ethnicity, class, spirituality, sexual orientation, gender, and disability and their incorporation into the

psychotherapeutic process.

(6)Case management, systems of care for the severely mentally ill, public and private services for the severely mentally ill, community resources for victims of abuse, disaster and trauma response, advocacy for the severely mentally ill, and collaborative treatment. The instruction required in this paragraph may be provided either in credit level coursework or through extension programs offered by the degree-granting institution.
(7)Human sexuality, including the study of the physiological, psychological, and social cultural variables associated with sexual behavior, gender identity, and the assessment and treatment of psychosexual dysfunction.
(8)Spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, intervention strategies, and same gender abuse dynamics.
(9)A minimum of seven contact hours of training or coursework in child abuse assessment and reporting, as specified in Section 28, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
(10)Aging and long-term care, including biological, social, cognitive, and psychological aspects of aging. This coursework shall include instruction on the assessment and reporting of, as well as treatment related to, elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect.
(e)A degree program that qualifies for licensure under this section shall do all of the following:
(1)Integrate the principles of mental health recovery-oriented care and methods of service delivery in recovery-oriented practice environments.
(2)Integrate an

understanding of various cultures and the social and psychological implications of socioeconomic position.

(3)Provide the opportunity for students to meet with various consumers and family members of consumers of mental health services to enhance understanding of their experience of mental illness, treatment, and recovery.
(f)(1) (A) An applicant whose degree is deficient in no more than three of the required areas of study listed in subparagraphs (A) to (M), inclusive, of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) may satisfy those deficiencies by successfully completing post-master’s or postdoctoral degree coursework at an accredited or approved institution, as defined in Section 4999.12.

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), an applicant shall not be deficient in the required

areas of study specified in subparagraphs (E) or (G) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) unless the applicant meets one of the following criteria and remediates the deficiency:

(i)The application for licensure was received by the board on or before August 31, 2020.

(ii) The application for registration was received by the board on or before August 31, 2020, and the registration was subsequently issued by the board.

(2)Coursework taken to meet deficiencies in the required areas of study listed in subparagraphs (A) to (M), inclusive, of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall be the equivalent of three semester units or four quarter units of study.
(3)The board shall make the final determination as to whether a degree meets all requirements, including,

but not limited to, course requirements, regardless of accreditation.

§ 4999.36

Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 743, Sec. 38. (AB 93) Effective January 1, 2019.

(a)A clinical counselor trainee may perform activities and services provided that the activities and services constitute part of the clinical counselor trainee’s supervised course of study and that the person is designated by the title “clinical counselor trainee.”
(b)All practicum and field study hours gained as a clinical counselor trainee shall be coordinated between the school and the site where hours are being accrued. The school shall approve each site and shall have a written agreement with each site that details each party’s responsibilities, including the methods by which supervision shall be provided. The agreement shall provide for regular progress reports and evaluations of the student’s performance at the site.
(c)If an applicant has gained practicum and field study hours while enrolled in an institution other than the one that confers the qualifying degree, it shall be the applicant’s responsibility to provide to the board satisfactory evidence that those practicum and field study hours were gained in compliance with this section.
(d)A clinical counselor trainee shall inform each client or patient, prior to performing any professional services, that he or she is unlicensed and under supervision.
(e)No hours earned while a clinical counselor trainee may count toward the 3,000 hours of required postdegree supervised experience.
§ 4999.40

Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 489, Sec. 42. (SB 1478) Effective January 1, 2017.

(a)Each educational institution preparing applicants to qualify for licensure shall notify each of its students by means of its public documents or otherwise in writing that its degree program is designed to meet the requirements of Section 4999.32 or 4999.33 and shall certify to the board that it has so notified its students.
(b)An applicant for registration or licensure shall submit to the board a certification by the applicant’s educational institution that the institution’s required curriculum for graduation and any associated coursework completed by the applicant does one of the following:
(1)Meets all of the requirements set forth in Section

4999.32.

(2)Meets all of the requirements set forth in Section 4999.33.
(c)An applicant trained at an educational institution outside the United States shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that he or she possesses a qualifying degree that is equivalent to a degree earned from an institution of higher education that is accredited or approved. These applicants shall provide the board with a comprehensive evaluation of the degree performed by a foreign credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services and shall provide any other documentation the board deems necessary.
§ 4999.42

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 63. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)An applicant shall meet all of the following qualifications to qualify for registration as an associate:
(1)Earned a master’s or doctoral degree as specified in Section 4999.32 or 4999.33, as applicable. An applicant whose education qualifies the applicant under Section 4999.32 shall also have completed the coursework or training specified in subdivision (e) of Section 4999.32.
(2)Be at least 18 years of age.
(3)Not be subject to denial of licensure pursuant to Section 480.
(b)(1) The board shall not issue a registration to any person who has

been convicted of a crime in this or another state or in a territory of the United States that involves sexual abuse of children or who is required to register pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code or the equivalent in another state or territory.

(2)A denial issued pursuant to this subdivision shall comply with the conditions for denial specified in Section 480.
§ 4999.46

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 747, Sec. 22. (AB 690) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)Except as provided in subdivision (b), all applicants shall have an active associate registration with the board in order to gain postdegree hours of supervised experience.
(b)(1) Postdegree hours of experience gained before the issuance of an associate registration shall be credited toward licensure if all of the following apply:

(A) The registration applicant applies for the associate registration and the board receives the application within 90 days of the granting of the qualifying master’s degree or doctoral degree.

(B) For applicants

completing graduate study on or after January 1, 2020, the experience is obtained at a workplace that, prior to the registration applicant gaining supervised experience hours, requires completed Live Scan fingerprinting. The applicant shall provide the board with a copy of that completed State of California “Request for Live Scan Service” form with their application for licensure.

(C) The board subsequently grants the associate registration.

(2)The applicant shall not be employed or volunteer in a private practice or a professional corporation until they have been issued an associate registration by the board.
(c)Supervised experience that is obtained for the purposes of qualifying for licensure shall be related to the

practice of professional clinical counseling and comply with the following:

(1)A minimum of 3,000 postdegree hours performed over a period of not less than two years (104 weeks).
(2)Not more than 40 hours in any seven consecutive days.
(3)Not less than 1,750 hours of direct clinical counseling with individuals, groups, couples, or families using a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques and recognized counseling interventions.
(4)A maximum of 1,250 hours of nonclinical practice, consisting of direct supervisor contact, administering and evaluating psychological tests, writing clinical reports, writing progress or process notes, client-centered

advocacy, and workshops, seminars, training sessions, or conferences directly related to professional clinical counseling that have been approved by the applicant’s supervisor.

(5)A maximum of 1,200 hours gained under the supervision of a licensed educational psychologist providing educationally related mental health services that are consistent with the scope of practice of an educational psychologist, as specified in Section 4989.14.
(d)An individual who submits an application for licensure between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020, may alternatively qualify under the experience requirements of this section that were in place on January 1, 2015.
(e)Experience hours shall not have been gained more than six years

prior to the date the application for licensure was received by the board.

§ 4999.48

Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 703, Sec. 41. (SB 1491) Effective January 1, 2019.

The board shall adopt regulations regarding the supervision of associates that may include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a)Supervisor qualifications.
(b)Continuing education requirements of supervisors.
(c)Registration or licensing of supervisors, or both.
(d)General responsibilities of supervisors.
(e)The board’s authority in cases of noncompliance or gross or repeated negligence by supervisors.
§ 4999.50

Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 743, Sec. 50. (AB 93) Effective January 1, 2019.

(a)The board may issue a professional clinical counselor license to any person who meets all of the following requirements:
(1)He or she has received a master’s or doctoral degree described in Section 4999.32 or 4999.33, as applicable.
(2)He or she has completed at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience in the practice of professional clinical counseling.
(3)He or she provides evidence of a passing score, as determined by the board, on the examinations designated in Section 4999.53.
(b)An applicant for licensure who has satisfied the requirements of this chapter

shall be issued a license as a professional clinical counselor.

§ 4999.51

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 65. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

An applicant for licensure as a professional clinical counselor or registration as an associate shall satisfy the following qualifications:

(a)Not be subject to denial of licensure pursuant to Section 480.
(b)(1) Not have been convicted of a crime in this or another state or in a territory of the United States that involves sexual abuse of children or who is required to register pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code or the equivalent in another state or territory.
(2)A denial issued pursuant to this subdivision shall comply with the conditions for denial specified in Section 480.
(c)Have successfully passed a state and federal level criminal offender record information search conducted through the Department of Justice by submitting fingerprint images and other information to the Department of Justice for the purpose of obtaining records of state and federal convictions and arrests. The board shall request the subsequent arrest notification service on all applicants, pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code.
§ 4999.52

Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 456, Sec. 76. (SB 786) Effective January 1, 2020.

(a)Every applicant for a license as a professional clinical counselor shall take one or more examinations, as determined by the board, to ascertain their knowledge, professional skills, and judgment in the utilization of appropriate techniques and methods of professional clinical counseling.
(b)The examinations shall be given at least twice a year at a time and place and under supervision as the board may determine.
(c)The board shall not deny any applicant admission to an examination who has submitted a complete application for examination admission if the applicant meets the educational and experience requirements of

this chapter and has not committed any acts or engaged in any conduct that would constitute grounds to deny licensure.

(d)The board shall not deny any applicant, whose application for licensure is complete, admission to the clinical examination, nor shall the board postpone or delay any applicant’s clinical examination, solely upon the receipt by the board of a complaint alleging acts or conduct that would constitute grounds to deny licensure.
(e)If an applicant for the examination specified by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 4999.53, who has passed the California law and ethics examination, is the subject of a complaint or is under board investigation for acts or conduct that, if proven to be true, would constitute grounds for the board to deny licensure, the

board shall permit the applicant to take this examination, but may notify the applicant that licensure will not be granted pending completion of the investigation.

(f)Notwithstanding Section 135, the board may deny any applicant who has previously failed either the California law and ethics examination, or the examination specified by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 4999.53, permission to retake either examination pending completion of the investigation of any complaints against the applicant.
(g)Nothing in this section shall prohibit the board from denying an applicant admission to any examination or refusing to issue a license to any applicant when an accusation or statement of issues has been filed against the applicant pursuant to Section 11503 or 11504 of the

Government Code, respectively, or the application has been denied in accordance with subdivision (b) of Section 485.

(h)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board may destroy all examination materials two years following the date of an examination.
(i)If the examination specified by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 4999.53 is not passed within seven years of an applicant for licensure’s initial attempt, the applicant shall obtain a passing score on the current version of the California law and ethics examination in order to be eligible to retake this examination.
(j)A passing score on the clinical examination shall be accepted by the board for a period of seven years from the date the examination

was taken.

§ 4999.53

Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 573, Sec. 19. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2018.

(a)Effective January 1, 2016, a registrant or an applicant for licensure as a professional clinical counselor shall pass the following examinations as prescribed by the board:
(1)A California law and ethics examination.
(2)A clinical examination administered by the board, or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination if the board finds that this examination meets the prevailing standards for validation and use of the licensing and certification tests in California.
(b)Upon registration with the board, an associate professional clinical counselor

shall, within the first year of registration, take an examination on California law and ethics.

(c)A registrant or an applicant for licensure may take the clinical examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination, as established by the board through regulation, only upon meeting all of the following requirements:
(1)Completion of all required supervised work experience.
(2)Completion of all education requirements.
(3)Passage of the California law and ethics examination.
(d)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.
§ 4999.55

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 520, Sec. 13. (AB 1759) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)Each applicant and registrant shall obtain a passing score on a board-administered California law and ethics examination in order to qualify for licensure.
(b)A registrant shall take a board-administered California law and ethics examination before their registration renewal.
(c)If an applicant fails the California law and ethics examination,

they may retake the examination, upon payment of the required fees, without further application.

(d)The board shall not issue a subsequent registration number unless the applicant has passed the California law and ethics examination.
(e)A registrant shall complete a minimum of three hours of continuing education in the subject of California law and ethics during each renewal period in order to be eligible to renew their registration, regardless of whether or not they have passed the California law and ethics examination. The coursework shall be obtained from a board-accepted provider of continuing education, as specified in Section 4999.76.
§ 4999.60

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 440, Sec. 5. (AB 462) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)The board may issue a license to a person who, at the time of submitting an application for a license pursuant to this chapter, holds a license in another jurisdiction of the United States as a professional clinical counselor at the highest level for independent clinical practice if all of the following requirements are met:
(1)The applicant’s license in the other jurisdiction has been current, active, and unrestricted for at least two years immediately before the date the application was received by the board. The applicant shall disclose to the board for review any past restrictions or disciplinary action on an out-of-state license, and the board shall consider those

actions in determining whether to issue a license to the applicant.

(2)The applicant’s degree that qualified the applicant for the out-of-state license is a master’s or doctoral degree that was obtained from an accredited or approved institution, as defined in Section 4999.12.
(3)The applicant complies with the fingerprint requirements established in Section 144.
(4)The applicant completes the coursework specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) from an accredited or approved school, college, or university, as defined in Section 4999.12, or from a continuing education provider that is acceptable to the board, as defined in Section 4999.76. Undergraduate coursework shall not satisfy this requirement.
(A)A minimum of 12 hours of coursework in California law and professional ethics that includes, but is not limited to,

instruction in advertising, scope of practice, scope of competence, treatment of minors, confidentiality, dangerous clients, psychotherapist-client privilege, recordkeeping, client access to records, state and federal laws relating to confidentiality of patient health information, dual relationships, child abuse, elder and dependent adult abuse, online therapy, insurance reimbursement, civil liability, disciplinary actions and unprofessional conduct, ethics complaints and ethical standards, termination of therapy, standards of care, relevant family law, therapist disclosures to clients, the application of legal and ethical standards in different types of work settings, and licensing law and licensing process.

(B)At least one semester unit, or 15 hours, of instruction that includes an understanding of various California cultures and

the social and psychological implications of socioeconomic position.

(5)The applicant obtains a minimum of seven contact hours of training or coursework in child abuse assessment and reporting, as specified in Section 28, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
(6)On and after January 1, 2021, the applicant shall show proof of completion of at least six hours of coursework or applied experience under supervision in suicide risk assessment and intervention using one of the methods specified in Section 4999.66.
(7)The applicant passes the board-administered California law and ethics examination specified in Section 4999.53. The clinical examination specified in Section 4999.53 shall be waived for an applicant

qualifying under this section.

(b)This section was developed based on an examination of the licensure requirements for professional clinical counselors on a national level. This section shall not be construed to apply to any provisions under this division or Division 3 (commencing with Section 5000) other than this act.
§ 4999.61

Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 380, Sec. 14. (SB 679) Effective January 1, 2020.

(a)This section applies to persons with education gained from an out-of-state school or experience gained outside of California who apply for licensure or registration who do not qualify for a license under Section 4999.60.
(b)The board shall accept education gained from an out-of-state school for purposes of satisfying licensure or registration requirements if the education is substantially equivalent, as defined in Section 4999.62, and the applicant complies with subdivision (c) of Section 4999.40, if applicable.
(c)The board shall accept experience gained outside of California for purposes of satisfying licensure or

registration requirements if the experience is substantially equivalent to the experience required by this chapter. If the applicant has fewer than 3,000 hours of qualifying supervised experience, the board shall accept as qualifying supervised experience the amount of time the applicant held an active license in good standing in another state or country as a professional clinical counselor at the highest level for independent clinical practice at a rate of 100 hours per month, up to a maximum of 1,200 hours.

(d)An applicant who obtained a license or registration in another state or country may qualify for licensure with the board without taking the clinical examination specified in Section 4999.53 if both of the following conditions are met:
(1)The applicant obtained a passing

score on the clinical licensing examination set forth in regulation as accepted by the board.

(2)The applicant’s license or registration in that state or country is active and in good standing at the time of the application and is not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, or otherwise restricted or encumbered.
§ 4999.62

Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 380, Sec. 15. (SB 679) Effective January 1, 2020.

(a)This section applies to persons with education gained from an out-of-state school who apply for licensure or registration and who do not qualify for a license under Section 4999.60.
(b)For purposes of Section 4999.61, education is substantially equivalent if all of the following requirements are met:
(1)The degree is obtained from an accredited or approved institution, as defined in Section 4999.12, and consists of, at a minimum, the following:
(A)(i) For an applicant who obtained a degree within the timeline prescribed by

subdivision (a) of Section 4999.33 the degree shall contain no less than 60 graduate semester or 90 graduate quarter units of instruction.

(ii) Up to 12 semester or 18 quarter units of instruction may be remediated, if missing from the degree. The remediation may occur while the applicant is registered as an associate.

(B)For an applicant who obtained a degree within the timeline prescribed by subdivision (a) of Section 4999.32 the degree shall contain no less than 48 graduate semester or 72 graduate quarter units of instruction.
(C)(i) Six semester or nine quarter units of supervised practicum or field study experience, including, but not limited to, a minimum of 280 hours of face-to-face

supervised clinical experience counseling individuals, families, or groups.

(ii) An out-of-state applicant who holds a valid license in good standing in another state or country as a professional clinical counselor at the highest level for independent clinical practice is exempt from the practicum requirement specified in clause (i).

(D)The required areas of study listed in subparagraphs (A) to (M), inclusive, of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 4999.33.
(i)(I) An applicant whose degree is deficient in no more than six of the required areas of study listed in subparagraphs (A) to (M), inclusive, of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 4999.33 may satisfy those deficiencies by successfully

completing graduate level coursework at an accredited or approved institution, as defined in Section 4999.12. Coursework taken to meet any deficiencies shall be the equivalent of three semester units or four quarter units of study.

(II) Notwithstanding subclause (I), no applicant shall be deficient in the required areas of study specified in subparagraph (E) or (G) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 4999.33.

(ii) An applicant who completed a course in professional orientation, ethics, and law in counseling as required by subparagraph (I) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 4999.33 that did not contain instruction in California law and ethics shall complete a 12-hour course in California law and professional ethics that includes, but is not limited to,

instruction in advertising, scope of practice, scope of competence, treatment of minors, confidentiality, dangerous clients, psychotherapist-client privilege, recordkeeping, client access to records, state and federal laws relating to confidentiality of patient health information, dual relationships, child abuse, elder and dependent adult abuse, online therapy, insurance reimbursement, civil liability, disciplinary actions and unprofessional conduct, ethics complaints and ethical standards, termination of therapy, standards of care, relevant family law, therapist disclosures to clients, the application of legal and ethical standards in different types of work settings, and licensing law and the licensing process. The coursework may be from an accredited or approved school, college, or university, as defined in Section 4999.12, or from a continuing education provider that is acceptable to the board,

as defined in Section 4999.76.

Undergraduate coursework shall not satisfy this requirement. An applicant shall complete this coursework before registration as an associate.

(iii) An applicant who has not completed a course in professional orientation, ethics, and law in counseling as required by subparagraph (I) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 4999.33 shall complete this required coursework, including content in California law and ethics. An applicant shall complete this coursework before registration as an associate.

(iv) An applicant who holds a valid license in good standing in another state or country as a professional clinical counselor at the highest level for independent clinical practice may complete any units and course content requirements required in this subparagraph not

already completed in the applicant’s education while registered as an associate, unless otherwise specified.

(2)The applicant completes any units required by subdivision (c) of Section 4999.33 not already completed in the applicant’s education as follows:
(A)At least 15 semester units or 22.5 quarter units of advanced coursework to develop knowledge of specific treatment issues or special populations. This coursework is in addition to the course requirements described in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1).
(B)Coursework shall be from an accredited or approved school, college, or university as defined in Section 4999.12.
(3)(A) The applicant

completes the following coursework not already completed in the applicant’s education:

(i)A minimum of 10 contact hours of training in human sexuality, as specified in Section 25 and any regulations promulgated thereunder, including the study of the physiological, psychological, and social cultural variables associated with sexual behavior, gender identity, and the assessment and treatment of psychosexual dysfunction.

(ii) A minimum of 15 contact hours of instruction in spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, intervention strategies, and same-gender abuse dynamics.

(iii) A minimum of seven contact hours of training or coursework in child abuse assessment and reporting as specified in Section 28 and any

regulations promulgated thereunder.

(iv) A minimum of 10 contact hours of instruction in aging and long-term care, including biological, social, cognitive, and psychological aspects of aging. This coursework shall include instruction on the assessment and reporting of, as well as treatment related to, elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect.

(B) This coursework may be from an accredited or approved school, college, or university as defined in Section 4999.12, or from a continuing education provider that is described in Section 4999.76. Undergraduate coursework shall not satisfy this requirement.

(4)The applicant completes the following coursework not already completed in the applicant’s education from an accredited or

approved school, college, or university as defined in Section 4999.12, or from a continuing education provider that is described in Section 4999.76. Undergraduate coursework shall not satisfy this requirement.

(A)At least three semester units, or 45 hours, of instruction regarding the principles of mental health recovery-oriented care and methods of service delivery in recovery-oriented practice environments, including structured meetings with various consumers and family members of consumers of mental health services to enhance understanding of their experiences of mental illness, treatment, and recovery.
(B)At least one semester unit, or 15 hours, of instruction that includes an understanding of various California cultures and the social and psychological implications of

socioeconomic position.

(5)An applicant may complete any units and course content requirements required under paragraph (2), (3), or (4) not already completed in the applicant’s education while registered with the board as an associate.
(6)On and after January 1, 2021, an applicant for licensure shall show proof of completion of at least six hours of coursework or applied experience under supervision in suicide risk assessment and intervention using one of the methods specified in Section 4999.66.
§ 4999.64

Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 473, Sec. 64. (SB 821) Effective January 1, 2014. Section initially operative January 1, 2016, by its own provisions.

(a)Effective January 1, 2016, an applicant who fails the examination specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 4999.53 may, within one year from the notification date of that failure, retake the examination as regularly scheduled without further application upon payment of the fee for the examination. Thereafter, the applicant shall not be eligible for further examination until he or she files a new application, meets all requirements in effect on the date of application, and pays all required fees.
(b)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.
§ 4999.66

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 511, Sec. 33. (SB 1495) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)On or after January 1, 2021, an applicant for licensure as a professional clinical counselor shall show, as part of the application, that they have completed a minimum of six hours of coursework or applied experience under supervision in suicide risk assessment and intervention. This requirement shall be met in one of the following ways:
(1)Obtained as part of their qualifying graduate degree program. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a written certification from the registrar or training director of the educational institution or program from which the applicant graduated stating that the coursework required by this section is included

within the institution’s curriculum required for graduation at the time the applicant graduated, or within the coursework that was completed by the applicant.

(2)Obtained as part of their applied experience. Applied experience can be met in any of the following settings: practicum or associateship that meets the requirement of this chapter, formal postdoctoral placement that meets the requirements of Section 2911, or other qualifying supervised experience. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a written certification from the director of training for the program or primary supervisor where the qualifying experience has occurred stating that the training required by this section is included within the applied experience.
(3)By taking a continuing

education course that meets the requirements of Section 4999.76. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a certification of completion.

(b)As a one-time requirement, a licensee prior to the time of their first renewal after January 1, 2021, or an applicant for reactivation or reinstatement to an active license status on or after January 1, 2021, shall have completed a minimum of six hours of coursework or applied experience under supervision in suicide risk assessment and intervention, using one of the methods specified in subdivision (a). Proof of compliance with this section shall be certified under penalty of perjury that they are in compliance with this section and shall be retained for submission to the board upon request.
§ 4999.67

Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 520, Sec. 14. (AB 1759) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)On or after July 1, 2023, an applicant for licensure as a professional clinical counselor shall show, as part of the application, that they have completed a minimum of three hours of training or coursework in the provision of mental health services via telehealth, which shall include law and ethics related to telehealth. This requirement shall be met in one of the following ways:
(1)Obtained as part of their qualifying graduate degree program. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a written certification from the registrar or training director of the educational institution or program from which the applicant graduated stating that the coursework required by this section is included within the institution’s

curriculum required for graduation at the time the applicant graduated, or within the coursework that was completed by the applicant.

(2)Obtained by completing a continuing education course that meets the requirements of Section 4999.76. To satisfy this requirement, the applicant shall submit to the board a certification of completion.
(b)As a one-time requirement, a licensee before the time of their first renewal after July 1, 2023, or an applicant for reactivation or reinstatement to an active license status on or after July 1, 2023, shall have completed a minimum of three hours of training or coursework in the provision of mental health services via telehealth, which shall include law and ethics related to telehealth, using one of the methods specified in subdivision (a).
(c)Proof of compliance with subdivision
(b)shall be certified under penalty of perjury that they are in compliance with this section and shall be retained for submission to the board upon request.
§ 4999.70

Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 160, Sec. 17. (SB 1024) Effective January 1, 2025.

A licensee shall display their license in a conspicuous place in the licensee’s primary place of practice when rendering professional clinical services in person.

§ 4999.100

Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 520, Sec. 16. (AB 1759) Effective January 1, 2023.

(a)An associate registration shall expire one year from the last day of the month in which it was issued.
(b)To renew a registration, the registrant, on or before the expiration date of the registration, shall do the following:
(1)Apply for a renewal on a form prescribed by the board.
(2)Pay a renewal fee prescribed by the board.
(3)Notify the board whether they have

been convicted, as defined in Section 490, of a misdemeanor or felony, or whether any disciplinary action has been taken by any regulatory or licensing board in this or any other state, subsequent to the registrant’s last renewal.

(4)Participate in the California law and ethics examination pursuant to Section 4999.53 each year until successful completion of this examination.
(5)Certify under penalty of perjury their compliance with the continuing education requirements set forth in Section 4999.76.
(c)An expired registration may be renewed by completing all of the actions described in paragraphs (1) to

(5), inclusive, of subdivision (b).

(d)The associate registration may be renewed a maximum of five times. Registration shall not be renewed or reinstated beyond six years from the last day of the month during which it was issued, regardless of whether it has been revoked. When no further renewals are possible, an applicant may apply for and obtain a subsequent associate registration number if the applicant meets the educational requirements for registration in effect at the time of the application for a subsequent associate registration number and has passed the California law and ethics examination described in Section 4999.53. An applicant who is issued a subsequent associate registration number pursuant to this subdivision shall not be employed or volunteer in a private practice.
§ 4999.102

Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 148, Sec. 9. (SB 274) Effective August 1, 2011.

(a)Licenses issued under this chapter shall expire no more than 24 months after the issue date. The expiration date of the original license shall be set by the board.
(b)To renew an unexpired license described in subdivision (a), the licensee, on or before the expiration date of the license, shall do all of the following:
(1)Apply for a renewal on a form prescribed by the board.
(2)Pay a two‑year renewal fee prescribed by the board.
(3)Certify compliance with the continuing education requirements set forth in Section

4999.76.

(4)Notify the board whether he or she has been convicted, as defined in Section 490, of a misdemeanor or felony, or whether any disciplinary action has been taken by any regulatory or licensing board in this or any other state, subsequent to the licensee’s last renewal.
§ 4999.104

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 70. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

Licenses issued under this chapter that have expired may be renewed at any time within three years of expiration. To renew an expired license described in this section, the licensee shall do all of the following:

(a)File an application for renewal on a form prescribed by the board.
(b)Pay a two-year renewal fee prescribed by the board.
(c)Pay a delinquency fee.
(d)Certify compliance with the continuing education requirements set forth in Section 4999.76.
(e)Notify the board whether the licensee has been convicted, as defined

in Section 490, of a misdemeanor or felony, or whether any disciplinary action has been taken by any regulatory or licensing board in this or any other state, subsequent to the licensee’s last renewal.

§ 4999.106

Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 799, Sec. 82. (SB 1575) Effective January 1, 2013.

A license that is not renewed within three years after its expiration may not be renewed, restored, reinstated, or reissued, except that a former licensee may apply for and obtain a new license if he or she complies with all of the following:

(a)No fact, circumstance, or condition exists that, if the license were issued, would justify its revocation or suspension.
(b)He or she takes and passes the current examinations required for licensing.
(c)He or she submits an application for initial licensure.
(d)He or she meets

the requirements pursuant to Section

4999.51.

§ 4999.108

Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 619, Sec. 3. (SB 788) Effective January 1, 2010.

A suspended license is subject to expiration and shall be renewed as provided in this article, but that renewal does not entitle the licensee, while it remains suspended and until it is reinstated, to engage in the activity to which the license relates, or in any other activity or conduct in violation of the order or judgment by which it was suspended.

§ 4999.110

Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 619, Sec. 3. (SB 788) Effective January 1, 2010.

A revoked license is subject to expiration as provided in this article, but it may not be renewed. If it is reinstated after its expiration, the licensee shall, as a condition precedent to its reinstatement, pay a reinstatement fee in an amount equal to the renewal fee in effect on the last regular renewal date before the date on which it is reinstated, plus the delinquency fee, if any, accrued at the time of its revocation.

§ 4999.112

Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 619, Sec. 3. (SB 788) Effective January 1, 2010.

(a)A licensed professional clinical counselor may apply to the board to request that his or her license be placed on inactive status. A licensee who holds an inactive license shall do all of the following:
(1)Pay a biennial fee of one-half of the active renewal fee.
(2)Be exempt from continuing education requirements.
(3)Not engage in the practice of professional clinical counseling in this state.
(4)Otherwise be subject to this chapter.
(b)A licensee on inactive status may have

his or her license reactivated by complying with all of the following:

(1)Submitting a request to the board.
(2)Certifying that he or she has not committed any acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of licensure.
(3)Paying the remaining one-half of the renewal fee.
(4)Completing the following continuing education requirements:
(A)Eighteen hours of continuing education is required within the two years preceding the date of the request for reactivation if the license will expire less than one year from the date of the request for reactivation.
(B)Thirty-six hours of continuing education is required within the two

years preceding the date of the request for reactivation if the license will expire more than one year from the date of the request for reactivation.

§ 4999.113

Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 787, Sec. 92. (SB 775) Effective January 1, 2026.

(a)(1) The board shall issue, upon submission of a completed application as prescribed by this section and payment of the fee fixed by this chapter, a retired license to a professional clinical counselor who holds a license that is current and active or a license that is inactive, and whose license is not suspended, revoked, or otherwise punitively restricted by the board or subject to disciplinary action under this chapter.
(2)A professional clinical counselor license that has expired shall be issued a retired license by the board upon submission of a completed application as prescribed by this section and payment of the fee fixed by this chapter if both of the

following requirements are met:

(A)The license expired within three years from the date of the board’s receipt of a completed application.
(B)Immediately preceding the license expiration, and after the license expiration, the license was not suspended, revoked, or otherwise punitively restricted by the board or subject to disciplinary action under this chapter.
(3)For purposes of this section, “subject to disciplinary action” shall mean that the licensee had an unsatisfied cost recovery, fine or restitution order, an accusation or petition to revoke probation that has been served on the licensee alleging violations of their probation or the chapter, or an unresolved complaint or investigation pending with the

board.

(b)To apply for a retired license, the applicant shall submit a completed application to the board providing all of the following information:
(1)Full name as filed with the board.
(2)Board license type, license number, and expiration date.
(3)Date of birth.
(4)Social security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
(5)A statement signed under penalty of perjury that the information provided on the application is true and correct, that the applicant understands that the holder of a retired license may not

engage in any activity for which the active license was issued, and that the applicant hereby requests their license to be changed to retired status.

(c)The holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section shall not engage in any activity for which an active professional clinical counselor license is required.
(d)The holder of a retired license shall utilize their professional

title only with the unabbreviated word “retired” directly preceding or directly following the professional title.

(e)The holder of a retired license shall not be required to renew that license.
(f)The holder of a retired license may apply to restore to active status their license to practice professional clinical counseling if that retired license was issued less than three years prior to the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board. A retired license may be restored to active status one time only. To restore a retired license to active status, the applicant shall meet all of the following requirements:
(1)Submit a completed application to the board containing all of the

following information:

(A)Full name as filed with the board.
(B)Original board license type and original license number and expiration date.
(C)Date of birth.
(D)Social security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
(E)Whether they have been convicted, as defined in Section 490, of a misdemeanor or felony, or whether any disciplinary action has been taken by any regulatory or licensing board in this or any other state subsequent to the issuance of the retired license.
(F)A statement signed under penalty of perjury that

the information provided on the application is true and correct, that the applicant did not engage in any activity for which an active license is required while the license was in retired status, and that the applicant hereby requests their license to be changed to “active” status.

(2)Has not committed an act or crime constituting grounds for denial of licensure.
(3)Pays the required renewal fee.
(4)Completes the required continuing education as specified in Section 4999.76.
(5)Complies with the fingerprint submission requirements established in Section 144.
(g)An applicant

requesting to restore their license pursuant to subdivision (f) whose retired license was issued in accordance with this section less than one year from the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board shall complete 18 hours of continuing education taken within the two years prior to the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board. This coursework shall include a minimum of six hours in the subject of California law and ethics.

(h)An applicant requesting to restore their license pursuant to subdivision (f) whose retired license was issued in accordance with this section one or more years from the date the application to restore the retired license is received by the board shall complete 36 hours of continuing education taken within the two years prior to the date the

application to restore the retired license is received by the board. This coursework shall include a minimum of six hours in the subject of California law and ethics.

(i)A retired license that was issued three or more years prior shall not be restored. The holder of the retired license may apply for and obtain a new license if all of the following criteria are satisfied:
(1)Has not committed an act or crime constituting grounds for denial of licensure.
(2)Applies for licensure and pays the required fees.
(3)Passes the examinations required for licensure.
(4)Complies with the fingerprint submission

requirements established in Section 144.

§ 4999.114

Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 619, Sec. 3. (SB 788) Effective January 1, 2010.

The board shall report each month to the Controller the amount and source of all revenue received pursuant to this chapter and at the same time deposit the entire amount thereof in the State Treasury for credit to the Behavioral Sciences Fund.

§ 4999.116

Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 619, Sec. 3. (SB 788) Effective January 1, 2010.

(a)The moneys credited to the Behavioral Sciences Fund under Section 4999.114 shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, be used for the purposes of carrying out and enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
(b)The board shall keep records that will reasonably ensure that funds expended in the administration of each licensing or registration category bear a reasonable relation to the revenue derived from each category, and shall so notify the department no later than May 31 of each year.
(c)Surpluses, if any, may be used in a way so as to bear a reasonable relation to the revenue derived from each category, and may include, but not be limited to, expenditures for

education and research related to each of the licensing or registration categories.

§ 4999.118

Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 573, Sec. 24. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2018.

A licensee or registrant shall give written notice to the board of a name change, giving both the old and new names. The written notice shall be submitted to the board within 30 days of the issuance of a new government-issued photographic identification. The licensee or registrant shall certify the information is correct by signing a statement under penalty of perjury. A copy of both of the following documents evidencing the change shall be submitted with the notice:

(a)A current government-issued photographic identification.
(b)The legal document authorizing the name change, such as a court order or a marriage

certificate.

§ 4999.120

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 71. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

(a)The board shall assess the following fees relating to the licensure of professional clinical counselors:
(1)The fee for the application for licensure shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500).
(2)The fee for the application for associate registration shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of three hundred dollars ($300).
(3)(A) (i) The fee for the board-administered clinical examination,

if the board chooses to adopt this examination in regulations, shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of five hundred dollars ($500).

(ii) The fee for the California law and ethics examination shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of three hundred dollars ($300).

(B)An applicant who fails to appear for an examination, after having been scheduled to take the examination, shall forfeit the examination fees.
(C)The amount of the examination fees shall be based on the actual cost to the board of developing, purchasing, and grading each examination and the actual cost to the board of administering each examination. The written examination fees

shall be adjusted periodically by regulation to reflect the actual costs incurred by the board.

(4)The fee for the issuance of a license shall be two hundred dollars ($200). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of four hundred dollars ($400).
(5)The fee for the annual renewal of an associate registration shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of three hundred dollars ($300).
(6)The fee for the two-year license renewal shall be two hundred dollars ($200). The board may adopt regulations to set the fee at a higher amount, up to a maximum of four hundred dollars ($400).
(7)The renewal delinquency fee shall be one-half of

the fee for license renewal. A person who permits their license to expire shall be subject to the delinquency fee.

(8)The fee for issuance of a retired license shall be forty dollars ($40).
(9)The fee for rescoring an examination shall be twenty dollars ($20).
(10)The fee for issuance of a replacement license or registration shall be twenty dollars ($20).
(11)The fee for issuance of a certificate or letter of good standing shall be twenty-five dollars ($25).
(b)This section shall become operative on January 1, 2021.
§ 4999.121

Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 557, Sec. 7. (AB 1188) Effective October 7, 2017. Section operative July 1, 2018, by its own provisions.

(a)In addition to the fees charged pursuant to Section 4999.120 for the biennial renewal of a license pursuant to Section 4999.102, the board shall collect an additional fee of twenty dollars ($20) at the time of renewal. The board shall transfer this amount to the Controller who shall deposit the funds in the Mental Health Practitioner Education Fund.
(b)This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.
§ 4999.123

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 647, Sec. 73. (SB 801) Effective January 1, 2022.

A professional clinical counselor corporation is a corporation that is authorized to render professional services, as defined in Section 13401 of the Corporations Code, so long as that corporation and its shareholders, officers, directors, and employees who are rendering professional services are in compliance with the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code), this article, and any other statute or regulation pertaining to that corporation and the conduct of its affairs. With respect to a professional clinical counselor corporation, the term “governmental agency” in the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code) shall be construed to mean the Board of Behavioral

Sciences.

§ 4999.124

Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 381, Sec. 13. (SB 146) Effective January 1, 2012.

It shall constitute unprofessional conduct and a violation of this chapter for any person licensed under this chapter to violate, attempt to violate, directly or indirectly, or assist in, or abet the violation of, or conspire to violate, any provision or term of this article, the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (Part 4 (commencing with Section 13400) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code), or any regulation adopted under those laws.

§ 4999.125

Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 381, Sec. 13. (SB 146) Effective January 1, 2012.

The name of a professional clinical counselor corporation and any name or names under which it may be rendering professional services shall contain the words “licensed professional clinical counselor” or “professional clinical counselor” and wording or abbreviations denoting a corporate existence. A professional clinical counselor corporation that conducts business under a fictitious business name shall not use any name that is false, misleading, or deceptive, and shall inform each patient, prior to commencement of treatment, that the business is conducted by a professional clinical counselor corporation.

§ 4999.126

Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 381, Sec. 13. (SB 146) Effective January 1, 2012.

Except as provided in Section 13403 of the Corporations Code, each director, shareholder, and officer of a professional clinical counselor corporation shall be a licensed person, as defined in Section 13401 of the Corporations Code.

§ 4999.127

Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 381, Sec. 13. (SB 146) Effective January 1, 2012.

The income of a professional clinical counselor corporation attributable to professional services rendered while a shareholder is a disqualified person, as defined in Section 13401 of the Corporations Code, shall not in any manner accrue to the benefit of that shareholder or his or her shares in the professional clinical counselor corporation.

§ 4999.128

Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 381, Sec. 13. (SB 146) Effective January 1, 2012.

A professional clinical counselor corporation shall not perform or fail to perform any act the performance of which, or for which the failure to perform, would constitute unprofessional conduct under any statute, rule, or regulation. In the conduct of its practice, a professional clinical counselor corporation shall observe and be bound by any statute, rule, or regulation that applies to a licensed professional clinical counselor.

§ 4999.129

Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 381, Sec. 13. (SB 146) Effective January 1, 2012.

The board may formulate and enforce any rule or regulation to carry out the purposes and objectives of this article, including as follows:

(a)Any rule or regulation that requires that the articles of incorporation or bylaws of a professional clinical counselor corporation shall include a provision that requires the capital stock of the corporation owned by a disqualified person, as defined in Section 13401 of the Corporations Code, or a deceased person to be sold to the corporation or to the remaining shareholders of the corporation within the timeframe that the rule or regulation requires.
(b)Any rule or regulation that requires that a professional

clinical counselor corporation shall provide adequate security by insurance or otherwise for claims against the corporation by its patients arising out of the rendering of professional services.

§ 4999.200

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 413, Sec. 2. (SB 402) Effective January 1, 2026.

“Qualified autism service provider” means an individual who meets either of the following criteria:

(a)Is certified by a national entity, such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, with a certification that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies who designs, supervises, or provides treatment for pervasive developmental disorder or autism, provided the services are within the experience and competence of the individual who is nationally certified.
(b)Is licensed as a physician and surgeon, physical therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, educational

psychologist, clinical social worker, professional clinical counselor, speech-language pathologist, or audiologist, pursuant to Division 2 (commencing with Section 500), and who designs, supervises, or provides treatment for pervasive developmental disorder or autism, provided the services are within the experience and competence of the licensee.

§ 4999.201

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 413, Sec. 2. (SB 402) Effective January 1, 2026.

“Qualified autism service professional” means an individual who meets all of the following criteria:

(a)Provides behavioral health treatment, which may include clinical case management and case supervision under the direction and supervision of a qualified autism service provider.
(b)Is supervised by a qualified autism service provider.
(c)Provides treatment pursuant to a treatment plan developed and approved by the qualified autism service provider.
(d)Is either of the following:
(1)A behavioral service provider who meets the education and experience qualifications described in Section 54342 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations for an Associate Behavior Analyst, Behavior Analyst, Behavior Management Assistant, Behavior Management Consultant, or Behavior Management Program.
(2)(A) A psychological associate, an associate marriage and family therapist, an associate clinical social worker, or an associate professional clinical counselor, as defined and regulated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences or the Board of Psychology.
(B)If an individual meets the requirement described in subparagraph (A), they shall also meet the criteria set forth in the regulations

adopted pursuant to Section 4686.4 of the Welfare and Institutions Code for a Behavioral Health Professional.

(e)(1) Has training and experience in providing services for pervasive developmental disorder or autism pursuant to Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code or Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code.
(f)Is employed by the qualified autism service provider or an entity or group that employs qualified autism service providers responsible for the autism treatment plan.
§ 4999.202

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 413, Sec. 2. (SB 402) Effective January 1, 2026.

“Qualified autism service paraprofessional” means an unlicensed and uncertified individual who meets all of the following criteria:

(a)Is supervised by a qualified autism service provider or qualified autism service professional at a level of clinical supervision that meets professionally recognized standards of practice.
(b)Provides treatment and implements services pursuant to a treatment plan that was developed and approved by the qualified autism service provider.
(c)Meets the education and training qualifications described in Section 54342 of

Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.

(d)Has adequate education, training, and experience, as certified by a qualified autism service provider or an entity or group that employs qualified autism service providers.
(e)Is employed by the qualified autism service provider or an entity or group that employs qualified autism service providers responsible for the autism treatment plan.