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The following rules were revised through an exempt rulemaking and become effective on November 1, 2015. The Notice of Final Exempt Rulemaking was filed in the Office of the Secretary of State on October 9, 2015.
Arizona Administrative Code
Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
TITLE 4. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER 6. BOARD OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EXAMINERS
ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
Section R4-6-101. Definitions
ARTICLE 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section R4-6-201. Board Meetings; Elections R4-6-202. Repealed R4-6-203. Academic Review Committee Meetings; Elections R4-6-204. Repealed R4-6-205. Change of Contact Information R4-6-206. Change of Name R4-6-207. Confidential Records R4-6-208. Conviction of a Felony or Prior Disciplinary Action R4-6-209. Deadline Extensions R4-6-210. Practice Limitations R4-6-211. Direct Supervision; Supervised Work Experience: General R4-6-212. Clinical Supervision Requirements R4-6-212.01. Exemptions to Clinical Supervision Requirements R4-6-213. Registry of Clinical Supervisors R4-6-214. Clinical Supervisor Educational Requirements R4-6-215. Fees and Charges R4-6-216. Foreign Equivalency Determination
ARTICLE 3. LICENSURE
Section R4-6-301. Application for a License by Examination R4-6-302. Licensing Time-frames Table 1. Time Frames (in Days) R4-6-303. Repealed R4-6-304. Application for a License by Endorsement R4-6-305. Inactive Status R4-6-306. Application for a Temporary License R4-6-307. Approval of an Educational Program
ARTICLE 4. SOCIAL WORK
Section R4-6-401. Curriculum R4-6-402. Examination
R4-6-403. Supervised Work Experience for Clinical Social Worker Licensure R4-6-404. Clinical Supervision for Clinical Social Worker Licensure R4-6-405. Repealed
ARTICLE 5. COUNSELING
Section R4-6-501. Curriculum R4-6-502. Examination R4-6-503. Supervised Work Experience for Professional Counselor Licensure R4-6-504. Clinical Supervision for Professional Counselor Licensure R4-6-505. Post-degree Programs
ARTICLE 6. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY
Section R4-6-601. Curriculum R4-6-602. Examination R4-6-603. Supervised Work Experience for Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure R4-6-604. Clinical Supervision for Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure R4-6-605. Post-degree Programs R4-6-606. Repealed
ARTICLE 7. SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING
Section R4-6-701. Licensed Substance Abuse Technician Curriculum R4-6-702. Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor Curriculum R4-6-703. Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor Curriculum R4-6-704. Examination R4-6-705. Supervised Work Experience for Substance Abuse Counselor Licensure R4-6-706. Clinical Supervision for Substance Abuse Counselor Licensure R4-6-707. Post-degree Programs
ARTICLE 8. LICENSE RENEWAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Section R4-6-801. Renewal of Licensure R4-6-802. Continuing Education R4-6-803. Continuing Education Documentation R4-6-804. Repealed
ARTICLE 9. APPEAL OF LICENSURE OR LICENSE RENEWAL INELIGIBILITY
Section R4-6-901. Appeal Process for Licensure Ineligibility R4-6-902. Appeal Process for Licensure Renewal Ineligibility
ARTICLE 10. DISCIPLINARY PROCESS Section R4-6-1001. Disciplinary Process R4-6-1002. Review or Rehearing of a Board Decision
ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
R4-6-101. Definitions The definitions at A.R.S. § 32-3251 apply to this Chapter. Additionally, the following definitions apply to this Chapter, unless otherwise specified:
- “Applicant” means: a. An individual requesting a license by examination, temporary license, or a license by endorsement by submitting a completed application packet to the Board; or b. A regionally accredited college or university seeking Board approval of an educational program under R4-6-307.
- “Application packet” means the required documents, forms, fees, and additional information required by the Board of an applicant.
- “ARC” means an academic review committee established by the Board under A.R.S. § 32-3261(A).
- “Assessment” means the collection and analysis of information to determine an individual’s behavioral health treatment needs.
- “ASWB” means the Association of Social Work Boards.
- “Behavioral health entity” means any organization, agency, business, or professional practice, including a for-profit private practice, which provides assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to individuals, groups, or families for behavioral health related issues.
- “Behavioral health service” means the assessment, diagnosis, or treatment of an individual’s behavioral health issue.
- “CACREP” means the Council on Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
- “Client record” means collected documentation of the behavioral health services provided to and information gathered regarding a client.
- “Clinical social work” means social work involving clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals, couples, families, and groups.
- “Clinical supervision” means direction or oversight provided either face to face or by videoconference or telephone by an individual qualified to evaluate, guide, and direct all behavioral health services provided by a licensee to assist the licensee to develop and improve the necessary knowledge, skills, techniques, and abilities to allow the licensee to engage in the practice of behavioral health ethically, safely, and competently.
- “Clinical supervisor” means an individual who provides clinical supervision.
- “COAMFTE” means the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
- “Clock hour” means 60 minutes of instruction, not including breaks or meals.
- “Contemporaneous” means documentation is made within 10 business days.
- “Continuing education” means training that provides an understanding of current developments, skills, procedures, or treatments related to the practice of behavioral health, as determined by the Board.
- “Co-occurring disorder” means a combination of substance use disorder or addiction and a mental or personality disorder.
- “CORE” means the Council on Rehabilitation Education.
- “Counseling related coursework” means education that prepares an individual to provide behavioral health services, as determined by the ARC.
- “CSWE” means Council on Social Work Education.
- “Date of service” means the postmark date applied by the U.S. Postal Service to materials addressed to an applicant or licensee at the address the applicant or licensee last placed on file in writing with the Board.
- “Day” means calendar day.
- “Direct client contact” means, beginning November 1, 2015, the performance of therapeutic or clinical functions related to the applicant’s professional practice level of psychotherapy that includes diagnosis, assessment and treatment and that may include psychoeducation for mental, emotional and behavioral disorders based primarily on verbal or nonverbal communications and intervention with, and in the presence of, one or more clients. A.R.S. § 32-3251.
- “Direct supervision” means responsibility and oversight for all services provided by a supervisee as prescribed in R4-6-211.
- “Disciplinary action” means any action taken by the Board against a licensee, based on a finding that the licensee engaged in unprofessional conduct, including refusing to renew a license and suspending or revoking a license.
- “Documentation” means written or electronic supportive evidence.
- “Educational program” means a degree program in counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, or substance use or addiction counseling that is: a. Offered by a regionally accredited college or university, and b. Not accredited by an organization or entity recognized by the Board.
- “Electronic signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process that is attached to or logically associated with a record and that is executed or adopted by an individual with the intent to sign the record.
- “Family member” means a parent, sibling, half-sibling, child, cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent, grandchild, and present and former spouse, in-law, stepchild, stepparent, foster parent, or significant other.
- “Gross negligence” means careless or reckless disregard of established standards of practice or repeated failure to exercise the care that a reasonable practitioner would exercise within the scope of professional practice.
- “Inactive status” means the Board has granted a licensee the right to suspend behavioral health practice temporarily by postponing license renewal for a maximum of 48 months.
- “Independent contractor” means a licensed behavioral health professional whose contract to provide services on behalf of a behavioral health entity qualifies for independent contractor status under the codes, rules, and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service of the United States.
- “Independent practice” means engaging in the practice of marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, social work, or substance abuse counseling without direct supervision.
- “Indirect client service” means, beginning November 1, 2015, training for, and the performance of, functions of an applicant’s professional practice level in preparation for or on behalf of a client for whom direct client contact functions are also performed, including case consultation and receipt of clinical supervision. Indirect client service does not include the provision of psychoeducation. A.R.S. § 32-3251.
- “Individual clinical supervision” means clinical supervision provided by a clinical supervisor to one supervisee.
- “Informed consent for treatment” means a written document authorizing treatment of a client that: a. Contains the requirements of R4-6-1101; b. Is dated and signed by the client or the client’s legal representative, and c. Beginning on July 1, 2006, is dated and signed by an authorized representative of the behavioral health entity.
- “Legal representative” means an individual authorized by law to act on a client’s behalf.
d. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, e. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or f. Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
- “Significant other” means an individual whose participation a client considers to be essential to the effective provision of behavioral health services to the client.
- “Supervised work experience” means practicing clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, or substance abuse counseling for remuneration or on a voluntary basis under direct supervision and while receiving clinical supervision as prescribed in R4-6-212 and Articles 4 through 7.
- “Telepractice” means providing behavioral health services through interactive audio, video or electronic communication that occurs between a behavioral health professional and the client, including any electronic communication for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, including distance counseling, in a secure platform, and that meets the requirements of telemedicine pursuant to A.R.S. § 36-3602. A.R.S. § 32-3251.
- “Treatment” means the application by a licensee of one or more therapeutic practice methods to improve, eliminate, or manage a client’s behavioral health issue.
- “Treatment goal” means the desired result or outcome of treatment.
- “Treatment method” means the specific approach a licensee used to achieve a treatment goal.
- “Treatment plan” means a description of the specific behavioral health services that a licensee will provide to a client that is documented in the client record, and meets the requirements found in R4-6-
ARTICLE 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS
R4-6-201. Board Meetings; Elections A. The Board:
- Shall meet at least annually in June and elect the officers specified in A.R.S. §32-3252(E);
- Shall fill a vacancy that occurs in an officer position at the next Board meeting; and
- May hold additional meetings: a. As necessary to conduct the Board’s business; and b. If requested by the Chair, a majority of the Board members, or upon written request from two Board members. B. The Board shall conduct official business only when a quorum is present. C. The vote of a majority of the Board members present is required for Board action.
R4-6-202. Repealed
R4-6-203. Academic Review Committee Meetings; Elections A. Each ARC:
- Shall meet at least annually in June and elect a Chair and Secretary;
- Shall fill a vacancy that occurs in an officer position at the next ARC meeting; and
- May hold additional meetings: a. As necessary to conduct the ARC’s business; and b. If requested by the Chair of the ARC, a majority of the ARC, or upon written request from two members of the ARC. B. An ARC shall conduct official business only when a quorum is present. C. The vote of a majority of the ARC members present is required for ARC action.
R4-6-204. Repealed
R4-6-205. Change of Contact Information A. The Board shall communicate with a licensee or applicant using the contact information provided to the Board including:
- Home address and telephone number,
- Office address and telephone number,
- Mobile telephone number, and
- E-mail address. B. To ensure timely communication with the Board, a licensee or applicant shall notify the Board in writing within 30 days after any change of the licensee’s or applicant’s contact information listed in subsection (A). The licensee or applicant shall ensure that the written notice provided to the Board includes the new contact information.
R4-6-206. Change of Name A licensee or an applicant shall notify the Board in writing within 30 days after the applicant’s or licensee’s name is changed. The applicant or licensee shall attach to the written notice:
- A copy of a legal document that establishes the name change; or
- A copy of two forms of identification, one of which includes a picture of the applicant or licensee, reflecting the changed name.
R4-6-207. Confidential Records A. Except as provided in A.R.S. § 32-3282, the following records are confidential and not open to public inspection:
- Minutes of executive session;
- Records classified as confidential by other laws, rules, or regulations;
- College or university transcripts, licensure examination scores, medical or mental health information, and professional references of applicants except that the individual who is the subject of the information may view or copy the records or authorize release of these records to a third party.
- Records for which the Board determines that public disclosure would have a significant adverse effect on the Board’s ability to perform its duties or would otherwise be detrimental to the best interests of the state. When the Board determines that the reason justifying the confidentiality of the records no longer exists, the record shall be made available for public inspection and copying; and
- All investigative materials regarding any pending or resolved complaint. B. As provided under A.R.S. § 39-121, a person wanting to inspect Board records that are available for public inspection may do so at the Board office by appointment.
R4-6-208. Conviction of a Felony or Prior Disciplinary Action The Board shall consider the following factors to determine whether a felony conviction or prior disciplinary action will result in imposing disciplinary sanctions including refusing to renew the license of a licensee or to issue a license to an applicant:
- The age of the licensee or applicant at the time of the felony conviction or when the prior disciplinary action occurred;
- The seriousness of the felony conviction or prior disciplinary action;
- The factors underlying the conduct that led to the felony conviction or imposition of disciplinary action;
- The length of time since the felony conviction or prior disciplinary action;
- The relationship between the practice of the profession and the conduct giving rise to the felony conviction or prior disciplinary action;
- The licensee’s or applicant’s efforts toward rehabilitation;
- The assessments and recommendations of qualified professionals regarding the licensee’s or applicant’s rehabilitative efforts;
- A clinical social worker, professional counselor, independent marriage and family therapist, or independent substance abuse counselor who: a. Holds an active and unrestricted license issued by the Board, and b. Has complied with the educational requirements specified in R4-6-214;
- A mental health professional who holds an active and unrestricted license issued under A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 19.1 as a psychologist and has complied with the educational requirements specified in R4-6- 214; or
- An individual who: a. Holds an active and unrestricted license to practice behavioral health, b. Is providing behavioral health services in Arizona: i. Under a contract or grant with the federal government under the authority of 25 U.S.C. § 450- 450(n) or § 1601-1683, or ii. By appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7402 (8-11), and c. Has complied with the educational requirements specified in R4-6-214. B. Unless an exemption was obtained under R4-6-212.01, the Board shall accept hours of clinical supervision submitted by an applicant if the clinical supervision was provided by an individual who:
- Was qualified under subsection (A), and
- Was employed by the behavioral health entity at which the applicant obtained hours of clinical supervision. C. The Board shall accept hours of clinical supervision submitted by an applicant if the clinical supervision includes all of the following:
- Reviewing ethical and legal requirements applicable to the supervisee’s practice, including unprofessional conduct as defined in A.R.S. § 32-3251;
- Monitoring the supervisee’s activities to verify the supervisee is providing services safely and competently;
- Verifying in writing that the supervisee provides clients with appropriate written notice of clinical supervision, including the means to obtain the name and telephone number of the supervisee’s clinical supervisor;
- Contemporaneously written documentation by the clinical supervisor of at least the following for each clinical supervision session: a. Date and duration of the clinical supervision session; b. Description of topics discussed. Identifying information regarding clients is not required; c. Beginning on July 1, 2006, name and signature of the individual receiving clinical supervision; d. Name and signature of the clinical supervisor and the date signed; and e. Whether the clinical supervision occurred on a group or individual basis;
- Maintaining the documentation of clinical supervision required under subsection (C)(4) for at least seven years;
- Verifying that no conflict of interest exists between the clinical supervisor and the supervisee’s clients;
- Verifying that clinical supervision was not acquired: a. From a family member or other individual whose objective assessment of the supervisee’s performance may be limited by a relationship with the supervisee; or b. In a professional setting in which the supervisee has an ownership interest or operates or manages.
- Conducting on-going compliance review of the supervisee’s clinical documentation to ensure the supervisee maintains adequate written documentation;
- Providing instruction regarding: a. Assessment, b. Diagnosis, c. Treatment plan development, and d. Treatment;
- Rating the supervisee’s overall performance as at least satisfactory, using a form approved by the Board; and
- Complying with the discipline-specific requirements in Articles 4 through 7 regarding clinical supervision.
D. The Board shall accept hours of clinical supervision submitted by an applicant for licensure if:
- At least two hours of the clinical supervision were provided in a face-to-face setting during each six- month period;
- No more than 90 hours of the clinical supervision were provided by videoconference and telephone.
- No more than 15 of the 90 hours of clinical supervision provided by videoconference and telephone were provided by telephone; and
- Each clinical supervision session was at least 30 minutes long. E. Effective July 1, 2006, the Board shall accept hours of clinical supervision submitted by an applicant if at least 10 of the hours involve the clinical supervisor observing the supervisee providing treatment and evaluation services to a client. The clinical supervisor may conduct the observation:
- In a face-to-face setting,
- By videoconference,
- By teleconference, or
- By review of audio or video recordings. F. The Board shall accept hours of clinical supervision submitted by an applicant from a maximum of six clinical supervisors. G. The Board shall accept hours of clinical supervision obtained by an applicant in both individual and group sessions, subject to the following restrictions:
- At least 25 percent of the clinical supervision hours involve individual supervision,
- No more than 75 percent of the clinical supervision hours may involve a group of two supervisees; and
- No more than 50 percent of the clinical supervision hours involve a group of three to six supervisees. H. If an applicant provides evidence that a catastrophic event prohibits the applicant from obtaining documentation of clinical supervision that meets the standard specified in subsection (C)(4), the Board shall consider alternate documentation.
R4-6-212.01. Exemptions to the Clinical Supervision Requirements The Board shall accept hours of clinical supervision submitted by an applicant if the clinical supervision meets the requirements specified in R4-6-212 and R4-6-404, R4-6-504, R4-6-604, or R4-6-706, as applicable to the license for which application is made, unless an exemption is granted as follows:
- An individual using supervised work experience acquired in Arizona may apply to the Board for an exemption from the following requirements: a. Qualifications of the clinical supervisor. The Board may grant an exemption to the supervisor qualification requirements in R4-6-212(A) and R4-6-404, R4-6-504, R4-6-604, or R4-6-706, as applicable to the license for which application is made, if the Board determines that: i. A qualified supervisor is not available because of the size and geographic location of the professional setting in which the clinical supervision will occur; or ii. The behavioral health professional who provided or will provide the clinical supervision holds an active and unrestricted license issued under A.R.S. Title 32 as a physician under Chapter 13 or 17 with certification in psychiatry or addiction medicine or as a nurse practitioner under Chapter 15 with certification in mental health; and iii. The behavioral health professional who provided or will provide the clinical supervision has education, training, and experience necessary to provide clinical supervision and has complied with the educational requirements specified in R4-6-214; b. Employment of clinical supervisor. The Board may grant an exemption to the requirement in R4-6- 212(B) regarding employment of the supervisor by the behavioral health entity at which the supervisee obtains hours of clinical supervision if the Board determines that the supervisor and behavioral health entity have a written contract that: i. Requires the supervisor to comply with all provisions of R4-6-212, ii. Guarantees the supervisor unrestricted access to all clinical records maintained by the supervisee, and iii. Requires the supervisee to obtain written authorization from all clients for release of the clients’ records to the supervisor; and
c. A clinical supervisor certification from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium; or d. A clinical member with an approved supervisor designation from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy; and
- Beginning January 1, 2018, completes a Board-approved tutorial on Board statutes and rules. B. Through December 31, 2017, the Board shall consider hours of clinical supervision submitted by an applicant if the individual who provided the clinical supervision was licensed at an independent level, qualified under R4-6-212(A), and the supervision was provided during the first two years the individual was licensed at the independent level.
- For the Board to continue to accept hours of clinical supervision provided by the individual described under subsection (B), the individual shall have obtained at least 12 hours of training described in subsection (A)(1)(a): a. Before the individual’s license expired for the first time; or b. Before providing supervision if the 12 hours of training described in subsection (A)(1)(a) were obtained after the individual’s license expired;
- For the Board to continue to accept hours of clinical supervision provided by the individual described under subsection (B)(1), the individual shall have obtained at least six hours of training described in subsection (A)(1)(a) before the individual’s license expires again and during each subsequent license period expiring before January 1, 2018;
- For the Board to continue to accept hours of clinical supervision provided by the individual described under subsection (B)(2), the individual shall comply fully with subsection (C) before the individual’s license expires for the first time on or after January 1, 2018. C. To continue providing clinical supervision, an individual qualified under subsection (A)(1)(a) shall, at least every three years:
- Complete a minimum of nine hours of continuing training that meets the standard specified in R4-6- 802(D), concerns clinical supervision, and addresses the topics listed in subsection (A)(1)(a); and
- Beginning January 1, 2018, complete a Board-approved tutorial on Board statutes and rules. D. To continue providing clinical supervision, an individual qualified under subsections (A)(1)(b) through (d) shall:
- Provide documentation that the national certification or designation was renewed before it expired, and
- Beginning January 1, 2018, complete a Board-approved tutorial on Board statutes and rules.
R4-6-215. Fees and Charges A. Under the authority provided by A.R.S. § 32-3272, the Board establishes and shall collect the following fees:
- Application for license by examination: $250;
- Application for license by endorsement: $250;
- Issuance of license for non-independent level of practice (LBSW, LMSW, LAC, LSAT, LASAC, and LAMFT): $100;
- Issuance of license for independent level of practice (LCSW, LPC, LISAC, and LMFT): $250;
- Application for a temporary license: $50;
- Application for approval of educational program: $500;
- Application for approval of an educational program change: $
- Biennial renewal of first area of licensure: $350;
- Biennial renewal of each additional area of licensure if all licenses are renewed at the same time: $175;
- Late renewal penalty: $100 in addition to the biennial renewal fee;
- Inactive status request: $100; and
- Late inactive status request: $100 in addition to the inactive status request fee. B. The Board shall charge the following amounts for the services it provides:
- Issuing a duplicate license: $25;
- Criminal history background check: $40;
- Paper copy of records: $.50 per page after the first four pages;
- Electronic copy of records: $25;
- Copy of a Board meeting audio recording: $20;
- Verification of licensure: $20 per discipline or free if downloaded from the Board’s web site;
- Board’s rules and statutes book: $10 or free if downloaded from the Board’s web site;
- Mailing list of licensees: $150, and
- Returned check due to insufficient funds: $50. C. The application fees in subsections (A)(1) and (2) are non-refundable. Other fees established in subsection (A) are not refundable unless the provisions of A.R.S. § 41-1077 apply. D. The Board shall accept payment of fees and charges as follows:
- For an amount of $40 or less, a personal or business check;
- For amounts greater than $40, a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order; and
- By proof of online payment by credit card for the following: a. All fees in subsection (A); b. The charge in subsection (B)(2) for a criminal history background check; and c. The charge in subsection (B)(8) for a mailing list of licensees. E. An applicant shall make payment for a criminal history background check separate from payment for other fees and charges.
R4-6-216. Foreign Equivalency Determination The Board shall accept as qualification for licensure a degree from an institution of higher education in a foreign country if the degree is substantially equivalent to the educational standards required in this Chapter for professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, and substance abuse counseling licensure. To enable the Board to determine whether a foreign degree is substantially equivalent to the educational standards required in this Chapter, the applicant shall, at the applicant’s expense, have the foreign degree evaluated by an entity approved by the Board.
ARTICLE 3. LICENSURE
R4-6-301. Application for a License by Examination An applicant for a license by examination shall submit a completed application packet that contains the following:
- A notarized statement, signed by the applicant, certifying that all information submitted in support of the application is true and correct;
- Identification of the license for which application is made;
- The license application fee required under R4-6-215;
- The applicant’s name, date of birth, social security number, and contact information;
- Each name or alias previously or currently used by the applicant;
- The name of each college or university the applicant attended and an official transcript for all education used to meet requirements;
- Verification of current or previous licensure or certification from the licensing or certifying entity as follows: a. Any license or certification ever held in the practice of behavioral health; and b. Any professional license or certification not identified in subsection (7)(a) held in the last 10 years;
- Background information to enable the Board to determine whether, as required under A.R.S. § 32- 3275(A)(3), the applicant is of good moral character;
- A list of every entity for which the applicant has worked during the last 10 years;
- If the relevant licensing examination was previously taken, an official copy of the score the applicant obtained on the examination;
- A report of the results of a self-query of the National Practitioner Data Bank;
- Documentation required under A.R.S. § 41-1080(A) showing that the applicant’s presence in the U.S. is authorized under federal law;
- A completed and legible fingerprint card for a state and federal criminal history background check and payment as prescribed under R4-6-215 if the applicant has not previously submitted a full set of fingerprints to the Board, or verification that the applicant holds a current fingerprint card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety;
- A completed application supplement for the license for which application is made; and
- Other documents or information requested by the ARC to determine the applicant’s eligibility.
- If the applicant is found ineligible for licensure, a recommendation shall be made to the Board that the applicant be denied licensure;
- If the applicant is found eligible for licensure, a recommendation shall be made to the Board that the applicant be granted licensure; G. After reviewing the recommendation made under subsection (F), the Board shall send a written notice to an applicant that either:
- Grants a license to an applicant who meets the qualifications and requirements in A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 33 and this Chapter; or
- Denies a license to an applicant who fails to meet the qualifications and requirements in A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 33 and this Chapter. The Board shall ensure that the written notice of denial includes the information required under A.R.S. § 41-1092.03. H. If a time frame’s last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or an official state holiday, the Board considers the next business day the time frame’s last day.
Table 1. Time Frames (in Days)
Type of License Statutory Authority Overall Time Frame
Administrative Completeness Time Frame
Substantive Review Time Frame
License by Examination
A.R.S. § 32-
A.R.S. § 32-
Temporary License A.R.S. § 32- A.R.S. § 32-
License by Endorsement
A.R.S. § 32-
A.R.S. § 32-
License Renewal A.R.S. § 32- A.R.S. § 32-
R4-6-303. Repealed
R4-6-304. Application for a License by Endorsement An applicant who meets the requirements specified under A.R.S. § 32-3274 for a license by endorsement shall submit a completed application packet, as prescribed in R4-6-301, and the following:
- The name of one or more states where the applicant was certified or licensed as a behavioral health professional by a state regulatory entity for at least three years;
- A verification of each certificate or license identified in subsection (1) by the state regulatory entity issuing the certificate or license that includes the following: a. The certificate or license number issued to the applicant by the state regulatory entity; b. The issue and expiration date of the certificate or license; c. Whether the applicant has been the subject of disciplinary proceedings by a state regulatory entity including whether there are any unresolved complaints pending against the applicant; and d. Whether the certificate or license is active and in good standing;
- An affidavit from an individual who can verify the work experience required under A.R.S. § 32- 3274(A)(3); and
- If applying at a practice level listed in A.R.S. § 32-3274(B), include: a. An official transcript as prescribed in R4-6-301(6); and b. If applicable, a foreign degree evaluation prescribed in R4-6-216 or R4-6-401.
R4-6-305. Inactive Status A. A licensee seeking inactive status shall submit:
- A written request to the Board before expiration of the current license, and
- The fee specified in R4-6-215 for inactive status request. B. To be placed on inactive status after license expiration, a licensee shall, within three months after the date of license expiration, comply with subsection (A) and submit the fee specified in R4-6-215 for late request for inactive status. C. The Board shall grant a request for inactive status to a licensee upon receiving a written request for inactive status. The Board shall grant inactive status for a maximum of 24 months. D. The Board shall not grant a request for inactive status that is received more than three months after license expiration. E. Inactive status does not change:
- The date on which the license of the inactive licensee expires, and
- The Board’s ability to start or continue an investigation against the inactive licensee. F. To return to active status, a licensee on inactive status shall:
- Comply with all renewal requirements prescribed under R4-6-801; and
- Establish to the Board’s satisfaction that the licensee is competent to practice safely and competently. To assist with determining the licensee’s competence, the Board may order a mental or physical evaluation of the licensee at the licensee’s expense. G. Upon a showing of good cause, the Board shall grant a written request for modification or reduction of the continuing education requirement received from a licensee on inactive status. The Board shall consider the following to show good cause:
- Illness or disability,
- Active military service, or
- Any other circumstance beyond the control of the licensee. H. The Board may, upon a written request filed before the expiration of the original 24 months of inactive status and for good cause, as described in subsection (G), permit an inactive licensee to remain on inactive status for one additional period not to exceed 24 months. To return to active status after being placed on a 24-month extension of inactive status, a licensee shall, comply with the requirements in subsection (F) and complete an additional 30 hours of continuing education during the 24-month extension. I. A licensee on inactive status shall not engage in the practice of behavioral health.
R4-6-306. Application for a Temporary License A. To be eligible for a temporary license, an applicant shall:
- Have applied under R4-6-301 for a license by examination or R4-6-304 for a license by endorsement,
- Have submitted an application for a temporary license using a form approved by the Board and paid the fee required under R4-6-215, and
- Be one of the following: a. Applying for a license by endorsement; b. Applying for a license by examination, not currently licensed or certified by a state behavioral health regulatory entity, and: i. Within 12 months after obtaining a degree from the education program on which the applicant is relying to meet licensing requirements, ii. Has completed all licensure requirements except passing the required examination, and iii. Has not previously taken the required examination; or c. Applying for a license by examination and currently licensed or certified by a state behavioral health entity. B. An individual is not eligible for a temporary license if the individual:
- Is the subject of a complaint pending before any state behavioral health regulatory entity,
- Has had a license or certificate to practice a health care profession suspended or revoked by any state regulatory entity,
- Has a criminal history or history of disciplinary action by a state behavioral health regulatory entity unless the Board determines the history is not of sufficient seriousness to merit disciplinary action, or
- Has been previously denied a license by the Board. C. The Board shall ensure that a temporary license issued to an applicant for licensure by examination:
- Under subsection (A)(3)(b):
- If an applicant fails to provide the additional information within the time specified under subsection (C)(2), the Board shall administratively close the applicant’s file with no recourse to appeal. To receive further consideration for approval of an educational program, an applicant whose file is administratively closed shall comply with subsection (A). D. After the ARC determines the substantive review is complete:
- If the ARC finds the applicant’s educational program is eligible for approval, the ARC shall recommend to the Board that the educational program be approved.
- If the ARC finds the applicant’s educational program is ineligible for approval, the ARC shall send written notice to the applicant of the finding of ineligibility with an explanation of the basis for the finding. An applicant may appeal a finding of ineligibility for educational program approval using the following the procedure: a. Submit to the ARC a written request for an informal review meeting within 30 days after the notice of ineligibility is served. If the applicant does not request an informal review meeting within the time provided, the ARC shall recommend to the Board that the educational program be denied approval and the applicant’s file be closed with no recourse to appeal. b. If the ARC receives a written request for an informal review meeting within the 30 days provided, the ARC shall schedule the informal review meeting and provide at least 30 days’ notice of the informal review meeting to the applicant. c. At the informal review meeting, the ARC shall provide the applicant an opportunity to present additional information regarding the curriculum of the educational program. d. When the informal review is complete, the ARC shall make a second finding whether the educational program is eligible for approval and send written notice of the second finding to the applicant. e. An applicant that receives a second notice of ineligibility under subsection (D)(2)(d), may appeal the finding by submitting to the Board, within 30 days after the second notice is served, a written request for a formal administrative hearing under A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 6, Article 10. f. The Board shall either refer a request for a formal administrative hearing to the Office of Administrative Hearings or schedule the hearing before the Board. If no request for a formal administrative hearing is made under subsection (D)(2)(e), the ARC shall recommend to the Board that the educational program be denied approval and the applicant’s file be closed with no recourse to appeal. g. If a formal administrative hearing is held before the Office of Administrative Hearings, the Board shall review the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation of the Administrative Law Judge and issue an order either granting or denying approval of the educational program. h. If a formal administrative hearing is held before the Board, the Board shall issue findings of fact and conclusions of law and issue an order either granting or denying approval of the educational program. i. The Board shall send the applicant a copy of the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order. E. The Board shall add an approved educational program to the list of approved educational programs that the Board maintains. F. The Board’s approval of an educational program is valid for five years unless the accredited college or university makes a change to the educational program that is inconsistent with the curriculum standards specified in A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 33, and this Chapter. G. An authorized representative of a regionally accredited college or university with a Board-approved educational program shall certify annually, using a form available from the Board, that there have been no changes to the approved educational program. H. If a regionally accredited college or university makes one of the following changes to an approved educational program, the regionally accredited college or university shall notify the Board within 60 days after making the change and request approval of the educational program change under subsection (I):
- Change to more than 25 percent of course competencies;
- Change to more than 25 percent of course learning objectives;
- Addition of a course in one of the core content areas specified in R4-6-501, R4-6-601, or R4-6-701; or
- Deletion of a course in one of the core content areas specified in R4-6-501, R4-6-601, or R4-6-701. I. To apply for approval of an educational program change, an authorized representative of the regionally accredited college or university shall submit:
- An approved educational program change form available from the Board;
- The fee prescribed under R4-6-215; and
- Documentary evidence that the change to the approved educational program is consistent with the curriculum standards specified in A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 33, and this Chapter. J. To maintain approved status of an educational program after five years, an authorized representative of the regionally accredited college or university shall make application under subsection (A). K. The Board shall process the materials submitted under subsections (I) and (J) using the procedure specified in subsections (B) through (D). L. Unless an educational program is currently approved by the Board under this Section, the regionally accredited college or university shall not represent that the educational program is Board approved in any program or marketing materials.
ARTICLE 4. SOCIAL WORK
R4-6-401. Curriculum A. An applicant for licensure as a baccalaureate social worker shall have a baccalaureate degree in social work from a regionally accredited college or university in a program accredited by the CSWE or an equivalent foreign degree as determined by the Foreign Equivalency Determination Service of the CSWE. B. An applicant for licensure as a master or clinical social worker shall have a master or higher degree in social work from a regionally accredited college or university in a program accredited by the CSWE or an equivalent foreign degree as determined by the Foreign Equivalency Determination Service of the CSWE.
R4-6-402. Examination A. To be licensed as a baccalaureate social worker, an applicant shall receive a passing score on the bachelors, masters, advanced generalist, or clinical examination offered by ASWB. B. To be licensed as a master social worker, an applicant shall receive a passing score on the masters, advanced generalist, or clinical examination offered by ASWB. C. Except as specified in subsection (F)(2), to be licensed as a clinical social worker, an applicant shall receive a passing score on the clinical examination offered by ASWB. D. An applicant for baccalaureate, master, or clinical social worker licensure shall receive a passing score on an approved examination for the level of licensure requested within 12 months after receiving written examination authorization from the Board. An applicant shall not take an approved licensure examination more than twice during the 12-month testing period. E. If an applicant does not receive a passing score on an approved licensure examination within the 12 months referenced in subsection (D), the Board shall close the applicant’s file with no recourse to appeal. To receive further consideration for licensure, an applicant whose file is closed shall submit a new application and fee. F. To be licensed by endorsement as a clinical social worker, an applicant shall receive a passing score on:
- The clinical examination offered by ASWB; or
- The advanced generalist examination offered by ASWB if the applicant: a. Was licensed as a clinical social worker before July 1, 2004; b. Met the examination requirement of the state being used to qualify for licensure by endorsement; and c. Has been licensed continuously at the same level since passing the examination.
R4-6-403. Supervised Work Experience for Clinical Social Worker Licensure A. An applicant for clinical social worker licensure shall demonstrate completion of at least 3200 hours of supervised work experience in the practice of clinical social work in no less than 24 months. Supervised work experience in the practice of clinical social work shall include:
- At least 1600 hours of direct client contact involving the use of psychotherapy, no more than 400 hours of which are in psychoeducation;
- At least 100 hours of clinical supervision as prescribed under R4-6-212 and R4-6-404; and
- For the purpose of licensure, no more than 1600 hours of indirect client contact related to psychotherapy services.
