***** 333.18115.amended THIS AMENDED SECTION IS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 27, 2020 *****

Sec. 18115.

(1) This article does not limit an individual in, nor prevent an individual from, the practice of a statutorily regulated profession or occupation if counseling is part of the services provided by that profession or occupation, and the individual does not hold himself or herself out as a counselor regulated under this article. As used in this subsection, "statutorily regulated profession or occupation" includes, but is not limited to, all of the following: a physician, attorney, marriage and family therapist, debt management counselor, licensed bachelor's social worker, licensed master's social worker, social service technician, licensed psychologist, limited licensed psychologist, temporary limited licensed psychologist, or school counselor.

(2) This part does not apply to any of the following:

(a) An ordained member of the clergy if counseling is incidental to his or her religious duties performed under the auspices or recognition of a church, denomination, religious association, or sect, that has tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 501, if the member of the clergy does not hold himself or herself out as a counselor licensed under this article.

(b) An individual who performs volunteer services for a public or private nonprofit organization, church, or charity, if the individual is approved by the organization or agency for which the services are rendered.

(c) An individual who is employed by or who volunteers to work in a substance use disorder services program licensed by the department under part 62.

(d) A Christian Science practitioner.

(3) Notwithstanding section 18105(3), this part does not prohibit the use of the word "counselor" without the qualifying words "licensed" or "professional" used in conjunction with the word "counselor", except as otherwise provided by law.

History: Add. 1988, Act 421, Eff. Mar. 30, 1989 ;-- Am. 2006, Act 429, Imd. Eff. Oct. 5, 2006 ;-- Am. 2019, Act 96, Eff. Jan. 27, 2020 Popular Name: Act 368