Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 833 - MENTAL HEALTH REGULATORY AGENCY,
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 833 specifically governs the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT), which operates under the broader Mental Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The MHRA was created to provide administrative and regulatory oversight to various boards involved in behavioral and mental health, including the OBLPCT and the Board of Psychology. While MHRA handles functions like budgeting, recordkeeping, and general policymaking for these boards, the individual boards retain authority over specific aspects like:
Complaint investigations
Regulatory enforcement
Establishment and collection of fees
Licensing criteria
Practice standards
Therefore, OAR Chapter 833 focuses on the regulation of Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in Oregon.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas covered within OAR Chapter 833:
Division 1: Procedural Rules: Outlines the general procedures for the board's operations, including rulemaking processes.
Division 10: Definitions: Provides clear definitions of terms used throughout the chapter, essential for understanding the regulations.
Division 20: Application Methods: Details the processes and requirements for applying for licensure as an LPC or LMFT.
Division 30: Requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor: Specifies the educational, experience, and examination requirements for obtaining an LPC license. This includes supervised clinical counseling experience and direct client contact hours.
Division 40: Requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: Similar to Division 30, but tailored to the specific requirements for LMFT licensure.
Division 50: Registered Associates (Interns): Covers the regulations for individuals who are gaining supervised experience towards licensure (often referred to as "interns" or "associates"). This includes requirements for their registration, practice, and supervision.
Division 70: Fees: Lists the various fees associated with applications, licenses, renewals, and other services provided by the Board.
Division 75: General Licensure Provisions: Addresses broader aspects of licensure, such as inactive status, reinstatement, and other general rules applicable to all licensees.
Division 80: Continuing Education: Sets the requirements for continuing education that licensees must complete to maintain their licenses.
Division 100: Code of Ethics: Establishes the ethical standards and professional conduct expected of all licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists in Oregon. This includes responsibilities related to client confidentiality, professional boundaries, and reporting violations.
Division 110: Compliance: Outlines the procedures and grounds for disciplinary actions, investigations, and compliance with the Board's rules and state statutes.
Division 120: Criminal History Checks: Details the requirements for nationwide criminal history checks for applicants, licensees, and registered associates, as mandated by state law.
Division 130: Registered Associate Supervisor Requirements: Specifies the qualifications and responsibilities of supervisors who oversee registered associates gaining their supervised experience.
In essence, OAR Chapter 833 is the primary regulatory document that ensures that mental health professionals in Oregon, specifically professional counselors and marriage and family therapists, meet specific qualifications, adhere to ethical standards, and maintain their competence through continuing education, thereby protecting the public.
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