GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE
BY: MARY PAT MUELLER
The Government Relations Committee has been working diligently with our Executive Director, Kelly Duncan and Lobbyist Mitch Richter, preparing for the legislative session. As stated in previous communication SDCA is going forward with soliciting sponsors for a Practice Law. A Practice Law in South Dakota is necessary, as currently anyone, regardless of his or her qualifications, or lack thereof, can hold himself or herself out as a counselor. This hurts the profession, as the pubic, often does not understand the difference between someone who is a licensed professional counselor and someone who is not. It hurts the public, because often those who are the most vulnerable do not receive services from a qualified professional. The mandatory licensure law would make it a Class II misdemeanor for any person to engage in or practice or attempt to practice professional counseling without a license. There are a number of exemptions to this law. For a copy of the proposed law go to the South Dakota Counseling Association web page and click on news.
We need your help to pass this law. In an effort to educate the legislators about the need for this law the Government Relations Committee members have been working on a talking points document for you, as counselors, to use when talking with your representatives. In the next several weeks, committee members will be calling you to ask that you contact your representatives about supporting this bill. We are also asking that you join us on January 27 for Day-on-the-Hill. This is an important day for us as counselors. If you have never attended one, plan to support your profession by your attendance this year. We will all meet at 8:00 AM at the Capital Visitors Center where you will receive an orientation. At 9:00 AM we will go to the Capital. SDCA has a place set up to serve the legislators coffee and rolls. This is a great time to talk with your legislator in Pierre and show him or her the importance of this legislation.
If you have any questions about the proposed law please contact me at mp@wcenet.com or 605-734-6210. See you at Day on the Hill!