SEA 82, Mental Health Diagnosis, permits masters level licensed professionals (LCSW, LCAC, LMHC, LMFT) to diagnose mental health disorders. SEA 82 requires certain mental health professionals who are making a mental health diagnosis and who determine that the patient may have a physical condition that requires medical attention or has not been examined by a physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant in the preceding 12 months to: (1) advise the patient to schedule, and offer to assist the patient with scheduling, a physical examination for the patient; (2) provide the patient with a list of practitioners and certain information concerning the practitioners; and (3) coordinate patient care with the practitioner as appropriate. Additionally, this requires documentation of the actions of the licensed professional in the patient’s medical record.
As a result of SEA 82, over 10,000 clinicians will now be able to diagnose mental health conditions. With 74 of the 92 counties considered mental health professional shortage areas and 70% of the counties in Indiana currently having insufficient or no access to psychiatrists, this bill will increase the number of clinicians who can diagnose and provide treatment in a timely way.
IUSSW and NASW-IN Bring to You:
Info Session & Q&A on SEA 82 – Mental Health Diagnosis.
Monday, July 19th at 12pm