Sec. A-18. 32 MRSA §7054-C is enacted to read:

§7054-C.__Human service provider licensure

The profession of licensed human service provider__is subject to the provisions of this section.

1.__Qualifications.__To be eligible for a license to practice as a human service provider, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must satisfactorily pass any examination as the board may prescribe by its rules.__Each applicant must demonstrate trustworthiness and competence to engage in the practice of human service work in a manner that safeguards the interests of the public.

The following is considered as minimum evidence is satisfactory to the board that an applicant is qualified for licensure under this chapter as a human service provider:

A.__A bachelor's degree in social work, social welfare, sociology, psychology, human and behavioral sciences, social and behavioral sciences or related human or social science field from an accredited educational institution;

B.__Demonstration to the satisfaction of the board of adherence to the ethics of the human service profession; and

C.__Successful completion of the examination required by the board.

2.__Functions; restrictions.__A licensed human service provider may engage in data gathering assessment and intervention to the extent permitted by this chapter to effect a change in the client system and may engage in community organization, social planning, administration and research and may otherwise perform the functions of a licensed human service provider as defined in section 7001-A, subsection 6-A.__ A licensed human service provider may not engage in the private practice of human service work.__A licensed human service provider may not diagnose mental illness or emotional disorders or provide psychotherapy.

3.__Consultation.__A licensed human service provider with less than 2 years' experience must receive consultation from a licensed master social worker, a licensed clinical social worker or a certified social worker - independent practice, licensed social worker with 5 years' experience or a licensed human