Utah Code § 58-60-601

Current through the 2024 Fourth Special Session

Section 58-60-601 - Definitions

As used in this part:

(1) "Health care facility" means the same as that term is defined in Section 26B-2-201.

(2) "Human services program" means the same as that term is defined in Section 26B-2-101.

(3) "Practice of mental health therapy" means the same as that term is defined in Section 58-60-102.

(4) "Practice as a behavioral health coach" means, subject to Subsection (5), providing services as an employee of a substance use disorder or mental health agency, and working under the general supervision of a mental health therapist and includes:

(a) providing services under the definition of practice as a behavioral health technician in Subsection (6);

(b) conducting administrative and care coordination activities, including:

(i) providing targeted case management;

(ii) providing care navigation services, including:

(A) connecting individuals to behavioral health resources and social services; and

(B) facilitating communication with other behavioral health providers;

(iii) providing referrals and crisis referrals, including:

(A) engaging in warm handoffs with other behavioral health providers; and

(B) adhering to a standardized protocol in responding to a crisis or risk of crisis within a behavioral health facility, program, or other entity;

(iv) providing additional support to other behavioral health providers, facilities, programs, and entities, including:

(A) conducting administrative activities; and

(B) extending non-clinical behavioral health support; and

(v) providing discharge, post-treatment referral, and non-clinical after-care services;

(c) conducting patient assessment, monitoring, and planning activities, including:

(i) conducting non-clinical psychosocial assessments and screenings;

(ii) conducting collaborative planning, care planning, and goal setting;

(iii) gathering information to inform a mental health therapist's:

(A) diagnostic evaluations;

(B) initial treatment plans; and

(C) treatment plan reviews and updates;

(iv) monitoring client progress and tracking outcomes to inform a mental health therapist's:

(A) diagnostic evaluations; and

(B) treatment plan reviews and updates;

(v) assisting in drafting initial treatment plans by gathering information on a client's history and demographics, only:

(A) in the treatment of clients with mild to moderate behavioral health symptoms or disorders, as assessed or diagnosed by a mental health therapist, and as defined by the division in rule;

(B) with completion of the treatment plan by a mental health therapist after assessing the client before treatment begins; and

(C) at the discretion of and with prior documented authorization from a licensed health care facility, or from a licensed human services program; and

(vi) assisting in the information gathering process of reviewing and updating treatment goals, only:

(A) in the treatment of clients with mild to moderate behavioral health symptoms or disorders, as assessed or diagnosed by a mental health therapist;

(B) with completion of the treatment plan from a mental health therapist after assessing the client before subsequent treatment begins; and

(C) at the discretion of and with prior documented authorization from a licensed health facility or a licensed human service program; and

(d) conducting intervention and treatment activities, including:

(i) providing psychosocial education groups related to behavioral health literacy, wellness education and promotion, goal setting, life skills, and coping skills;

(ii) providing other interventions to enhance client social skills, emotional well-being, and overall functioning, including:

(A) supportive consultations;

(B) habilitation services; and

(C) activity-based programs;

(iii) providing evidence-based, manualized interventions, only:

(A) under the supervision of a mental health therapist;

(B) in the treatment of mild to moderate behavioral health symptoms or disorders, as assessed or diagnosed by a mental health therapist; and

(C) according to a treatment plan reviewed and signed by a mental health therapist; and

(iv) co-facilitating group therapy with a mental health therapist.

(5) "Practice as a behavioral health coach" does not include engaging in the practice of mental health therapy.

(6)

(a) "Practice as a behavioral health technician" means working under the general supervision of a mental health therapist and includes:

(i) supporting administrative and care coordination activities, including:

(A) maintaining accurate and confidential client records, progress notes, and incident reports, in compliance with applicable legal and ethical standards; and

(B) assisting in discharge, referral, and after-care documentation, coordination, and administration;

(ii) supporting patient non-clinical assessment, monitoring, and care planning activities, including:

(A) collecting intake and non-clinical psychosocial assessment information;

(B) gathering information to support diagnostic and treatment planning activities conducted by a mental health therapist; and

(C) observing, documenting, and reporting on client behaviors, treatment interventions, progress, and outcomes to a mental health therapist;

(iii) supporting intervention and treatment activities, including:

(A) supporting licensed professionals in implementing interventions designed to address behavioral health issues;

(B) facilitating psychoeducational groups or activities, development skills or activities, or social support groups or activities to enhance client social skills, emotional well-being, and overall functioning;

(C) providing education and support to clients and their families on behavioral health issues, treatment options, and community resources;

(D) implementing behavioral management strategies including de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention as needed; and

(E) implementing crisis intervention strategies in accordance with established protocols, and ensuring the safety and well-being of clients during emergencies.

(b) "Practice as a behavioral health technician" does not include:

(i) engaging in the practice of mental health therapy; or

(ii) serving as a designated examiner.

(7) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, no behavioral health coach is authorized to practice outside of or beyond his or her area of training, experience, or competence.

(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, no behavioral health technician is authorized to practice outside of or beyond his or her area of training, experience, or competence.

Utah Code § 58-60-601

Added by Chapter 420, 2024 General Session ,§ 28, eff. 5/1/2024.