Indiana Administrative Code Title 839 - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES LICENSING BOARD
Overview of Title 839
Title 839 lays out the rules, powers, and procedures of the Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board in Indiana.
This Board regulates and oversees the licensing of professionals who provide mental health and behavioral health services, including:
Social Workers (LBSW, LSW, LCSW)
Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
Addiction Counselors (LAC, LCAC)
The goal is to ensure that people practicing in these fields are properly trained, ethical, and competent—so that the public receives safe and professional behavioral health services.
Main Areas Covered in Title 839
1. Board Organization and Authority
Defines how the Board is structured (number of members, professional representation, and public members).
Grants authority to issue, renew, suspend, revoke, or discipline licenses.
Allows the Board to adopt rules, set ethical standards, and enforce professional responsibilities.
2. Licensing Requirements
Outlines requirements for each profession under the Board’s authority, such as:
Minimum education standards (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees depending on license type).
Supervised clinical experience hours.
Examination requirements to demonstrate competence.
Establishes rules for renewal of licenses, including proof of continuing education.
3. Temporary, Associate, and Provisional Licenses
Provides pathways for graduates or out-of-state applicants who are in transition:
Associate licenses for those still under supervision.
Temporary permits for applicants awaiting exams.
Provisional licenses in certain special cases.
Clearly defines scope of practice and time limitations for these temporary permissions.
4. Standards of Practice
Sets professional expectations for counseling, therapy, and behavioral health services.
Requires practitioners to:
Use appropriate techniques within their training.
Maintain client confidentiality.
Obtain informed consent before treatment.
Respect professional boundaries.
Prohibits misconduct such as misrepresentation, neglect, or exploiting clients.
5. Continuing Education (CE)
All licensees must complete a certain number of continuing education hours during each license renewal cycle.
Defines acceptable CE activities (seminars, workshops, academic coursework, supervised teaching).
Requires documentation and reporting to maintain an active license.
6. Ethics and Professional Conduct
Establishes a code of ethics for behavioral health professionals.
Prohibits dual relationships, fraud, sexual misconduct, or any exploitation of clients.
Mandates professional responsibility in billing, advertising, and recordkeeping.
7. Disciplinary Actions
The Board has authority to take disciplinary action if a licensee:
Violates ethical rules.
Practices without proper supervision.
Commits fraud, substance abuse, or criminal activity related to practice.
Disciplinary measures include:
Reprimands.
Probation with conditions (extra supervision, additional training).
Suspension or revocation of license.
Monetary fines.
8. Specialty Provisions
Social Workers – Rules for bachelor’s vs. master’s level practice.
Marriage & Family Therapists – Requirements for systemic family-based practice.
Mental Health Counselors – Standards for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Addiction Counselors – Specific training and supervised practice for substance use treatment.
9. Administrative Rules
Details about application procedures, fees, deadlines, and processing of licenses.
Procedures for hearings, complaints, and appeals before the Board.
Why Title 839 Matters
Protects the public by ensuring only qualified professionals provide behavioral health services.
Sets minimum standards of education, training, and conduct.
Creates accountability through disciplinary authority.
Supports ongoing professional growth through continuing education requirements.
✅ In short, Indiana Administrative Code Title 839 – Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board is the comprehensive regulatory framework that governs the licensing, ethics, and professional standards of Indiana’s social workers, therapists, counselors, and addiction specialists.
RELATED Blog
0 comments