37-23-213. Professional counselor licensure candidate -- registration -- renewal -- standards. (1) A person who has completed the education required for licensure but who has not completed the supervised work experience required for licensure shall register as a professional counselor licensure candidate in order to engage in professional counseling and earn supervised work experience hours in this state.

(2) To register, the person shall submit:

(a) the application and fee required by the board;

(b) proof of completion of the education requirement;

(c) fingerprints for the purpose of fingerprint checks by the Montana department of justice and the federal bureau of investigation as provided in 37-1-307;

(d) proof of good moral character; and

(e) a training and supervision plan that meets the requirements set by the board.

(3) Upon satisfaction of the requirements of subsection (2) and approval by the board, a person may engage in professional counseling under the conditions set by the board and shall use the title of "professional counselor licensure candidate".

(4) A person shall register annually as a professional counselor licensure candidate. The board may limit the number of years that a person may act as a professional counselor licensure candidate.

(5) A professional counselor licensure candidate shall conform to the standards of conduct applicable to all licensees.

(6) Unprofessional conduct or failure to satisfy the training and supervision requirements and other conditions set by the board may result in disciplinary action, sanctions, or other restriction of a person's authorization to act as a professional counselor licensure candidate.

(7) The board may deny a license or issue a probationary license to an applicant for licensure based on the applicant's conduct as a professional counselor licensure candidate.