AB 1598: Behavioral sciences.

<p>The bill revises and recasts exemptions in existing laws regulating behavioral sciences, including marriage and family therapists, educational psychologists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors. It exempts religious officials of any denomination providing faith-based counseling services under certain conditions and excludes attorneys and physicians from these regulations when they provide counseling as part of their practice.</p> <p>The bill also modifies requirements for licensure or registration by mandating that applicants obtain relevant experience and pass required examinations within 7 years before submitting an application. For those applying after January 1, 2030, the California law and ethics examination must be passed no more than 7 years prior to submission.</p> <p>Additionally, it increases the maximum number of renewals for associate registrations from f…