2013 Kansas Statutes
Chapter 65 PUBLIC HEALTH
Article 42 EXAMINATION, LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF MENTAL HEALTH TECHNICIANS
Section 65-4202 Definitions.

65-4202. Definitions. As used in this act: (a) "Board" means the state board of nursing.

(b) The "practice of mental health technology" means the performance, under the direction of a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery or registered professional nurse, of services in caring for and treatment of the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or people with intellectual disability for compensation or personal profit, which services:

(1) Involve responsible nursing and therapeutic procedures for patients with mental illness or intellectual disability requiring interpersonal and technical skills in the observations and recognition of symptoms and reactions of such patients, the accurate recording of such symptoms and reactions and the carrying out of treatments and medications as prescribed by a licensed physician or a mid-level practitioner as defined in subsection (ii) of K.S.A. 65-1626, and amendments thereto; and

(2) require an application of techniques and procedures that involve understanding of cause and effect and the safeguarding of life and health of the patient and others; and

(3) require the performance of duties that are necessary to facilitate rehabilitation of the patient or are necessary in the physical, therapeutic and psychiatric care of the patient and require close work with persons licensed to practice medicine and surgery, psychiatrists, psychologists, rehabilitation therapists, social workers, registered nurses, and other professional personnel.

(c) A "licensed mental health technician" means a person who lawfully practices mental health technology as defined in this act.

(d) An "approved course in mental health technology" means a program of training and study including a basic curriculum which shall be prescribed and approved by the board in accordance with the standards prescribed herein, the successful completion of which shall be required before licensure as a mental health technician, except as hereinafter provided.