CAIN SPONSORS BILL TO IMPROVE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION TRAINING

Bill would require mental health clinicians to be trained in domestic violence prevention

AUGUSTA – Senator Emily Ann Cain (D-Orono) is sponsoring a bill that would require training programs for mental health providers to integrate new knowledge and skills about preventing domestic violence into curriculum requirements.

“Mental health clinicians are key to ending the cycle of domestic violence in Maine,” said Senator Cain. “These experts are in direct contact with patients that have risk factors leading to domestic violence and they must have the training they need to address the complex situations surrounding domestic violence to help prevent tragedy.”

A 2012 report by the Maine Domestic Abuse Homicide Review Panel called “Working Together to End Domestic Violence” recommended that mental health licensing boards require evidence of training around domestic and sexual violence so that “mental health clinicians and supervisors of workers providing care to victims or perpetrators will be able to demonstrate competence within those fields.”

New federal requirements included in the Affordable Care Act set expectations for screening, referral, and counseling for domestic violence within health and behavior health settings, creating a gap in training and preparation that this bill will address.

The bill, LD 1238, An Act to Improve Professional Training for Licensed Mental Health Clinicians, will face a public hearing tomorrow, April 18, at 1 p.m. in the Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development Committee in room 208 of the Cross Building.

###