Designated Examiner Qualifications

TITLE 66 STATE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS CHAPTER 3 HOSPITALIZATION OF MENTALLY ILL 66-323. designated examiner qualifications. (1) To be appointed and practice as a designated examiner, an applicant shall meet the qualifications required by this section. (2)  A designated examiner shall maintain professional licensure for the duration of the designated examiner’s appointment and shall be one (1) of the following: (a)  A physician; (b)  A psychologist; (c)  An advanced practice registered nurse; (d)  A clinical professional counselor; (e)  A professional counselor; (f)  A clinical social worker; (g)  A social worker who holds a master’s of social work degree; (h)  A marriage and family therapist; (i)  A physician assistant; (j)  A psychiatrist; or (k)  A psychiatric nurse. (3)  A designated examiner shall have at least two (2) years of post-degree experience in a clinical mental health setting and: (a)  Experience in the assessment of the likelihood of danger to self or others, grave disability, capacity to give informed consent, and capacity to understand legal proceedings; (b)  Experience in the use of appropriate diagnostic criteria; (c)  Experience in the treatment of mental health disorders, including knowledge of treatment modalities and experience applying treatment modalities in a clinical setting; and (d)  An understanding of the differences between behavior due to mental illness that poses a substantial threat or risk of serious harm to self or others or that may result in grave disability and behavior that does not represent such a threat or risk. (4)  A designated examiner shall have knowledge of and experience applying Idaho mental health law based on the training required pursuant to this section and: (a)  Experience that demonstrates understanding of the judicial process and the conduct of commitment hearings; (b)  Experience preparing reports for the court and testifying before a court of law and a demonstrated ability to provide the court with a complete oral and written evaluation that addresses the standards and questions set forth by law; and (c)  Knowledge of a client’s legal rights. (5)  A designated examiner shall have completed a minimum of six (6) hours of training on the role of designated examiners and the processes used in fulfilling the responsibilities of designated examiners and a minimum of four (4) additional hours observing a designated examiner conducting a designated examination.