(1) Application for professional person certification will be made on forms provided by the department of public health and human services.

(2) An applicant for full mental health certification must submit documentation of academic training, documentation of clinical mental health experience, letters of reference testifying to clinical competence, and an endorsement by a professional person with full mental health certification indicating that the applicant fully understands the responsibilities of a professional person. In addition, an applicant for full mental health certification must successfully complete a written examination covering knowledge of Title 53, chapter 21, MCA and the mental health services in the state to include the role of, and treatment services provided at, the Montana state hospital.

(3) An applicant for facility mental health certification must submit documentation of academic training, documentation of successful completion of the employing facility's approved training program, and an endorsement from the professional person with full mental health certification who directly supervised the applicant's clinical competency evaluation.

(4) The certification committee will meet as necessary, but no fewer than 4 times per year, to review applications. Applicants will be notified in writing of the decision of the committee. The certification committee may grant certification, deny certification, grant certification conditioned upon a passing score on the written examination for full mental health certification, or request additional information from the applicant.

(5) The certification committee has the authority to rule on the relevancy, adequacy and appropriateness of the education and experience of applicants as they relate to the requirements contained in ARM 37.91.401 and 37.91.406.

(6) Any denial of certification may be appealed pursuant to ARM 37.91.601.