Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 24 - Mental Health
Part 3 - Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) Division of Professional Licensure and Certification (PLACE) Professional Credentialing Rules and Requirements
Chapter 14 - Certification Phases
Rule 24-3-14.1 - Application Phase

1. Individual submits a complete application packet.

2. The Division of PLACE reviews application packets for completeness.

3. Within prescribed timelines, applicants are given an opportunity to correct any application problem(s).

4. As a courtesy, the Division may notify applicants and/or their program Staff Development Officers (SDOs) of application problems/deficiencies; while such courtesy notification may be made, the Division does not guarantee such notification. Rather, it is the applicant's responsibility to submit a complete application and to keep track of and address any application deficiencies/problems.

5. Complete applications are forwarded to the PLACE Review Board. An application is considered to be complete when all required application forms and materials, including the relevant official transcript(s) and the required application fee, have been received by the DMH Division of PLACE in the proper format; the application must contain no deficiencies.

6. The Review Board reviews all applications, evaluates materials against established criteria and makes recommendations to the DMH Executive Director. Applicants are notified in writing if more information is needed.

7. Each regularly-scheduled PLACE Review Board meeting has a corresponding deadline for receipt of complete application materials.

8. Review Board meetings may be cancelled without prior notice.

9. A Review Board meeting calendar will be posted on the agency (DMH) website and provided to state mental health system program Staff Development Officers (SDOs) on an annual basis.

10. The Executive Director/Executive Director designee reviews the PLACE Review Board recommendations and approves or disapproves each application for professional credentialing.

1. Approval - Individual is awarded the credential.

2. Hold Pending - The Review Board may request additional information from the applicant before rendering a decision/recommendation.

3. Denial - The Review Board may deny initial, upgrade, or renewal applications for credentialing for the following reasons, including, but not limited to: failure to meet credentialing requirements; failure to meet prescribed credentialing timelines; lack of appropriate employment; failure to pay required fees; lack of appropriate educational degrees/coursework; lack of appropriate experience; failure to complete successfully upgrade requirements; failure to meet LA Program Participant requirements; failure to acquire necessary continuing education hours; unacceptable practice of the applicant; violation of these rules and requirements and/or any rules or requirements established by DMH and/or the PLACE Review Board; violation of the DMH Principles of Ethical and Professional Conduct; conviction of a crime which is a felony under federal or state law; and/or, declaration of mental incompetence by the court. Previous or pending revocation or disciplinary action by any professional credentialing body may also result in delay or denial of application for DMH professional credentialing.