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MO LPC Jurisprudence study materials
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MO LPC Jurisprudence practice questions

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Question 1Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Under Chapter 337, RSMo, which activity falls within the scope of the practice of professional counseling?

  1. Counseling, appraisal, and referral Correct answer.
  2. Prescribing psychotropic medication
  3. Committing clients involuntarily
  4. Administering electroconvulsive therapy

Explanation

The statutory definition of professional counseling covers counseling, appraisal, consulting, and referral services delivered to individuals, groups, and families. Medical acts such as prescribing medication, involuntary commitment, or administering electroconvulsive therapy fall outside the counselor's scope and require other licensure.

Question 2Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Who may lawfully use the title "licensed professional counselor" in Missouri?

  1. Only persons licensed by the state committee Correct answer.
  2. Anyone who holds a master's degree in counseling
  3. Any counselor supervised by a psychologist
  4. Any certified school counselor

Explanation

Chapter 337 makes the licensed professional counselor title exclusive to persons who hold a current license issued under the chapter. Holding a degree, working under supervision, or holding a school certificate does not authorize use of the protected title.

Question 3Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A person may practice professional counseling for compensation in Missouri only if the person:

  1. works under a licensed psychologist's supervision
  2. has a bachelor's degree in psychology
  3. holds a current license under Chapter 337 Correct answer.
  4. has completed 1,000 hours of supervised practice

Explanation

Compensated practice of professional counseling requires an active Missouri counselor license; the statute prohibits unlicensed practice and provides remedies for it. A degree, a supervisory relationship with a psychologist, or partial completion of supervised hours does not authorize practice.

Question 4Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

What is the minimum amount of graduate credit required in the qualifying degree for LPC licensure in Missouri?

  1. 60 semester hours Correct answer.
  2. 48 semester hours
  3. 24 semester hours
  4. 36 semester hours

Explanation

Missouri requires a master's or higher degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours in counseling or a closely related field, including practicum and internship components. Lesser amounts of graduate coursework do not satisfy the educational requirement.

Question 5Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Post-master's supervised counseling experience required for LPC licensure in Missouri must total at least:

  1. 4,000 hours over at least 36 months
  2. 1,500 hours over at least 12 months
  3. 6,000 hours over at least 48 months
  4. 3,000 hours over at least 24 months Correct answer.

Explanation

The supervised post-master's experience requirement is 3,000 hours accumulated over a period of not less than two years, and it must include the required proportion of direct client contact. Supervision must be provided by an approved supervisor.

Question 6Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Which examination does Missouri require applicants for LPC licensure to pass?

  1. The Association of Social Work Boards examination
  2. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
  3. The National Counselor Examination Correct answer.
  4. The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Explanation

Missouri uses the National Counselor Examination developed by the National Board for Certified Counselors as its licensure exam. The EPPP is the psychology exam and the ASWB exams are used for social work licensure.

Question 7Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A provisional licensed professional counselor (PLPC) in Missouri may provide counseling services only:

  1. in a hospital setting
  2. without any supervision after one year
  3. under supervision approved by the committee Correct answer.
  4. if the client signs a waiver

Explanation

The provisional license is a time-limited credential that authorizes practice solely under supervision meeting the committee's rules. The provisional licensee may not practice independently until fully licensed.

Question 8Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Members of the State Committee of Professional Counselors are chosen by:

  1. appointment by the governor Correct answer.
  2. appointment by the director of the division
  3. election by licensed counselors
  4. appointment by the Missouri Senate

Explanation

The committee sits within the Division of Professional Registration, but its members are appointed by the governor, subject to Senate advice and consent. They are not elected and are not selected by the division director.

Question 9Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Which function belongs to the State Committee of Professional Counselors?

  1. Licensing counselors and adopting rules Correct answer.
  2. Hearing criminal cases against unlicensed counselors
  3. Setting counselors' private-practice fees
  4. Accrediting graduate counseling programs

Explanation

The committee administers the licensure process and adopts rules implementing Chapter 337. It does not regulate private-practice fee schedules, prosecute crimes, or accredit academic programs.

Question 10Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

How often must a Missouri LPC license be renewed?

  1. Every five years
  2. Every three years
  3. Every year
  4. Every two years Correct answer.

Explanation

Missouri counselor licenses are renewed on a biennial cycle, and renewal is conditioned on completing the required continuing education. Annual and longer cycles do not match the statute.

Question 11Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

How many clock hours of continuing education must an LPC complete each renewal cycle in Missouri?

  1. 30 clock hours Correct answer.
  2. 20 clock hours
  3. 40 clock hours
  4. 10 clock hours

Explanation

The continuing education requirement for each biennial renewal period is 30 clock hours. Completing fewer hours leaves the licensee short of the requirement and can jeopardize renewal.

Question 12Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A counselor licensed in another state for ten years moves to Missouri, and her preparation and license requirements are substantially equivalent to Missouri's. Under Chapter 337, she may most likely:

  1. be denied licensure because Missouri never licenses by reciprocity
  2. obtain a Missouri license without meeting any requirements
  3. be licensed without written examination Correct answer.
  4. practice immediately while her application is pending

Explanation

The committee may issue a license without examination to an applicant who is licensed in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements. The applicant must still apply and satisfy the remaining statutory conditions.

Question 13Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Under Missouri law, information a client discloses to an LPC during counseling is:

  1. generally privileged from disclosure Correct answer.
  2. confidential only if the client is a minor
  3. a matter of public record
  4. protected only in criminal cases

Explanation

Communications made in the course of counseling are confidential and privileged, and the privilege belongs to the client. It yields only in situations the law recognizes, such as client consent, a court order, or a mandated report.

Question 14Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC's adult client reveals that the client is sexually abusing the client's own child. Under Missouri law, the counselor should:

  1. keep the disclosure confidential because of the privilege
  2. report the suspected abuse to the Children's Division Correct answer.
  3. report only if the client consents
  4. wait until the child shows physical injury

Explanation

Mandatory reporting law requires health and mental health professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Children's Division. The counselor-client privilege does not bar a report that the law requires.

Question 15Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Which person is exempt from LPC licensure when providing counseling within the scope of that person's role?

  1. A counselor working for a for-profit online platform
  2. A counselor employed by a private group practice
  3. A duly ordained minister providing pastoral counseling Correct answer.
  4. A counselor who charges sliding-scale fees

Explanation

Chapter 337 exempts clergy and certain other roles, such as certified school counselors and students in training, when they function within the scope of that role. Counselors serving paying clients in ordinary practice settings must be licensed.

Question 16Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A counselor certified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education wants to see private clients for a fee on evenings and weekends. Under Chapter 337, what is required?

  1. Nothing, because the certificate covers all counseling
  2. Only that the counselor maintain liability insurance
  3. Only that the counselor disclose the certificate to clients
  4. An LPC license; the exemption is school-only Correct answer.

Explanation

The exemption for certified school counselors reaches counseling performed in that certified school role, not independent work with paying clients. Private practice counseling for compensation requires an LPC license.

Question 17Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC engages in a sexual relationship with a current client. Under Chapter 337, this conduct is:

  1. grounds for discipline of the licensee Correct answer.
  2. permitted after six months of treatment
  3. a private matter beyond the committee's reach
  4. acceptable if the client consents

Explanation

Sexual contact with a client is a prohibited dual relationship and an express statutory ground for disciplinary action, up to and including revocation. The client's consent is not a defense.

Question 18Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC is convicted of felony theft and, separately, comes to work impaired by alcohol. Under Chapter 337, the committee may:

  1. act only if a client files a complaint
  2. refuse, suspend, or revoke the license Correct answer.
  3. act only on the felony, because impairment is not addressed
  4. do nothing, because convictions are criminal matters only

Explanation

Conviction of certain crimes and habitual intoxication or impairment are independent statutory grounds for refusing, suspending, or revoking a license. The committee may act on its own initiative rather than waiting for a client complaint.

Question 19Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A person practices counseling for a fee without a Missouri license. What is the legal consequence under Chapter 337?

  1. Only a warning letter from the committee
  2. The committee may fine the person but not stop the practice
  3. Injunction and criminal prosecution may follow Correct answer.
  4. No consequence unless a client is harmed

Explanation

Unlicensed practice may be enjoined by the committee in court and also carries criminal penalties. Harm to a client is not an element of the violation.

Question 20Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A PLPC takes a job at a community agency where no qualified supervisor is available. She decides to accept clients anyway and document supervision later. This is:

  1. a violation, because supervision is required Correct answer.
  2. acceptable if she limits her caseload to ten clients
  3. acceptable if clients are informed of her provisional status
  4. acceptable if she holds a master's degree

Explanation

The provisional license authorizes practice only while supervision meeting committee rules is actually in place. Accepting clients without an approved supervisor is unauthorized practice, regardless of caseload size or disclosure to clients.

Question 21Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC wants to submit insurance claims that include the client's diagnosis and treatment details. Before doing so, the counselor must:

  1. obtain a court order
  2. notify the committee in writing
  3. do nothing, because insurers are exempt from confidentiality
  4. obtain the client's written authorization Correct answer.

Explanation

Disclosure of counseling information to a third-party payer requires the client's informed written authorization. Without it, the disclosure falls outside the privilege and violates confidentiality.

Question 22Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC advertises herself as "the only counselor in Missouri certified to cure anxiety." Under Chapter 337, this advertisement is:

  1. grounds for discipline as false or misleading Correct answer.
  2. permitted if a disclaimer appears in small print
  3. permitted as commercial free speech
  4. permitted because certification claims are unregulated

Explanation

Licensees may not make false, deceptive, or misleading statements about their credentials or the results they can produce, and such advertising is a disciplinary ground. Misleading commercial speech is not protected.

Question 23Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

After a PLPC completes the required supervised hours and passes the examination, the counselor may:

  1. receive a license automatically from the division
  2. begin independent practice without further action
  3. practice indefinitely as a PLPC
  4. apply to the committee for a full LPC license Correct answer.

Explanation

Full licensure requires an application to the committee demonstrating completion of the education, supervised experience, and examination requirements. The provisional credential is time-limited and does not convert to a full license automatically.

Question 24Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC's license lapses on June 30 because she failed to renew. She continues to see her existing clients in July and collects fees. This conduct:

  1. is permitted only for clients of record before June 30
  2. is permitted if she completes renewal within 90 days
  3. is unlicensed practice Correct answer.
  4. is permitted because she was previously licensed

Explanation

A current license is required to practice, and providing counseling for a fee after expiration is unauthorized practice. Neither prior licensure nor an existing client relationship creates an exception.

Question 25Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Before the committee revokes an LPC's license for misconduct, the licensee is entitled to:

  1. notice and a hearing Correct answer.
  2. a jury trial
  3. a public defender at state expense
  4. a court-appointed attorney

Explanation

Revocation is an administrative action that requires notice of the charges and a meaningful opportunity to be heard, and the resulting decision is subject to judicial review. It is not a criminal proceeding, so jury trial and appointed counsel rights do not attach.

Question 26Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A person who holds a master's degree in counseling but has no Missouri license places 'LPC' after her name on business cards. Under Chapter 337, this action is:

  1. prohibited only if she charges a fee
  2. permitted if she works under supervision
  3. prohibited because 'LPC' is a protected title Correct answer.
  4. permitted because she holds a master's degree

Explanation

Chapter 337 restricts use of the title 'licensed professional counselor' and the abbreviation 'LPC' to individuals licensed by the State Committee of Professional Counselors. A degree or supervision arrangement does not authorize unlicensed use of the title.

Question 27Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Under Chapter 337, the practice of professional counseling includes:

  1. using counseling methods to foster personal growth Correct answer.
  2. performing physical examinations
  3. prescribing psychotropic medication
  4. providing legal representation

Explanation

The statutory definition focuses on applying counseling methods and techniques to help people achieve effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development. Prescribing medication, legal representation, and physical examinations are outside that scope.

Question 28Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A Missouri LPC may prescribe psychotropic medication:

  1. never; it is outside the scope of practice Correct answer.
  2. after completing a continuing education course
  3. only for anxiety disorders
  4. only under a psychiatrist's supervision

Explanation

Professional counseling in Missouri does not include prescribing drugs or practicing medicine. Therefore an LPC may not prescribe psychotropic medication even with supervision or additional coursework.

Question 29Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A provisionally licensed professional counselor in Missouri may use which title?

  1. Certified Professional Counselor
  2. Clinical Psychologist
  3. Licensed Professional Counselor
  4. Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor Correct answer.

Explanation

A PLPC holds a provisional license and must use the corresponding provisional title. 'Licensed Professional Counselor' is reserved for fully licensed counselors, while 'Clinical Psychologist' is a separate licensed profession.

Question 30Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

The minimum educational credential for LPC licensure in Missouri is:

  1. a doctoral degree in clinical psychology
  2. a master's degree Correct answer.
  3. a bachelor's degree
  4. a high school diploma

Explanation

Chapter 337 requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. A bachelor's degree or high school diploma is insufficient, and a doctoral degree is not required.

Question 31Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Under Chapter 337, rules needed to carry out the professional counselor licensing law are adopted by:

  1. the Missouri Supreme Court
  2. the federal Department of Health and Human Services
  3. the State Committee of Professional Counselors Correct answer.
  4. the governor

Explanation

The State Committee of Professional Counselors is the administrative body authorized to adopt rules implementing the licensure statute. The governor appoints committee members but does not adopt the rules, and federal agencies do not govern state licensure.

Question 32Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Who may file a complaint against a Missouri LPC with the State Committee of Professional Counselors?

  1. only a client of the counselor
  2. any person Correct answer.
  3. only another licensed counselor
  4. only the counselor's employer

Explanation

The committee's complaint process is open to any person who believes a licensee has violated Chapter 337. Complaints are not limited to clients, other counselors, or employers.

Question 33Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC who is granted inactive status by the committee:

  1. must not practice professional counseling while inactive Correct answer.
  2. may continue to see a limited number of clients
  3. may supervise PLPCs but not see clients
  4. must surrender all client records to the committee

Explanation

Inactive status allows a licensee to retain the license without practicing. The licensee must not provide counseling services until active status is restored.

Question 34Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

To qualify for LPC licensure in Missouri, an applicant's master's degree program must include at least how many graduate semester hours?

  1. 90 semester hours
  2. 30 semester hours
  3. 45 semester hours
  4. 60 semester hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Chapter 337 sets a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours in the master's degree program, including required practicum or internship content. Lower hour totals do not satisfy the educational requirement.

Question 35Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Missouri requires LPC applicants to complete how many hours of post-master's supervised counseling experience?

  1. 3,000 hours Correct answer.
  2. 2,000 hours
  3. 1,000 hours
  4. 6,000 hours

Explanation

The supervised experience requirement is 3,000 hours completed after the master's degree. This experience must be obtained under an approved supervisor and includes a direct client contact component.

Question 36Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A PLPC in Missouri must receive supervision from:

  1. a licensed physician
  2. a certified school counselor
  3. any licensed mental health professional
  4. a licensed professional counselor Correct answer.

Explanation

Supervision for a provisional licensee must come from a licensed professional counselor who meets the committee's supervisor qualifications. Other mental health licenses, school certification, or a physician license do not satisfy the requirement.

Question 37Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Within each renewal cycle, a Missouri LPC must complete continuing education that includes at least:

  1. six hours in psychopharmacology
  2. one hour in ethics
  3. ten hours in diagnosis
  4. three hours in ethics Correct answer.

Explanation

Missouri's continuing education requirement includes a minimum ethics component of three clock hours per renewal cycle. The remaining hours must be in counseling-related subjects acceptable to the committee.

Question 38Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Under Chapter 337, an LPC who pays a portion of a client's fee to another person solely for referring the client has:

  1. engaged in prohibited fee splitting Correct answer.
  2. engaged in permissible marketing
  3. complied with insurance rules
  4. acted within the scope of supervision

Explanation

Paying a share of fees solely for a referral is fee splitting and is prohibited as unprofessional conduct. Marketing, insurance compliance, and supervision do not authorize payments for referrals.

Question 39Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC decides to close her practice and stops seeing clients without notice or referral. Under Chapter 337, this conduct is best described as:

  1. permissible because clients are free to find another counselor
  2. a billing dispute rather than a licensing matter
  3. unprofessional conduct, because clients were abandoned Correct answer.
  4. permissible if she posts a sign on the office door

Explanation

Abandoning clients without arranging for continuation of care is treated as unprofessional conduct. A posted sign or the client's ability to find another counselor does not excuse the failure to provide notice and referral.

Question 40Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

In Missouri, the privilege protecting confidential counselor-client communications belongs to:

  1. the committee
  2. the client's insurance company
  3. the client Correct answer.
  4. the LPC

Explanation

The client holds the privilege, and the counselor generally may not waive it. Disclosure requires the client's consent or a recognized legal exception.

Question 41Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A PLPC in Missouri may supervise other counselors:

  1. never, because a PLPC is not fully licensed Correct answer.
  2. only if the other counselor is also a PLPC
  3. with written permission from the client
  4. only after one year of practice

Explanation

Supervision of counselors requires full licensure and approved supervisor qualifications. A provisional licensee practices under supervision and may not serve as a supervisor.

Question 42Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

When the committee has reason to believe a person is practicing counseling without a license, Chapter 337 authorizes the committee to:

  1. file criminal charges in circuit court
  2. impose a prison sentence
  3. issue a cease-and-desist order Correct answer.
  4. revoke the person's driver's license

Explanation

The committee may issue a cease-and-desist order to stop unlicensed practice. Criminal prosecution and imprisonment are handled by prosecutors and courts, not imposed directly by the committee.

Question 43Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

A counselor whose license is disciplined by the committee may seek judicial review of the final decision under:

  1. the Missouri Rules of Criminal Procedure
  2. Chapter 536, RSMo Correct answer.
  3. the federal Administrative Procedure Act
  4. Chapter 337 only, with no appeal

Explanation

Missouri administrative agency decisions, including licensing discipline, are reviewed under Chapter 536. The review follows the administrative procedure statutes rather than criminal rules or federal law.

Question 44Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

In addition to education and experience, an applicant for LPC licensure must show:

  1. a doctoral degree
  2. good moral character Correct answer.
  3. a minimum of five years' residency in Missouri
  4. membership in a national counseling association

Explanation

Chapter 337 includes good moral character among the licensure requirements. National association membership, lengthy residency, and a doctorate are not required.

Question 45Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC who lacks training to treat a client's complex eating disorder should:

  1. treat the client only by telephone
  2. refer the client to a qualified professional Correct answer.
  3. continue treating the client to avoid abandonment
  4. ask the client to sign a waiver

Explanation

A counselor must practice within the boundaries of competence and arrange referral when a client's needs exceed that competence. Continuing treatment, obtaining a waiver, or switching to telephone sessions does not cure the competence gap.

Question 46Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

The definition of professional counseling in Chapter 337 excludes:

  1. family counseling
  2. the practice of psychology, social work, and medicine Correct answer.
  3. career counseling
  4. group counseling

Explanation

The statute defines counseling so that it does not include the separately regulated practices of psychology, social work, or medicine. Career, group, and family counseling fall within the counseling scope.

Question 47Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Of the required post-master's supervised experience, a Missouri LPC applicant must document at least:

  1. 500 hours of direct client contact
  2. 1,000 hours of direct client contact
  3. 1,500 hours of direct client contact Correct answer.
  4. 2,500 hours of direct client contact

Explanation

The 3,000-hour supervised experience must include at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact. The remaining hours may involve other supervised professional activities.

Question 48Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

Continuing education courses used to renew a Missouri LPC license must:

  1. focus only on business management
  2. be completed in another state
  3. be approved by the committee or meet its standards Correct answer.
  4. be taken only at a university

Explanation

Renewal credit must be in acceptable counseling-related continuing education approved by the committee or meeting its standards. It need not be university-based, out-of-state, or limited to business topics.

Question 49Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

To investigate a complaint, the State Committee of Professional Counselors may:

  1. order the counselor to pay the client's attorney fees
  2. conduct a warrantless search of the counselor's home
  3. subpoena witnesses and administer oaths Correct answer.
  4. suspend the counselor's license without any hearing

Explanation

The committee has investigative authority, including subpoena power and the authority to administer oaths. It cannot conduct warrantless home searches, award attorney fees in that manner, or suspend a license without required procedure.

Question 50Missouri statutes governing professional counselors (Chapter 337, RSMo)

An LPC may disclose confidential client information without consent when:

  1. the client's employer requests it
  2. another counselor asks about the client
  3. the counselor believes disclosure would help the client's family
  4. the disclosure is necessary to defend against a lawsuit filed by the client Correct answer.

Explanation

Confidentiality yields when the counselor must disclose information to defend against a legal action brought by the client. Family preference, colleague curiosity, or an employer request does not create an exception.