(ii) obtains a mental health certification within
two years of being hired by a psychiatric outpatient
clinic or within two years of the effective date of this
section, whichever is later; or
(2) (i) holds a current Pennsylvania license as a
physician assistant with a mental health certification;
or
(ii) obtains a mental health certification within
two years of being hired by a psychiatric outpatient
clinic or within two years of the effective date of this
section, whichever is later.
"Department." The Department of Human Services of the
Commonwealth.
"Full-time equivalent." Thirty-seven and one-half hours per
week.
"Outpatient psychiatric clinic." A nonresidential treatment
setting in which psychiatric, psychological, social, educational
and other related services are provided under medical
supervision. It is designed for the evaluation and treatment of
individuals of any age with mental illness or emotional
distress. Outpatient services are provided on a planned and
regularly scheduled basis.
"Psychiatrist." A physician who has completed at least three
years of a residency in psychiatry and is licensed to practice
psychiatry in this Commonwealth.
"Telepsychiatry." The practice of medicine in the specialty
field of psychiatry using electronic communications, information
technology or other means between a provider in one location and
a patient in another location, with or without an intervening
health care provider. The term does not include any of the
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