(1) Applicants for facility mental health certification must be employed by the facility in a position requiring the exercise of the privileges specified in ARM 37.91.407. They must also demonstrate clinical competency and a thorough understanding of the statutory responsibilities of a professional person with facility mental health certification. This can be accomplished only by successful completion of the facility's approved training program and satisfactory performance on the clinical competency evaluation. In addition, a professional person with facility mental health certification must have earned one of the following:

(a) licensure as a registered nurse; or

(b) a bachelor's degree or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field which is directly related to some aspect of treatment of mental illness.

(2) For a period of 6 months following the effective date of these rules the certification committee may grant facility mental health certification to any individual who:

(a) has been employed by the facility in a position requiring the exercise of the privileges specified in ARM 37.91.407 for at least 6 months;

(b) has received training and supervision substantially equivalent to the facility's approved training program as evidenced by a letter from the professional person directing the approved training program;

(c) has successfully completed the facility's clinical competency evaluation; and

(d) meets the specified educational requirements for facility mental health certification.