The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Approved clinic.” An organized community-based clinic offering primary health care services to individuals and families who cannot pay for their care, to medical assistance clients or to residents of medically underserved areas or health professionals shortage areas. The term may include, but shall not be limited to, a State health center, nonprofit community-based clinic and federally qualified health center, as designated by Federal rulemaking or as approved by the Department of Health or the Department of Public Welfare.¹

“Approved organization.” A nonprofit organization as defined under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Public Law 99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)) whose purpose is to refer military personnel and their families, regardless of income and who are in need of mental health services, to licensed volunteers who provide mental health services, whether or not the mental health services are provided at an approved clinic and which organization is approved by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs under section 4.1.²

“Board.” The State Board of Medicine, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, the State Board of Dentistry, the State Board of Podiatry, the State Board of Nursing, the State Board of Optometry, the State Board of Chiropractic, the State Board of Psychology and the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

“Health care practitioner.” An individual licensed to practice a component of the healing arts by a licensing board within the Department of State.

“Licensee.” An individual who holds a current, active, unrestricted license as a health care practitioner issued by the appropriate board.

“Mental health services.” The term includes, but is not limited to, providing social work, marital and family therapy, substance abuse counseling and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

“Military personnel.” An individual who has served or is serving in the United States Armed Forces, reserve component or National Guard.

“Primary health care services.” The term includes, but is not limited to, regular checkups, immunizations, school physicals, health education, prenatal and obstetrical care, early periodic screening and diagnostic testing, health education and mental health services.

“Volunteer license.” A license issued by the appropriate board to a health care practitioner who documents, to the board's satisfaction, that the individual will practice only in approved clinics, or upon referral from approved organizations, without remuneration, who is: