As noted in previous legislative updates, HB 941 and Senate SB 818 have been filed. This is a bill created by FMHCA, our parent chapter, that would:
- Remove the requirement that registered interns working in private practice settings have a licensed mental health professional on the premises when providing clinical services (yet still require them to have an "accessible" licensed mental health professional, thus adjusting to a telehealth environment), and
- Clarify that LMHCs, LMFTs, and LCSWs can be appointed by courts to conduct evaluations for the courts.
Click here for a more in-depth summary of the legislation and its intent.
The Senate version (SB 818) passed the Health Policy Committee and then the Criminal Justice Committee unanimously and is now in the Rules Committee. The House version (HB 941) has not budged, meeting opposition from Representative Will Robinson, Chair of the Professions and Public Health Subcommittee. Given that another bill (SB 1568 and HB 1565) also attempts to address the issue of interns in private practice settings needing a licensed mental health professional on the premises, we are hoping that at least one of our two objectives will be accomplished this legislative session.
Federal Legislation
The Mental Health Access Improvement Act (HR 432/S. 828), a bill that would enable LMHCs and LMFTs to bill Medicare, has been filed. Be on the lookout for a call to action from AMHCA.