California 2017-2018 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB2296

Introduced
2/13/18  
Introduced
2/13/18  
Refer
3/22/18  
Refer
3/22/18  
Report Pass
3/23/18  
Report Pass
3/23/18  
Refer
4/2/18  
Refer
4/2/18  
Report Pass
4/10/18  
Report Pass
4/10/18  
Refer
4/11/18  
Report Pass
4/18/18  
Report Pass
4/18/18  
Refer
4/18/18  
Refer
4/18/18  
Report Pass
4/25/18  
Report Pass
4/25/18  
Refer
4/30/18  
Report Pass
5/9/18  
Report Pass
5/9/18  
Engrossed
5/17/18  
Engrossed
5/17/18  
Refer
5/17/18  
Refer
5/17/18  
Refer
5/30/18  
Refer
5/30/18  
Report Pass
6/13/18  
Report Pass
6/13/18  
Refer
6/13/18  
Report Pass
6/19/18  
Report Pass
6/19/18  
Refer
6/19/18  
Refer
6/19/18  
Report Pass
6/27/18  
Report Pass
6/27/18  
Refer
6/27/18  
Refer
6/27/18  
Enrolled
8/27/18  
Enrolled
8/27/18  
Chaptered
9/14/18  
Chaptered
9/14/18  
Passed
9/14/18  

Caption

Licensed professional clinical counselors: licensed clinical social workers.

Impact

The impact of AB2296 on state laws includes potential revisions in the regulatory frameworks governing mental health professionals. By simplifying the licensure process and possibly setting new professional standards, the bill seeks to ensure that services are not only accessible but also delivered by adequately trained and certified individuals. This could lead to a notable improvement in care quality across various settings, impacting both urban and rural communities where mental health services are critically needed.

Summary

AB2296, focused on the regulation of licensed professional clinical counselors and licensed clinical social workers, aims to enhance the frameworks within which these mental health professionals operate. The bill intends to streamline the process for licensure, thereby ensuring that qualified individuals can practice without unnecessary barriers. Supporters argue that this change will not only improve access to mental health services but also bolster the standards of care available to patients throughout the state. The legislative intent is clear: to facilitate more robust mental health support mechanisms in a landscape where such services are increasingly essential.

Sentiment

The sentiment around AB2296 appears to be largely positive, with significant support from mental health advocacy groups and professionals who affirm the necessity of updated regulations to meet growing demand for mental health services. This optimism stems from the belief that better regulation will lead to improved patient outcomes. However, some concerns were raised about ensuring that new regulations do not inadvertently lower standards or restrict entry into the field for aspiring mental health professionals.

Contention

Notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding AB2296 include the balance between regulatory oversight and accessibility. While the bill aims to simplify the licensure process, some stakeholders argue that it must also maintain rigorous standards to protect the public. There were discussions about the adequacy of oversight mechanisms and how changes in licensure might affect different demographics, particularly in underserved regions. Effectively managing these concerns is crucial to the successful implementation of the bill and ensuring it meets its intended goals.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB1577

Health facilities and clinics: clinical placements: nursing.

CA SB1042

Health facilities and clinics: clinical placements: nursing.

CA AB1612

Clinics: licensure.

CA AB3253

Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists: licensees: professional land surveyors: surveying practices: monuments and corner accessories.

CA AB3232

Licensed registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses: Nurse Licensure Compact.

CA AB1741

Healing arts: clinical laboratories: personnel.

CA AB633

Nursing: licensure: retired licenses.

CA SB802

Licensing boards: disqualification from licensure: criminal conviction.

CA AB2107

Clinical laboratory technology: remote review.

CA AB3255

Vocational nursing and psychiatric technicians: sunset: licensure.

Similar Bills

CA SB1491

Healing arts.

CA SB800

Professions and vocations.

CA AB93

Healing arts: marriage and family therapists: clinical social workers: professional clinical counselors: required experience and supervision.

CA SB679

Healing arts: therapists and counselors: licensing.