Board of Behavioral Sciences: marriage and family therapists: clinical social workers: professional clinical counselors: supervision of applicants for licensure via videoconferencing.
The amendment expands the definition of 'face-to-face' contact to include both in-person and two-way, real-time videoconferencing interactions between supervisors and supervisees. Supervisors are mandated to evaluate the appropriateness of videoconferencing within the first 60 days of beginning supervision, ensuring both parties can maintain confidentiality and meet necessary legal standards. This bill ultimately aims to enhance access to supervisory support in clinical training, significantly affecting practice standards within the behavioral sciences profession in California.
Assembly Bill 1758, introduced by Aguiar-Curry, focuses on the supervision requirements for licensure applicants in the fields of marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, and professional clinical counseling. The bill amends existing regulations to allow direct supervision via videoconferencing, in addition to in-person contact, thereby modernizing the requirements to accommodate individuals with disabilities, health concerns, or those residing in rural areas. This change is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing public health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sentiment surrounding AB 1758 is predominantly positive, with supporters emphasizing its ability to improve access to mental health training and services during and post the COVID-19 crisis. However, concerns were raised around the potential challenges of maintaining effective supervisor-supervisee relationships through digital means. Advocates for the bill argue that it provides essential flexibility in clinical training while safeguarding patient confidentiality, ultimately supporting the mental health workforce and their clients.
Notable points of contention include the necessity and effectiveness of virtual supervision compared to traditional in-person meetings, and the implications for standards of care. Some critics worry that reliance on technology could impede the quality of supervisory relationships and oversight that are critical in the mental health field. Additionally, the evaluation practices introduced by the bill to assess appropriateness for using videoconferencing need clarity to ensure consistent application across various settings.