An Act Allowing Doctoral Candidates In Psychology To Provide Supervised Telehealth Counseling Services.
Impact
The proposed legislation is expected to positively affect the availability of mental health counseling, particularly through telehealth methods, by integrating the educational framework of doctoral psychology programs into practical patient care. By broadening the scope of who can provide these services, the bill could alleviate the shortage of mental health professionals, allowing doctoral candidates to gain practical experience while assisting in mental health care delivery during their training.
Summary
House Bill 05477 proposes an amendment to chapter 368ll of the general statutes, allowing doctoral candidates in psychology within the state to provide supervised telehealth counseling services to patients. This legislative move seeks to enhance access to mental health services by enabling qualified students to engage directly in patient care under professional supervision. Given the growing demand for mental health services, especially in remote settings, the bill aims to utilize the resources of doctoral programs in psychology to meet this need efficiently.
Contention
While the bill presents several advantages, there are potential points of contention regarding the quality and oversight of care provided by students. Critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of supervision and the level of experience that doctoral candidates possess when working with patients, especially those with complex mental health issues. Therefore, ensuring stringent regulatory measures for oversight and training becomes essential to maintain the integrity and safety of telehealth counseling services provided under this new framework.
An Act Concerning The Availability Of Telehealth Providers In Determining Network Adequacy And Extending The Telehealth Provisions Adopted During The Covid-19 Pandemic.