Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2898

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of sex offender treatment providers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, chemical dependency counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is designed to promote consistency in licensing and regulatory practices among mental health professionals. By bringing various boards under one umbrella, the bill aims to improve coordination among licensing entities and reduce bureaucratic overlaps. As a result, the bill may lead to more efficient licensure processes and better protection for consumers seeking mental health services. The council will implement civil and administrative penalties against practitioners who violate regulatory standards.

Summary

House Bill 2898 establishes the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council to oversee the regulation of various mental health professionals, including psychologists, marriage and family therapists, counselors, and social workers. This consolidation aims to streamline and enhance the regulatory environment for these professionals in Texas by centralizing oversight within a single council. Additionally, the bill addresses sex offender treatment providers, providing a framework for their regulation and ensuring compliance with established standards.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2898 may revolve around the balance of regulatory oversight and the autonomy of mental health professionals. Advocates argue that a centralized council is necessary to ensure high standards and accountability in the care provided. However, some professionals may voice concerns over potential bureaucratic overreach or feel that local practices and knowledge could be overshadowed by state-level regulations. This dynamic raises important discussions about the extent of professional autonomy versus the need for uniformity in care standards across Texas.

Companion Bills

TX SB311

Identical Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of sex offender treatment providers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, chemical dependency counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4075

Relating to the regulation of certain occupations by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; authorizing fees.

TX HB1167

Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.

TX SB47

Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2557

Relating to the Licensed Professional Counselors Compact; authorizing fees.

TX SB1100

Relating to the Licensed Professional Counselors Compact; authorizing fees.

TX HB173

Relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX SB484

Relating to the licensing and regulation of genetic counselors; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.

TX HB667

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX SB536

Relating to the confidentiality of certain information concerning persons licensed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.

Similar Bills

TX HB1501

Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.

TX SB611

Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.

TX SB311

Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of sex offender treatment providers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, chemical dependency counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.

TX SB114

Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of sex offender treatment providers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, chemical dependency counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.

MS SB2157

Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact; enact.

MS SB2166

Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact; enact.

MS SB2068

Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact; enact.

MS SB2069

Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact; enact.