PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1398

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1398

Introduced
6/13/23  

Caption

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1398 is expected to standardize the requirements for licensing across various therapeutic professions, ensuring that practitioners meet specific educational and experiential qualifications. This bill would help regulate the practice and uphold the standards of care expected in social work and related fields, officially recognizing the role of professional art therapists. Moreover, it includes measures for reciprocity, allowing professionals licensed in other states to practice in Pennsylvania under certain conditions, thus potentially easing the workforce shortage in these critical areas.

Summary

House Bill 1398 seeks to amend existing legislation concerning the licensing and regulation of social work, marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, and professional art therapy in Pennsylvania. The bill provides enhancements to the definitions of relevant practices, the qualifications required for licensure, and the establishment of a new board that will oversee these professions. Notably, it includes provisions for the use of the title 'licensed professional art therapist' and outlines penalties for unlawful practice in these fields.

Sentiment

Broadly, the sentiment surrounding HB 1398 appears to be positive among many stakeholders who value the regulation of mental health practices and the formal recognition of art therapy. Supporters argue that this will enhance the quality of services provided to the public by ensuring that practitioners are properly trained and licensed. However, there may be some concerns related to the implications of strict licensing requirements and the ability of professionals from other states to integrate into the Pennsylvania workforce without undue barriers.

Contention

A point of contention may arise regarding the stringent nature of the licensing requirements outlined in HB 1398. While these measures aim to protect the public from unqualified practitioners, some may argue that they impose unnecessary hurdles for entry into these professions, particularly for those who have substantial experience but may lack a formal license due to the specific education-related stipulations. Additionally, the balance between ensuring public safety and providing adequate access to mental health services remains a critical legislative focus.

Latest HB1398 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB786

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB1564

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA SB1019

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA SB1091

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB2072

Enacting the art therapist licensure act to provide for the regulation and licensing of professional art therapists.

PA HB2756

Enacting the art therapist licensure act to provide for the regulation and licensing of professional art therapists.

PA HB1491

Further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of board, for training and license required and exceptions, for qualifications for license, examinations, failure of examinations, licensure without examination, issuing of license, foreign applicants for licensure, temporary license and perjury, for continuing education, for practice of physical therapy and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

PA HB1583

Further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of board, for training and license required and exceptions, for qualifications for license, examinations, failure of examinations, licensure without examination, issuing of license, foreign applicants for licensure, temporary license and perjury, for continuing education, for practice of physical therapy and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

PA HB1231

Further providing for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

PA SB373

Licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy; issuance of expedited licenses by endorsement for marriage and family therapists; provide

Similar Bills

PA SB786

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB1564

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA SB579

Providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB563

Providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA SB898

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1356

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1091

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA SB1019

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.