TX
Texas Senate Bill SB47

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB47

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

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB47 will significantly impact the regulatory landscape of mental health professions within Texas. By allowing experienced out-of-state applicants to bypass certain testing requirements, the bill intends to expedite the licensing process while still ensuring that candidates meet a standard of competence and ethical practice. This change is expected to help mitigate workforce shortages in the mental health sector and increase the availability of licensed professionals to meet the growing demand for mental health services.

Summary

SB47 seeks to address the licensing processes for marriage and family therapists, therapist associates, professional counselors, and social workers in Texas, specifically catering to applicants from other states. The bill amends existing provisions in the Occupations Code to simplify and streamline the licensing requirements for out-of-state professionals who hold valid licenses in jurisdictions with similar standards. This legislative effort aims to attract skilled mental health professionals to Texas, thereby improving access to crucial mental health services for residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB47 appears to be generally supportive among stakeholders in the mental health community who advocate for easing barriers to entry for qualified professionals. Proponents emphasize the need for a responsive and agile licensing structure that can quickly incorporate experienced practitioners from other states. However, some concerns may emerge regarding the balance between reducing barriers and maintaining rigorous standards to protect public safety and professional integrity.

Contention

A notable point of contention may arise around the implications of adjusting examination requirements for licensing. Critics may argue that the reduction in examination hurdles for out-of-state applicants could lead to inconsistencies in competency among newly licensed professionals. Ensuring that the quality of mental health care remains high is vital, and stakeholders will likely seek assurances that this bill will not compromise the safeguards that ensure the qualifications of those practicing in Texas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 502. Marriage And Family Therapists
    • Section: 151
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 2545
    • Section: 259
  • Chapter 503. Licensed Professional Counselors
    • Section: 201
    • Section: 2015
    • Section: 302
    • Section: 3025
    • Section: 308

Latest TX SB47 Activity

View All Events: TX 2023 - 88th Regular SB47

Companion Bills

TX HB1167

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3626

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 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 SB51

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 HB4721

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 HB5421

Relating to the regulation of certain occupations by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, including the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers; authorizing fees.

TX AB2117

Marriage and family therapists: clinical social workers: professional clinical counselors.

TX AB690

Marriage and family therapists: clinical social workers: professional clinical counselors.

TX AB2363

Marriage and family therapists: clinical social workers: professional clinical counselors.

TX H7872

Mental Health Counselors And Marriage And Family Therapists

TX S2616

Mental Health Counselors And Marriage And Family Therapists

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