State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists - Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity - Study
Impact
The promotion of licensure reciprocity is expected to enhance the mobility of clinical marriage and family therapists across jurisdictions, potentially addressing workforce shortages in mental health services. By allowing therapists licensed in Virginia and the District of Columbia to operate in Maryland, the bill seeks to facilitate greater access to mental health services for residents. Furthermore, this measure implies a collaborative approach between the states to standardize licensure requirements, which may lead to improved services due to a larger pool of qualified professionals available to Maryland residents.
Summary
House Bill 902 is a legislative proposal introduced to require the State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists to conduct a study focused on licensure reciprocity for clinical marriage and family therapists from specific neighboring jurisdictions, notably Virginia and the District of Columbia. The intent of the study is to assess the current regulatory framework governing licensure and to explore pathways for therapists from these areas to practice within Maryland with fewer barriers. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining existing licensing requirements to ensure that standards of practice remain consistent.
Contention
However, the bill may present points of contention regarding the adequacy of standards being maintained through such reciprocity agreements. Concerns could arise about ensuring that therapists from outside Maryland meet the same rigorous standards as those required for local licensure. Legislative discussions might focus on how to balance the need for increased access to mental health professionals with the necessity of protecting public interests by maintaining high quality and ethical standards within the profession. Overall, the bill represents a key movement towards enhancing professional collaboration across state lines while also raising essential questions about regulatory consistency.
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.
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.
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.