Maryland House Bill HB902

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

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.