PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB981

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB981

Introduced
8/25/25  

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 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.

Impact

If enacted, SB981 would significantly impact the regulation of mental health professionals by formalizing the licensing process and establishing stricter criteria for what constitutes unlawful practice in the state. This could lead to enhanced standards within the profession, ensuring that only qualified individuals can present themselves as licensed recreational therapists. Additionally, it would streamline the process for out-of-state therapists to become licensed in the state, potentially expanding access to professional mental health services.

Summary

Senate Bill 981 focuses on providing clear definitions and regulations related to the licensing of social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors in the state. It aims to establish the powers and functions of the State Board responsible for these professionals, outlining their qualifications for licensure, licensing procedures, and protocols for the endorsement of out-of-state licenses. The bill further addresses the reinstatement of licenses and specifies penalties for unlawful practice in the field.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB981 appears to be generally supportive among professionals within the mental health community who believe that clearer regulations will improve service quality. However, there may also be concerns about the implications of increased bureaucracy and the potential for penalties, which could be viewed unfavorably by some practitioners. Discussions indicate a desire for a balance between maintaining high standards and ensuring accessibility for professionals seeking licensure.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB981 is the tension between the need for regulatory oversight and the autonomy of professionals in the field. Some stakeholders worry that overly stringent regulations could hinder the ability of experienced professionals to practice effectively, particularly those who may not fit neatly into the new licensure criteria. This raises questions about how to maintain high ethical standards while allowing for the flexibility and responsiveness necessary in mental health services.

Latest PA SB981 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB981

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 HB1398

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 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 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 SB1320

Further providing for title of act and for definitions; providing for short title; and further providing for license required, for exemptions, for qualifications for a license, for fee, financial statement and security, for liability of licensees, for licensee requirements and for agents.

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 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 SB1241

In insurance producers, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of department, for license prerequisites, for licensing and for license renewals.

Similar Bills

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 HB1398

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 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 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 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.