Tennessee House Bill HB2328

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Refer: 3/19/24
• Refer: 3/27/24
• Refer: 4/10/24
• Refer: 4/17/24
• Chaptered: 5/31/24
• Passed: 5/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, relative to health.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2328 would significantly impact state laws related to mental health service delivery and licensure. It modifies existing statutes to ensure that various counselors and therapists are licensed under the same provisions, thereby standardizing the process for credentialing diverse mental health professionals. These changes could lead to increased availability of mental health care providers, supporting state initiatives to improve mental health treatment and availability of services. By streamlining the licensing process, the bill aims to enhance public welfare and facilitate better healthcare outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 2328 seeks to amend certain provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated to include additional categories of licensed health professionals. Specifically, it introduces provisions for Licensed Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists. This inclusion aims to broaden the scope of licensed practitioners in the realm of mental health and counseling, ultimately enhancing access to these services for residents in the state. By expanding the recognized professions, the legislation seeks to address the growing need for mental health services within the community.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2328 appears largely positive, with supporters advocating for the bill as a necessary step toward improving mental health services in Tennessee. The expansion of licensed professionals is viewed as essential to meet the increasing demand for mental health support. However, there may also be cautious voices concerned about the sufficiency of oversight regarding the qualifications of newly recognized professionals, emphasizing the need for stringent standards to ensure quality care.

Contention

While the general sentiment leans toward support for expanding mental health services, notable points of contention could arise during discussions regarding the qualifications required for licensure and the potential impacts on existing professionals in the field. Some stakeholders may express concerns about ensuring that new licensing standards maintain high levels of competency among practitioners to prevent any dilution of care quality. Additionally, the logistics of implementing these changes, including the administrative burden on the licensing board, may also be debated.