SB 789 - HB 959
FISCAL NOTE
Fiscal Review Committee
Tennessee General Assembly
February 20, 2025
Fiscal Analyst: Chris Higgins | Email: chris.higgins@capitol.tn.gov | Phone: 615-741-2564
SB 789 – HB 959
SUMMARY OF BILL: Establishes that the activities of a student intern or trainee in
marriage and family therapy who is pursuing a program of studies in marriage and family therapy at
an accredited institution of higher learning, performed under supervision and as part of a supervised
program of study, are exempt from regulations concerning marriage and family therapists, and such
person may use the titles "marital therapy intern," "family therapy trainee," or "student therapist."
Establishes that a person who is under supervision and pursuing independent licensure in marriage
and family therapy and has completed a graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher
learning may use the label "pre-licensed marriage and family therapist" or postgraduate designations.
Establishes that the Board for Professional Marriage Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists and
Clinical Pastoral Therapists (Board) may issue an "associate license" for a licensed professional
counselor designated as a mental health service provider applicant, or for a marital and family
therapist applicant, rather than a "temporary license." Establishes that an associate license is valid for
up to four years, and requires a marital and family therapist applicant to take the required written
exam within nine months to retain their associate license. Changes the term "regular license" to
"independent license" with respect to licensed marital and family therapists.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NOT SIGNIFICANT
Assumptions:
• There is not expected to be a significant change in the number of professional counseling
or therapy licenses issued as a result of the proposed legislation.
• The Board can promulgate rules and implement the required licensing changes utilizing
existing personnel and resources, without a significant increase in expenditures.
• Any impact to the operations of the Department of Health is estimated to be not
significant.
SB 789 - HB 959 2
CERTIFICATION:
The information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Bojan Savic, Executive Director