Texas Senate Bill SB1022

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the transfer of the licensing and regulation of certain counseling professions to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Impact

The proposed bill seeks to amend various sections within the Occupations Code to achieve its objectives. By centralizing the licensing function, the bill potentially lowers administrative burdens on practitioners and may lead to a more uniform application of regulations. This transition is planned to be carried out through well-defined phases, ensuring that existing licenses continue to remain valid and that current investigations or complaints are transferred appropriately without complications. Supporters believe that it will result in a more responsive regulatory framework to better serve licensed professionals and those receiving their services.

Summary

SB1022's primary focus lies in transferring the licensing and regulation of certain counseling professions to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The bill aims to streamline the regulation process, thereby consolidating the governance of these professions under a single state agency instead of the previous system managed by the Department of State Health Services. This shift is presented as a means to enhance efficiency and oversight in the licensing of mental health practitioners, including marriage and family therapists, and chemical dependency counselors.

Contention

However, there are points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics have raised concerns about the efficiency of TDLR in handling the complex regulatory requirements often associated with health professions. There is apprehension that a centralized system may impede the responsiveness to specific needs pertinent to mental health services that had previously been addressed by specialized boards. Furthermore, implications concerning the integrity of professional standards and the ongoing monitoring of counselors and therapists have sparked debate about the potential consequences of this regulatory shift.