85R7314 SMT-D
By: Lucio S.B. No. 1860
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to agreements between this state and other jurisdictions
concerning reciprocal licensure of mental health professionals.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. In this Act:
(1) "Department" means the Department of State Health
Services.
(2) "Reciprocity agreement" means an agreement
between a licensing entity of this state and a licensing entity of
another jurisdiction under which each accepts the credentials of a
professional licensed in the other jurisdiction or in this state.
SECTION 2. (a) The department shall conduct a study of
reciprocity agreements between this state and other licensing
jurisdictions that concern licensed mental health professionals.
The study must assess the effectiveness of each agreement in making
mental health providers and services available in this state.
(b) The department shall collaborate with the following
entities in conducting the study:
(1) Texas Medical Board;
(2) Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists;
(3) Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and
Family Therapists;
(4) Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional
Counselors; and
(5) Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.
(c) The department may collaborate with another licensing
entity the department determines appropriate in conducting the
study.
(d) The department shall prepare a report summarizing the
conclusions of the study and including recommendations to improve
the effectiveness of reciprocity agreements in increasing the
availability of mental health providers and services in this state,
including recommendations for:
(1) action by the department;
(2) action by a licensing entity of this state; and
(3) legislative reform.
SECTION 3. As soon as practicable after the completion of
the report, the department and each applicable licensing entity
shall implement the pertinent recommendations.
SECTION 4. The department shall submit to the legislature
the report described in Section 2(d) of this Act not later than
November 1, 2018.
SECTION 5. This Act expires December 31, 2018.
SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.