Texas Senate Bill SB311

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of sex offender treatment providers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, chemical dependency counselors, and social workers to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council; providing civil and administrative penalties; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The bill impacts existing state laws by transferring responsibilities from various licensing boards to the newly created council, effectively consolidating oversight for these professions under one agency. This realignment seeks to enhance efficiency and coordination among different mental health professions, aiming for a more cohesive regulatory environment. Benefits of this consolidation include clearer standards for licensure and practice, which should enhance public trust in the professionals delivering these critical services.

Summary

SB311 introduces a new framework for the regulation of behavioral health services in Texas by establishing the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. This new council will oversee professionals involved in mental health, including psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and social workers, as well as treatment providers for sex offenders. The bill aims to streamline the regulatory process and enhance the provision of behavioral health services across the state, ensuring that practitioners adhere to high standards of care and ethical practice.

Contention

Notably, some have raised concerns regarding the potential consolidation of regulatory power within a single body, questioning whether it may lead to an overreach or a dilution of specialized oversight that currently exists under the separate boards. Critics argue that while efficiency is important, the diverse needs and complexities of mental health treatment and sex offender services require specialized focus that might be compromised under a broad umbrella agency. Discussions have also highlighted the risks of standardizing procedures that may not be adaptable to specific local or individual needs.