Texas Senate Bill SB1493

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/2/23

Caption

Relating to the licensing in this state of a person licensed in another jurisdiction to practice marriage and family therapy or professional counseling.

Impact

The passage of SB1493 is expected to streamline the process for licensed marriage and family therapists and professional counselors from other jurisdictions to provide their services in Texas. This could potentially address workforce shortages in mental health services as it allows for the quicker integration of qualified professionals into the Texas market. By establishing clear criteria for endorsement, the bill aims to enhance the accessibility of mental health resources to residents of Texas, fostering a better environment for mental health care delivery.

Summary

SB1493 is a legislative proposal aimed at facilitating the licensing of professionals in the field of marriage and family therapy and professional counseling who are licensed in other jurisdictions. The bill specifically lays out the conditions under which the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council may grant licenses by endorsement to applicants from other states, provided their qualifications are deemed substantially equivalent to those required in Texas. The legislation is set to become effective on September 1, 2023, and mandates the Council to adopt necessary rules by December 1, 2023 to implement the changes.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around SB1493 appears to be positive among those who advocate for increased access to mental health services. Supporters argue that it will help reduce bureaucratic hurdles for professionals seeking to practice in Texas, ultimately benefiting consumers by increasing the availability of qualified therapists. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of standards and oversight, which opponents might raise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high professional standards in mental health services.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the emphasis on ensuring that out-of-state licenses meet Texas's rigorous standards. Stakeholders may express varying views on whether the equivalency assessments are sufficiently rigorous to protect consumers. Additionally, there may be discussions around the provisions for provisional licensing for applicants facing delays, as well as the timelines set for rule adoption by the Executive Council. These factors could shape the ongoing debates as the implementation date approaches.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

• Chapter 502. Marriage And Family Therapists
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 503. Licensed Professional Counselors
  • Section: New Section