STATE LEGISLATIVE/GOVERNMENT ISSUES
In the May 2022 update, we discussed some legislative issues the FMHCA GRC was considering taking up for the 2022-2023 legislative issues. FMHCA settled on a goal of passing a bill accomplishing the following:
- Revising F.S. 916.115 to include 491 board licensees among the list of mental health professionals who can be appointed by the court for evaluations
- Revising F.S. 491.005(1)(c) so registered interns in private practice are NOT required to have a licensed professional "on the premises" when providing telehealth
- Replacing the term "registered mental health counselor intern" with "licensed associate mental health counselor"
When the bill is written and introduced, more details will be offered.
The 491 Board has a meeting on 11/11/22 that is expected to result in substantial changes in the duties and responsibilities of qualified supervisors supervising registered interns. Stay tuned for an update next month.
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE/GOVERNMENT ISSUES
AMHCA, ACA, and NBCC just issued a united call to action supporting the Mental Health Access Improvement Act, which, if passed, will finally enable counselors and marriage and family therapists to bill Medicare. Read that call to action by clicking here, and contact your legislators!