SRC-AXB, DBM S.B. 413 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterS.B. 413 By: Madla Health Services 7/8/1999 Enrolled DIGEST Currently, marriage and family therapists are required by law to receive 2000 hours of "supervised clinical practice" after receiving their graduate degree in order to qualify for a license. However, many HMOs require 3000 supervised clinical hours for counselors to qualify to be included on their provider panels. This limits a marriage and family therapist's ability to be selected as a provider for insurance plans. S.B. 413 requires marriage and family therapists to complete 3000 supervised clinical practice hours to qualify for a license as a marriage and family therapist. S.B. 413 also creates a licensing designation for a marriage and family therapist "associate." PURPOSE As enrolled, S.B. 413 regulates the practice of marriage and family practice. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists in SECTION 7 (Section 22A(b), Article 4512c-1, V.T.C.S.) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 2, Article 4512c-1, V.T.C.S. (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Act), by amending Subdivision (6) to define a "licensed marriage and family therapist associate" as an individual who provides marriage and family therapy for compensation under the supervision of a board-approved supervisor. SECTION 2. Amends Section 15(b), Article 4512c-1, V.T.C.S., to prohibit an unlicensed person from using the title "licensed marriage and family therapist" or "licensed marriage and family therapist associate." SECTION 3. Amends Section 17, Article 4512c-1,V.T.C.S., to require a license applicant to file a written application and pay an appropriate application fee. Provides that a person is eligible to apply for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist associate if the person has completed a graduate internship in marriage and family therapy, or an equivalent internship, as approved by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists(board) and has passed an examination determined by the board. Requires an applicant for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist associate under Subsection (b) of this section to file an application no later than the 90th day before the date of the examination that the applicant intends to take. Provides that an applicant is eligible to apply for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist if the person holds a license as a marriage and family therapist associate under certain conditions. Sets forth provisions for the required clinical hours. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 4. Amends Section 18, Article 4512c-1, V.T.C.S., to require the board to investigate each application and other evidence submitted. Requires the board to notify each applicant whether the application has bee accepted or rejected, except as provided by Subsection (c) of this section, not later than the 90th day after, rather than the 30th day before, the date of receipt of a completed application for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist associate. Provides that an applicant for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist associate is eligible to take the examination if the applicant: is enrolled in a graduate internship described by Section 17(b) (2) of this Act and provides proof to the board that the applicant is a student in good standing in an educational program described by Section 17(b) (4) of this Act; or has completed the internship described by Subdivision (1) of this subsection. Deletes text regarding an eligible person's work experience. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 5. Amends Section 19(a), Article 4512c-1, V.T.C.S., to require each applicant for a license as a licensed marriage and family therapist associate under this Act to pass an examination prescribed by the board. SECTION 6. Amends Section 20(a), Article 4512c-1, V.T.C.S., to require the board to issue marriage and family therapist or marriage and family therapist associate licenses as appropriate. SECTION 7. Amends, Article 4512c-1, V.T.C.S., by adding Section 22A as follows: Sec. 22A. WAIVER OF EXAMINATION FOR CERTAIN APPLICANTS. Authorizes the board to waive the requirement that an applicant for a marriage and family therapist license must pass the examination required by Section 19 of this Act. Sets forth the conditions which would waive the need to pass the examination. Authorizes the board to adopt rules necessary to administer this section. SECTION 8.Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 9.Emergency clause.