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.