HBA-DMH H.B. 976 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 976
By: Christian
Public Health
2/20/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, certain psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social
workers are included in the definition of "non-physician mental health
professional."  The licensed professional counselor (LPC) license requires
education and training similar to that required of non-physician mental
health professionals. The state also recognizes LPCs as qualified mental
health providers and affords them direct reimbursement from insurance
companies and Medicaid.  Yet, because LPCs are not considered non-physician
mental health professionals they tend to have a limited role in or be hired
less frequently by mental health and mental retardation facilities.  House
Bill 976 includes LPCs in the definition of "non-physician mental health
professional" for the purposes of the Texas Mental Health Code. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 976 amends the Health and Safety Code to add a licensed
professional counselor licensed to practice in this state to the definition
of "non-physician mental health professional" for the  purposes of the
Texas Mental Health Code. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001.