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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to access to certain counselors and therapists. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 1451.114, Insurance Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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Sec. 1451.114. SELECTION OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL |
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COUNSELOR. [(a)] An insured may select a licensed professional |
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counselor to provide the services scheduled in the health insurance |
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policy that are within the scope of the counselor's license. |
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[(b)
The health insurance policy may require that services
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of a licensed professional counselor must be recommended by a
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physician.] |
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SECTION 2. Section 1451.116, Insurance Code, is amended to |
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read as follows: |
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Sec. 1451.116. SELECTION OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST. |
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[(a)] An insured may select a marriage and family therapist to |
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provide the services scheduled in the health insurance policy that |
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are within the scope of the therapist's license. |
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[(b)
The health insurance policy may require that services
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of a marriage and family therapist must be recommended by a
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physician.] |
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SECTION 3. This Act applies only to an insurance policy or |
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contract or evidence of coverage that is delivered, issued for |
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delivery, or renewed on or after January 1, 2010. An insurance |
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policy or contract or evidence of coverage delivered, issued for |
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delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2010, is governed by the law |
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as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, and |
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that law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
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SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009. |