summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to mental health professionals; amending s. 491.003, F.S.; revising definitions; amending s. 491.0045, F.S.; reclassifying intern registrations as associate registrations for the professions of clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling; amending s. 491.005, F.S.; deleting the requirement that a licensed mental health professional be present on the premises when registered associates, formerly classified as registered interns, are providing clinical services in a private practice setting; amending ss. 491.009, 491.012, 491.014, and 491.0149, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill reclassifies mental health professional intern registrations as associate registrations for clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling. The bill updates various sections of Florida Statutes to replace the term "intern" with "associate" across multiple professional contexts, including definitions, registration requirements, and disciplinary provisions. A key change is the removal of the previous requirement that a licensed mental health professional must be physically present when clinical services are provided by a registered intern in a private practice setting. The modifications aim to standardize terminology and potentially provide more flexibility for professionals in training. The bill affects professionals who are working towards full licensure in these mental health fields, requiring them to register as "associates" while completing their post-graduate clinical experience requirements. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving professionals and regulatory bodies time to adapt to the new terminology and requirements.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration (on 05/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/361 |
| Analysis - Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/361/Analyses/h0361a.HPP.PDF |
| Analysis - Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/361/Analyses/h0361.HPP.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/361/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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