Bill > SB0789

This bill makes several changes to Tennessee's licensing regulations for mental health professionals, primarily focusing on marriage and family therapists and professional counselors. The bill replaces the term "temporary license" with "associate license" for professionals who have completed required academic coursework and passed necessary examinations. It redefines an "approved supervisor" for marital therapy to now include licensed marriage and family therapists, other licensed mental health professionals approved by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, supervisors-in-training, or board-approved supervisors. The legislation establishes new guidelines for obtaining and maintaining associate licenses, including provisions that these licenses are valid for up to four years and can be extended at the board's discretion. For professional counselors seeking licensure, the bill introduces specific pathways for licensing, including provisions for those with licenses from other states or those with long-standing professional experience. The bill also clarifies that associate license holders must represent themselves as "associate licensed" professionals and cannot claim full licensure status. Different sections of the bill will take effect at different times: some immediately for rule-making purposes, with other sections becoming effective in July 2025 and January 2026, respectively.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0789&ga=114