HBA-DMH S.B. 684 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 684
By: Madla
Public Health
4/30/2001
Committee Report (Amended)



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) and licensed
marriage and family therapist (LMFT) licenses require education and
training similar to that required of the other non-physician mental health
professionals. The state also recognizes LPCs and LMFTs as qualified mental
health providers and affords them direct reimbursement from insurance
companies and Medicaid. Yet, because LPCs and LMFTs are not considered
non-physician mental health professionals they tend to have a limited role
in the delivery of services and are hired less frequently by mental health
and mental retardation facilities. Senate Bill 684 includes LPCs and LMFTs
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

Senate Bill 684 amends the Health and Safety Code to include a licensed
professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist in the
definition of "non-physician mental health professional" in 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. 

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment No. 1 includes a licensed physician assistant in the
definition of "non-physician mental health professional" in the Texas
Mental Health Code.