Substitute House Bill No. 7081, also known as Public Act No. 25-76, aims to enhance licensure portability for marriage and family therapists in Connecticut. The bill repeals Section 20-195c and introduces new requirements for licensure as a marital and family therapist and a marital and family therapist associate. Key insertions include provisions allowing applicants licensed in other states, territories, or commonwealths of the United States to obtain licensure without examination, provided their home state's standards are deemed equivalent or higher than Connecticut's. The bill also specifies that applicants must present evidence of completing a graduate degree program, a supervised practicum, relevant postgraduate experience, and passing an examination, with associated application fees set at $200 for therapists and $125 for associates.

Additionally, the bill modifies the renewal process for licenses, requiring continuing education programs that include training on cultural competency and mental health conditions common to veterans. The renewal fees remain the same, with licenses for associates expiring within twelve to twenty-four months depending on when they were issued. The bill also allows recent graduates to practice under supervision for up to 120 days after completing their program, ensuring they can gain practical experience while awaiting licensure. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the licensure process and improve access to qualified marriage and family therapists in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-195c
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 20-195c
File No. 122: 20-195c
File No. 813: 20-195c
Public Act No. 25-76: 20-195c