The bill amends the qualifications for licensure of marriage and family therapist associates and marriage and family therapists in the state. Key changes include the introduction of a new requirement for a supervised internship or practicum that must consist of at least 300 hours of direct client contact, replacing the previous requirement of a minimum of 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours of supervised practicum and a one-year supervised internship. Additionally, the total required hours of direct client contact for marriage and family therapists has been adjusted from 2,000 to 1,500 hours, with at least 1,400 of those hours needing to be completed after obtaining the master's degree. A maximum of 100 hours of the total required hours may be earned during a graduate degree program, and a minimum of 300 hours must be spent with couples, families, or groups of two or more individuals.

Furthermore, the bill allows for licensure by endorsement, enabling applicants who are already licensed as marriage and family therapists in another state for at least one year to obtain licensure in this state without having to take an examination. This provision aims to streamline the process for qualified professionals moving between states. The act will take effect upon passage.