House Bill 1909, also known as Senate Bill 2585, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to update the terminology related to therapists, specifically changing references from "marital and family" to "marriage and family" across multiple sections. This change is reflected in numerous sections, including but not limited to Titles 4, 8, 33, 36, 52, 56, 63, and 68. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the licensing of marriage and family therapists, allowing for the licensing of applicants from other states without examination if they meet specific qualifications, and establishing guidelines for board-approved supervisors.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for individuals seeking licensure by endorsement and specifies the titles that can be used by interns and trainees in marriage and family therapy. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards and continuing education for approved supervisors. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that the terminology and licensing processes for marriage and family therapists are consistent and up-to-date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-29-248(a)(5), 4-29-248, 8-50-117, 8-50-119(b)(1)(A), 8-50-119, 33-1-101(20), 33-1-101, 33-3-201(a)(2), 33-3-201, 36-6-413(b)(5)(C)(iii), 36-6-413, 52-1-101(14), 52-1-101, 52-3-201(a)(2), 52-3-201, 56-7-2401(a), 56-7-2401, 63-1-125(b)(1)(A), 63-1-125, 63-1-201(2)(I), 63-1-201, 63-11-302(6)(J), 63-11-302, 63-11-409(b)(5), 63-11-409, 63-22-101(a), 63-22-101, 63-22-102, 63-22-103, 63-22-106, 63-22-107(c), 63-22-107, 63-22-110(c), 63-22-110, 63-22-113, 63-22-114, 63-22-115(a)(3), 63-22-115, 63-22-115(a)(4), 63-22-115(a)(5), 63-22-121(b), 63-22-121, 63-22-206(a)(4), 63-22-206, 63-22-403, 63-22-404, 63-32-102, 68-1-101(a)(8)(C), 68-1-101