The bill amends the Human Resources Code to expand the types of licensed providers eligible to offer counseling services under the Medicaid program. Specifically, it allows recipients of medical assistance to select not only licensed psychologists and licensed marriage and family therapists but also licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapist associates, licensed master social workers, and licensed professional counselor associates. This change aims to enhance access to mental health services by including providers who are in the process of obtaining their full licenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that mandates reimbursement for certain counseling services provided by these newly included providers. The reimbursement rate is set at 50% of what is established for licensed psychiatrists or psychologists for similar services, with a cap of 3,000 hours of reimbursement or the number of hours required for the provider to qualify for their license. The bill emphasizes that these provisions should be liberally construed to ensure effective implementation. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 32.027, Subchapter B, Chapter , Human Resources Code 503.002 (Subchapter B, Chapter , Human Resources Code 503, Human Resources Code 32)