S.B. No. 498 introduces the Licensed Professional Counselors Compact into Texas law, aiming to enhance the interstate practice of Licensed Professional Counselors while ensuring state regulatory authority for public health and safety. The bill outlines objectives such as mutual recognition of licenses among member states, support for military spouses, and the promotion of telehealth technology. It establishes definitions for key terms and sets requirements for states to participate in the Compact, including licensing and regulating counselors, requiring national exams, and implementing criminal background checks. The bill also allows individuals not residing in member states to apply for a Single State License, which does not permit practice in other member states.

The bill creates a Counseling Compact Commission to oversee the Compact's implementation, consisting of delegates from each member state's licensing board. The Commission is empowered to establish bylaws, maintain financial records, and conduct public meetings. It can levy assessments on member states for operational costs and provides qualified immunity to its members for actions taken within their duties, barring intentional misconduct. Additionally, the bill mandates a coordinated database for licensure and adverse actions, outlines procedures for state termination from the Compact, and establishes dispute resolution mechanisms. The Compact will take effect upon enactment by the tenth member state, with provisions for amendments and severability from conflicting state laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()