House Bill No. 1716 aims to enhance the provision of counseling services under the Medicaid program in Texas by expanding the types of licensed professionals eligible to provide these services. The bill amends Section 32.027 of the Human Resources Code to allow 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 is intended to increase access to mental health services by permitting a broader range of qualified providers to deliver care.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 32.079, which mandates that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission reimburse these newly eligible providers at a rate equal to 50% of what is paid to licensed psychiatrists or psychologists for similar services. However, reimbursement is capped at 3,000 hours or the number of hours required for the provider to qualify for their respective 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)
House Committee Report: Human Resources Code 32.027, Subchapter B, Chapter , Human Resources Code 503.002 (Subchapter B, Chapter , Human Resources Code 503, Human Resources Code 32)
Engrossed: Human Resources Code 32.027, Subchapter B, Chapter , Human Resources Code 503.002 (Subchapter B, Chapter , Human Resources Code 503, Human Resources Code 32)