April Legislative Update
The Government Relations Committee met on April 16, 2025. Corrine Mixon, the FMHCA lobbyist, provided the following updates:
SB 122 HB361: This bill proposes changing the “Registered Intern” title to “Registered Associate.” The House committee has unanimously supported it, but the Senate has been less receptive. Senator Burton, who leads the Health Policy committee, has not prioritized this bill in the past two years. However, after a positive meeting during “Legislative Days,” she now understands the bill better and supports it, though it may not make the priority list this session. Corrine is working to attach this bill to other related health bills that are progressing more effectively.
Corrine also mentioned that the strong focus on the budget this year has resulted in fewer bills being heard, especially those related to health services. Next year’s legislative session will start earlier, with committees beginning in September, bills filed by October, and the session starting in January. If this bill doesn’t make it this session, we can advocate for it again soon.
SB1842 HB1101: This bill requires healthcare providers, including LMHCs, to inform patients when referring them to providers outside their health insurance network. Many professionals oppose this bill as it adds the burden of researching a patient’s coverage and documenting referrals, potentially worsening access to care. FMHCA has put together a call to action to help advocate against this bill. Here is the link with the details for the call to action if you would like to participate in opposing this bill: Legislative Call to Action
Chapter 491 Board Vacancies: The board for Chapter 491 has several vacancies despite multiple seasoned professionals applying. This backlog is delaying board-related tasks, including hearings for licensed professionals. The governor is responsible for appointing these positions, and Corrine plans to advocate for attention to this issue immediately after the current legislative session.
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