House Bill 361 was filed with the house and senate to change the Register Intern title to Registered Associate. Progress has been made in addressing minor issues, including securing a co-sponsor and responding to Representative Robbie Brackett in District 34 regarding a letter of concern opposing the change. The letter that was sent to Rep Brackett is provided below these updates for your review.
The GRC will visit Tallahassee for “Legislative Days” at the end of March to educate and answer questions from legislatures about the bill in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. You can track the progress of this bill HERE.
GRC held a live meeting at the FMHCA to provide members an opportunity to observe the meeting process and ask questions about participation.
Letter to Rep Brackett:
Kristin Woodling, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
1360 S Patrick Dr #9, Satellite Beach, FL 32937
Brevard County, FL
02/25/2025
The Honorable Representative Brackett
1800 27th Street
Suite B2-203
Vero Beach, FL 32960-0310
Dear Representative Brackett,
I am writing to you as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor practicing in Brevard County regarding House Bill 361. It has come to my attention that you may have received some misinformed concerns about this important legislation. I would like to offer clarification on these points and respectfully urge your continued support of this bill.
HB 361 proposes two straightforward changes to our current system: (1) changing the title “registered intern” to “registered associate” for mental health professionals completing their supervised practice requirements, and (2) removing the requirement for a licensed professional to be physically “on the premises” during clinical service provision. I would like to address several misconceptions about these changes:
First, this bill does not alter the rigorous training requirements for those seeking licensure. The 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy and 100 hours of supervision would remain fully intact. The legislation simply updates terminology to better align with national standards and removes an unnecessarily restrictive physical presence requirement.
Regarding concerns about public confusion, the term “associate” actually provides greater clarity than “intern.” The public generally associates “intern” with college students, whereas “associate” more accurately reflects the professional standing of these master’s-level clinicians who have completed their academic training and are working under supervision. This terminology is already the standard in 16 states, while only 4 states use “intern.” The term “associate” appropriately denotes a professional with a subordinate status in the professional hierarchy.
The bill maintains clear differentiation between mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists. Each profession would simply replace “intern” with “associate” in their titles, preserving the distinct professional identities.
Importantly, this legislation does not expand scope of practice. Registered associates, like registered interns currently, would not have authority to initiate Baker Acts. This function remains exclusively with licensed professionals. Similarly, the bill makes no changes to supervision requirements for managing clinical situations such as psychotic episodes or crisis intervention.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor working directly in this field, I can attest that these changes would improve professional clarity without compromising clinical standards or public safety. The bill represents a thoughtful modernization of our professional titles that aligns with national trends while maintaining Florida’s commitment to high-quality mental health care.
I respectfully request your continued support of HB 361 and am available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about this legislation. I may be reached directly at 321-543-2087 or via email at kristin@pamperyourmind.com.
Sincerely,
Kristin Woodling, MA
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
MH#9900
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