Arizona MFT Portability News
AAMFT and your AIN Leadership team have been working closely with the AZBBHE, legislative supports, and Arizona stakeholders to improve MFT license portability in Arizona. The final iteration of this advocacy push has led to our amendment on SB1062 which has now been signed into law!
To read the full law, you can go HERE
What does portability mean for MFTs in Arizona?
It means that any MFT moving to, or wanting to practice in, Arizona now only needs to have a substantially equivalent license in another state for one year to be able to obtain a similar Arizona license. Previously, licensees would have had to had a substantially equivalent license for three years before applying for, and possibly receiving, an Arizona equivalent license.
Not only does this improve MFT license portability, the wording of our bill supports all licensed disciplines! This is a big step in easing the ability of therapists to move to or practice in Arizona, thus, increasing access to care, decreasing gaps in employment, and strengthening the Arizona Mental Health Community.
How can AZ MFTs find out more information about portability efforts?
You can track all of AAMFT portability efforts across the US HERE
AZ BBHE Updates and Rule Making Process
AZBBHE is officially entering a rule-making phase! What does this mean for AZ MFTs and other licensed professionals? It means new rules are being proposed that will impact most, if not all, licensees in Arizona. As AZBBHE moves through the process, there will be opportunities for all licensees and public members to share feedback directly with AZBBHE which they will consider before finalizing their final proposed rule package.
Will any proposed rules impact MFTs?
While AIN is not privy to other proposed rule changes, AZBBHE did reach out to provide us with their proposal for changing requirements for R4-6-601 Curriculum requirements for MFTs. AIN reviewed the proposed changes, worked closely with all AZ based MFT degree programs, AAMFT, and AZBBHE to provide our official reply and stance to these changes.
The original AZBBHE proposal can be reviewed HERE and our official stance can be read HERE. AZBBHE has shared they have accepted our feedback and will be revising their proposal.
Additionally, it is important for all licensees to be aware that several new laws have passed this year which will impact state regulations. AZBBHE has released an official update on recently passed laws that all licensees should read (HERE).
What are the next steps for the rule-making process?
AIN is dedicated to being actively involved in the rule-making process and keeping all members up to date on proposed changes and the rule making process. Please continue to watch our website, social media pages, and subscribe to our emails for further updates. You can also share with AIN anonymous feedback on the proposed changes via this LINK HERE.
AIN leaders will be planning on attending open town halls (TBA) to provide additional feedback, support, and/or suggestions based on member feedback and new rules that may be proposed.
All licensees and public members have the same opportunity to provide feedback to AZBBHE regarding any and all proposed rule changes. As these avenues open up, AIN will send out all relevant information to members so that their voice can be heard.