Blogs

Iowa Senate Unanimously Passes MFT Portability Bill: Next Heads to Governor for Approval

By Portability AAMFT posted 4 days ago
Exciting news emerges from Iowa! The Senate unanimously approves our MFT bill, HF 2515 , marking a significant stride in improving access to mental healthcare for individuals and families across the state. We anticipate a positive outcome with the bill now on its way to the Governor's desk for final approval. Following the successful passage of MFT portability bills in Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee, we're optimistic about its swift enactment in Iowa. While we celebrate this milestone, we also remain actively engaging in the rules-making process. Our goal is to ensure that the rules don't inadvertently create unnecessary barriers, aligning with our mission ...

Tennessee MFT Licensure Portability Bill Signed into Law!

By Portability AAMFT posted 4 days ago
Governor Bill Lee recently signed Tennessee's MFT portability bill, SB 2399 , into law, marking a significant victory for the MFT profession in the state. This legislation promises to enhance opportunities and mobility for MFTs statewide. Following the heels of Maryland and Virginia, where similar bills were recently enacted, Tennessee's new law removes unnecessary barriers for MFTs. These changes benefit MFTs from various states, making obtaining licensure and exploring practice opportunities in different regions easier. Additionally, they promote collaboration among MFT professionals, enhancing access to mental health care for individuals and families nationwide. ...

Maryland MFT Licensure Portability Bill Signed into Law!

By Portability AAMFT posted 6 days ago
We're excited to share an incredible milestone: Governor Wes Moore has signed Maryland's MFT portability bills, HB 628 and SB 409 , into law. This achievement marks a significant step forward for Maryland, becoming the second state in the Access MFTs initiative to enact such groundbreaking legislation. The signing of these bills is a testament to the relentless advocacy efforts of many, including AAMFT, MetroMFT, and a coalition of supportive partners. This victory not only underscores the unity and resilience of the MFT community but also sets a precedent for future progress and advancement. This win holds immense significance, not just for Maryland ...

Virginia MFT Licensure Portability Bill Signed into Law!

By Portability AAMFT posted 11 days ago
In a triumph for the MFT profession, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed the Virginia MFT portability bill into law on April 4. This significant achievement marks the culmination of rigorous legislative work and underscores the dedication and collaborative efforts of stakeholders, advocates, and volunteers across the Commonwealth. The Virginia MFT portability bill, officially known as HB 329 , navigated through both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly with resounding support and unanimous passage in each stage of the legislative process. The bill demonstrated the widespread recognition of the importance of licensure portability in supporting ...

Illinois Licensure Portability House Bill Passes Committee Hearing, Awaits Full Vote on House Floor

By Portability AAMFT posted 12 days ago
We're thrilled to share a positive update on Illinois House Bill 5246 and its recent journey through the Health Care Licenses Committee. HB 5246 passed unanimously during the committee hearing, marking a significant stride in our mission to enhance mobility and accessibility within the MFT profession and address shortages of quality mental health clinicians. With the bill advancing to a vote on the full House floor, we're one step closer to realizing our vision of addressing mental health care disparities and recognizing the valuable contributions of MFTs in providing holistic therapy. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to this milestone. ...

AAMFT Licensure Portability Language Successfully Amended onto Arizona Bill

By Portability AAMFT posted 13 days ago
We have exciting news regarding the progress of our portability bill in Arizona! Our portability language was successfully amended onto Senate Bill 1062 , marking a significant step forward. Following the amendment, it swiftly passed through its Committee of the Whole hearing; the bill proceeded to the House floor, where it received a favorable vote. With this positive momentum, the bill is now set to return to the Senate for a confirmation vote. We are hopeful for a smooth process and anticipate it making its way to the Governor's desk for signature. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our mission to enhance licensure portability for MFTs ...

Georgia Licensure Portability Bill Clears Senate Confirmation Vote, Moves on to Governor's Office

By Portability AAMFT posted 18 days ago
We received exciting news late last night as SB 373 passed its Georgia Senate confirmation vote! This significant milestone marks a testament to the swift and collaborative efforts of all involved. With its passage through the Senate confirmation vote, SB 373 now heads to the Governor's desk for signature, marking the final step towards becoming law. We remain hopeful for the Governor's support and signature, knowing that SB 373 will make a tangible difference in not only the MFT profession but, more importantly, make a difference in the lives of countless Georgians in need of mental health services Your voice has been instrumental in shaping the future ...

Maryland Senate Licensure Portability Bill Passes Both Chambers, Heads To Governor's Desk

By Portability AAMFT posted 19 days ago
We're thrilled to announce another significant milestone in Phase 1 of the Access MFTs initiative. Senate Bill 409 , championing licensure portability for MFTs, has successfully navigated through every stage of the legislative process and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for final approval. This achievement reflects the dedication and collaborative efforts of our advocacy network and stakeholders. Who’ve worked tirelessly to advance the cause of MFT licensure portability, and this success is a testament to our collective commitment. But the momentum doesn't stop there. SB 409’s companion, House Bill 628 , is also making swift progress, moving through ...

Tennessee Senate Licensure Portability Bill Passes Both Chambers, Looks Forward to Governors Signature

By Portability AAMFT posted 20 days ago
Exciting news emerges from Tennessee as our efforts to improve mental health care access reach a significant milestone. SB 2399 has successfully passed the Tennessee House with unanimous support, indicating bipartisan endorsement for advancing mental health initiatives in Tennessee. With this success, SB 2399 now heads toward the Governor for final approval, bringing us closer to enacting this crucial legislation to improve access to mental health care and address the shortage of mental health professionals in Tennessee. As we celebrate this milestone, join us as we continue advocating for policies that advance the profession and enhance mental health ...

Georgia Licensure Portability Bill Passes Both Chamber Unanimously

By Portability AAMFT posted 25 days ago
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our legislative journey. SB 373 , our crucial bill aimed at enhancing mental health access in Georgia, has cleared another crucial hurdle by passing the House of Representatives unanimously! This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our advocates, supporters, and legislators who have championed this cause. The unanimous support from the House and earlier the Senate underscores the importance of SB 373 in addressing critical mental health issues and improving the lives of individuals and families in Georgia. With SB 373's successful passage in the House, it will return to the ...

Maryland Licensure Portability Senate Bill Clears House Committee: Full Floor Vote and Governor's Desk Ahead

By Portability AAMFT posted 25 days ago
Exciting news for MFTs in Maryland! Our Senate licensure portability bill, SB 409 , has cleared its committee hearing with the House Health and Government Occupations Committee, marking significant progress in our efforts regarding licensure portability. With the Senate bill heading to the House floor for final votes, we anticipate swift momentum toward securing its approval and eventual enactment by the Governor. This progress underscores the widespread recognition of the importance of licensure portability in empowering MFT professionals to serve individuals and families effectively across jurisdictions. As we approach the final stages of the legislative ...

AAMFT Licensure Portability Language Incorporated in Kentucky Bill

By Portability AAMFT posted 03-14-2024
In a significant development for MFTs in Kentucky, HB 766 was amended to incorporate AAMFT licensure portability language. Notably, the bill unanimously passed out of the House Health Committee, marking a pivotal moment for MFTs across the state. This milestone underscores the commitment of Kentucky legislators to enhancing access to mental health services statewide. We sincerely thank Chairwoman Kimberly Moore for her leadership and advocacy in including AAMFT's portability language in HB 766. Furthermore, we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the dedicated volunteer who testified in support of AAMFT's portability language. Their advocacy played ...

Georgia Access MFTs Bill Unanimously Passes House Committee

By Portability AAMFT posted 03-14-2024
We are thrilled to share exciting news regarding the progress of GA SB 373 ! SB 373 has recently advanced to the House Rules Committee, marking a significant step forward in our mission to improve mental health access in Georgia. With the bill now poised for a House floor vote in the near future, momentum is building behind our cause. We thank all our supporters and advocates whose unwavering dedication has brought us to this pivotal moment. Your continued engagement and support are essential as we work towards achieving our goals. Stay tuned for further updates and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can drive positive change and ensure greater ...

Access MFTs Bill Progress Through Tennessee Senate and House

By Portability AAMFT posted 03-14-2024
Exciting developments unfold in Tennessee as our efforts to enhance mental health care access continue to gain traction. SB 2399 , after a successful Senate vote. With this milestone achieved, the bill is poised to crossover to the House for further consideration. In parallel, HB 2296 follows a similar trajectory, having passed the House Health Committee unanimously. As it progresses, the bill will be scheduled for a full House vote soon. The unanimous support garnered in the Senate as well as the House Health Committee underscores the bipartisan commitment to prioritizing mental health and well-being in Tennessee. Looking ahead, our focus shifts to the ...

Tennessee Access MFTs Bill Unanimously Passes Senate Committee & House Subcomittee

By Portability AAMFT posted 03-07-2024
Exciting news emerged as our legislative efforts in Tennessee gained significant momentum. Both Senate Bill (SB 2399 ) and House Bill ( HB 2296 ), aimed at enhancing mental health services, have successfully passed their respective committee hearings. In a notable achievement, SB 2399 sailed through the Senate Health and Welfare Committee with unanimous support. The bill now progresses to the Senate Select Calendar Committee, where it will be scheduled for a full floor vote. Similarly, HB 2296 received unanimous approval in the House Health Subcommittee, marking a crucial milestone. The bill now advances to the full House Health Committee for a decisive vote. ...

Maryland Access MFTs Bills Pass Respective Legislative Chambers - Awaits Crossover

By Portability AAMFT posted 02-28-2024
In a significant stride forward for the MFT profession, Maryland has achieved a pivotal victory in pursuing licensure portability. With the successful passage of our cross-filed licensure portability bills through their respective chambers of the Maryland General Assembly, the state is poised to set a new precedent for supporting MFT professionals. The House bill ( HB 628 ) garnered unanimous support in its committee and full floor votes, showcasing widespread recognition of its importance. Meanwhile, the Senate bill ( SB 409 ), though it faced partisan divides, passed successfully. Now, as both bills transition to their opposite chambers, we anticipate swift ...

Virginia Access MFTs Bill Unanimously Passes Both Legislative Chambers

By Portability AAMFT posted 02-27-2024
Virginia has taken a decisive step toward licensure portability in a landmark victory for the MFT profession. The Virginia MFT portability bill, HB 329 , has navigated through both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly with resounding support, passing unanimously in each stage of the legislative process. This significant achievement underscores stakeholders' dedication and collaborative efforts, including volunteers, the Virginia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and esteemed bill sponsor, Delegate Mark Sickles. Their unwavering commitment has propelled the bill through the rigorous scrutiny of legislative committees and subcommittees. With ...

Access MFTs Passes Unanimously Through Iowa House of Representatives

By Portability AAMFT posted 02-22-2024
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to champion the cause of MFTs and advocate for their professional growth nationwide. In a victory for mental health care accessibility, our MFT licensure portability bill, HF 2515 , has unanimously passed the Iowa House of Representatives, propelling it forward to the Senate for consideration. Championed by Representative Joel Fry, this legislation seeks to simplify licensure processes MFTs from other states, enhancing access to crucial mental health services across Iowa. The unanimous support in the Iowa House underscores bipartisan recognition of the critical need to address the shortage of mental health ...

Virginia Access MFTs Bill Unanimously Passes Senate Subcomittee

By Portability AAMFT posted 02-15-2024
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey toward achieving licensure portability for MFTs in Virginia. The Senate Education and Health Committee last weekhas unanimously passed our bill, bringing us closer to making MFT practice more flexible and accessible across state lines. This remarkable achievement reflects our diverse team's dedication and advocacy efforts, including our dedicated volunteers, the Virginia Association for Marriage and Family Therapists, our esteemed bill sponsor, and several other engaged stakeholders. Their collective support underscores the widespread commitment to enhancing MFT licensure regulations. With the ...

Access MFTs Bills Filed in Iowa

By Portability AAMFT posted 02-14-2024
Exciting news, on February 14th, Representative Joel Fry introduced the Access MFTs bill in the Iowa House of Representatives, HF 2515 . This significant development aims to simplify licensure processes for MFTs from other states, bolstering access to essential mental health services across the state. By streamlining licensure procedures, this bill supports MFTs seeking to broaden their professional horizons and ensures that individuals and families throughout Iowa have access to the care they need. While this bill marks a crucial advancement, it's important to note that the AAMFT continues to work diligently to implement rule changes surrounding licensure ...