LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

2021 California Legislative Session

The 2021 legislative session will resume from summer recess on August 16, 2021. When the legislature returns, there will be a flurry of activity before they adjourn for the remainder of 2021. The Governor will have until October 10, 2021 to sign or veto bills.

Below is a brief update on CAMFT sponsored legislation.

AB 723 (Low) / SB 801 (Roth) – MFT Scope of Practice: CAMFT's bill, AB 723, has been amended into the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) Omnibus bill, SB 801. CAMFT's language accurately portrays the clinical skill set possessed by MFTs in California. This modernization does not expand the MFT scope but will help to demonstrate the work that MFTs do on a day-today-basis. The inclusion in SB 801 reflects the legislative consensus and lack of opposition to SB 723 throughout the process this year. SB 801 also includes a five-year extension for the BBS and additional technical changes. CAMFT supports SB 801.

CAMFT encourages all members to visit CAMFT's Legislative Action Page to learn about all the bills CAMFT follows, including in-depth descriptions, legislative analyses, and up-to-date status reports. You can also subscribe here to CAMFT's Action E-Lerts for CAMFT emails on key pieces of legislation. 

BBS UPDATE

The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is in the process of gathering information related to the practice of mental health services via telehealth and supervision via videoconferencing for associates, trainees, and interns pursuing LMFT, LPCC or LCSW licensure. 

They are seeking your feedback about these issues so that the BBS may gain insight about how practice will move forward AFTER the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, and will use this information when considering potential law changes.

There are four surveys. Please complete the one(s) that apply to you:

• Telehealth Survey for Associates click here 
• Telehealth Survey for Students (MFT or PCC Trainees or Social Work Interns in their master’s degree program) click here
• Telehealth Survey for Supervisors here
• Telehealth Survey for School Programs here

On August 6, 2021, the BBS Telehealth and the Policy and Advocacy Committee meetings will be held. All CAMFT members are encouraged to participate in BBS meetings. Due to COVID 19, all BBS Board and Committee meetings continue to be virtual. The meeting agendas can be found here, and links to join the meetings can be found in the meeting agendas.

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