NEW MFT PROVIDERS FOR MEDI-CAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES   
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released BHIN 24-023, updating their policy to broaden the behavioral health workforce capable of delivering mental health and substance use disorder services across all settings and delivery systems.

Medi-Cal behavioral health delivery systems can now engage MFT trainees and MFT postgraduate candidates who have applied for associate registration with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) within 90 days of their degree award date. These individuals are eligible to provide designated Medi-Cal behavioral health services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Effective July 1, 2024, new rates will be implemented for Specialty Mental Health and Drug Medi-Cal Services provided to Medi-Cal beneficiaries. While the rate sheets do not specifically identify rates for clinical trainees, services provided by clinical trainees are paid at the same rate as those provided by licensed providers. The new rates are published on the DHCS website and supersede all previously established and posted rates.  

HEALTH CARE MINIMUM WAGE LAW IMPLEMENTATION DELAYED

Governor Newsom and legislative leaders have reached an agreement on the Budget Act of 2024, which includes implementing a minimum wage increase for healthcare workers. However, this agreement introduces two new mandates that must be met before the wage increase can take effect. These provisions were added to balance the state’s budget and ensure that implementation occurs when the state is financially prepared. As a result, the minimum wage increase will be delayed, taking effect as early as October but no later than January 1, 2025.

The initiation of the law's implementation hinges on the state's revenue from July to September.

At CAMFT, we are committed to keeping members informed about the law's status and providing resources as soon as they become available. If you have questions about how this law may impact you or your business, seek legal consultation with an employment/labor law attorney.

Providers who opted out of Medicare in error and are now facing consequences with employers or entities whom they are contracted with should be aware of the opportunity to submit provider enrollment reconsideration requests. 

Once a provider submits an opt-out affidavit, the provider has 90 days from the date of the initial opt out request to change their mind and enroll in Medicare. CMS’s Regional Office recently notified us that those who mistakenly opted out can submit a reconsideration request.   

A reconsideration request is an opportunity for a provider to furnish evidence that demonstrates that there was an error made at the time of the initial determination affecting participation in the Medicare Program. Noridian Health Care Solutions’ reconsideration request forms can be found here.   

Reconsideration request forms must be submitted within 65 days of the initial determination date to be considered. CMS has up to 90 days to issue a decision. 

We are thrilled to start the planning process for our next Annual CAMFT Advocacy Day in Sacramento! Building on the success of this year's Advocacy Event in March, where we engaged with numerous legislators to champion vital mental health initiatives, we are eager to make the upcoming event even more impactful.

Your input is invaluable in shaping this experience, ensuring it aligns with your priorities and enhances our advocacy efforts. To help achieve this, we've designed a brief Advocacy Day Survey. Your feedback will shape the event's framework, so please share your thoughts with us!

We at CAMFT encourage all members to attend BBS Board and Committee meetings, either in person or virtually, to better understand upcoming changes to your licensure path, supervision requirements, workforce development, etc. Click here to see upcoming meetings in 2024.   

In May 2024, the BBS voted to move towards accepting the national clinical exam for licensure in California. This is a significant first step forward for California-licensed MFTs to have better license portability and fewer hurdles to obtain federal employment. 

There will be many additional steps before any transition to the national exam is adopted or implemented. Rest assured, we are committed to providing you with information and support at every step along the way. Please visit the License Portability FAQ and the MFT National Exam FAQ pages to learn more about what these changes mean. We’ll be updating these pages regularly, so be sure to bookmark them! 

Rep. Julia Brownley has introduced HR 8165, a bill to increase the number of qualified Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in the Department of Veterans Affairs.   

The VA Marriage and Family Therapist Equity Act in HR 8165 aims to remove barriers for California MFTs working in the VA system by broadening accreditation requirements and providing clearer career paths.   

Please urge your elected officials to co-sponsor this crucial legislation. You may act now by filling out our call to action form to support this bill's progress through Congress. 

LOOKING FOR SUPERVISION?

Check out the directory of CAMFT Certified Supervisors! Our CAMFT Certified Supervisors have gone above and beyond the BBS requirements for supervision to complete the advanced training. Find a CAMFT Certified Supervisor.

PRE-LICENSE JOB SITES AND JOB OPENINGS

Use your membership login and password to get access to this directory that showcases job sites throughout California that pay Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and provide supervision for hours. Log in to view.

WELCOME NEW CEPA PROVIDERS

• Ascend Healthcare 
• Fresno Pacific University 
• Oak Forest Recovery Centers, Inc. 
• Mary Ann Fornes  
• Contra Costa County EHSD Children & Family Services Staff Development 
• Queer Works

WELCOME TO OUR NEW CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISORS 

• Tara Peterson 
• Kristopher David Mudd 
• Yvonne O’Brien 

Read more.   

NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE FOR THE CAMFT CERTIFIED SUPERVISOR PROGRAM! 

Click here to read more. 

SCHOLARSHIP/GRANTS—CAMFT GIVING AWAY FREE MONEY!* 
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 Black Friday in July! Enjoy $39 Website Hosting for your first 12 Months with TherapySites. 

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