H.R. 658: To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish qualifications for the appointment of a person as a marriage and family therapist, qualified to provide clinical supervision, in the Veterans Health Administration.

This bill proposes changes to the qualifications needed for someone to be appointed as a marriage and family therapist in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Specifically, it seeks to amend existing laws to establish clear requirements for these positions.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• The bill modifies current regulations in title 38 of the United States Code.
• It introduces a requirement that a person must meet specified qualifications to be appointed as a marriage and family therapist.
• In particular, the new qualifications include two main criteria:
  • First, the individual must have qualifications that are set forth in a previous subparagraph.
  • Second, the individual must have the authority to provide clinical supervision in the relevant state or be recognized as an approved supervisor by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Implications for the Veterans Health Administration

By specifying the qualifications for marriage and family therapists, the bill aims to ensure that those providing clinical supervision within the VHA are properly qualified. This may enhance the quality of mental health care available to veterans, as only individuals meeting the defined standards would be eligible for supervisory roles.

Expected Oversight

The proposed qualifications will likely require enforcement and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance among appointed therapists. The bill may include provisions for periodic reviews or updates to the qualification standards in response to changing practices or needs within the field.

Duration and Impact Assessment

As with many legislative changes, the implementation of this bill could result in transitional challenges, particularly for those currently in supervisory roles who may not meet the new qualifications. It would be expected that a timeframe for compliance would be established, as well as a process to evaluate the impact of these changes on the availability and quality of mental health services for veterans.

Relevant Companies

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