BHEC Meeting - October 27, 2020
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) met on 10/27/2020 and took action on several items of importance for LPCs and all licensed behavioral health professionals in Texas. Below is a summary of the meeting. Click here to read TCA’s public testimony.
Meeting Notes from TCA, October 27, 2020
- Adopted rule changes proposed by the TSBEPC, including the change from LPC Intern to LPC Associate. Did not consider additional change requests from the Governor’s office and instead sent them to the TSBEPC for review at their next meeting on November 6, 2020. TCA will publish a summary of the additional rules changes adopted today that will take effect upon publication in the Texas Register.
- Reversed their action to change the Social Work rules to limit protections for certain classes of clients. They were able to do this because the revised Social Work rules have not yet been published in the Texas Register for final adoption.
- Directed staff to request an opinion from the Attorney General’s office as to why current language in both the BHEC and the licensing boards statutes would prevent the licensing boards from adopting and BHEC approving broad ethical codes of conduct.
- Discontinued printing and mailing of renewal permits. Licensees and others seeking confirmation of current license status will be directed to check the online system for updates on license status.
- Discussed process for reducing backlogs in both license applications and complaints. LPCs have the largest number (845) of pending complaints; social workers have the largest licensing backlog. Strategies to address backlogs include: recruiting volunteers (fully licensed) to help scan paper license application documents to expedite processing; discontinue review of SW clinical supervision plans; assign 4 of the 5 attorneys at BHEC to focus primarily on LPC complaints.
- BHEC meetings will be remote through January. Decisions for future meetings will be made at their January 12, 2021 meeting.