September 7, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation extending his Disaster Declaration through October 7th for all Texas counties in response to COVID-19. Originally issued on March 13th, the Disaster Declaration provides the state a variety of resources to effectively serve Texans as the Lone Star State continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
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August 12, 2020
Gov. Greg Abbott and HHSC today announced that the federal government has further extended the deadline to apply for the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. The deadline has now been extended to Aug. 28, 2020, for Medicaid and CHIP providers as the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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August 8, 2020
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) extended the requirement that insurers licensed in Texas cover telemedicine services, including mental health visits, at the same rate as in-person visits through September 12, 2020. . An emergency rule in place since March helps doctors across Texas treat their patients and limit the spread of COVID-19.
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Governor Greg Abbott extended the Disaster Declaration he issued in March through September 12, 2020. Disaster declarations must be renewed every 30 days. Any rules or statutes that impede the state’s ability to effectively respond and deliver needed services during a disaster are suspended. During a disaster, professional counselors licensed in other states may deliver services to clients located in Texas due to the pandemic, do not need to seek licensure in Texas.
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June 4, 2020
In response to COVID-19, the Council on Sex Offender Treatment convened an emergency meeting and adopted emergency amendment to Council Rules found in Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, §810.4 that removes from paragraph (7) the six-hour limit on the number of online continuing education hours a licensee may accrue toward renewal requirements during a renewal period.
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March 26, 2020
To clarify the expectations of the LPC board during this time of emergency declaration by the Governor, University counseling programs are encouraged to help LPC practicum students, due to graduate this semester, attain the direct contact hours needed by using electronic forms of therapy if needed.
March 18, 2020
Governor Greg Abbott waived certain regulations and directed the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to issue an emergency rule to help doctors across Texas continue to treat their patients while mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
March 18, 2020
Governor Abbott announced on March 17th adoption of an emergency rule governing telemedicine and telehealth services provided by health professionals specifically including mental health professionals to reduce barriers to accessing services as a result of the Corona Virus pandemic.
March 17, 2020
Office of Civil Rights, US HHS announces it will waive penalties for HIPAA violations against health care providers including mental health who in good faith use any telehealth treatment or diagnostic purpose whether or not the telehealth service is directly related to COVID-19.
March 16, 2020
TCA President Mike Moyer sent a letter to Governor Abbott requesting that a directive be issued to insurance companies in Texas to waive requirements for additional training and specified platforms for the delivery of telehealth, and to reimburse mental health professionals working with clients via telehealth at the same rate as face-to-face visits.
TCA Executive Director, Jan Friese also signed onto a message to Governor Abbott in partnership with NASW-TX, TAMFT and TPA, making a similar request.