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. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 658 aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code, specifically concerning the qualifications for marriage and family therapists within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The bill focuses on establishing criteria for those qualified to provide clinical supervision. It mandates that individuals meet existing qualifications and either be authorized to provide clinical supervision in their state or be designated as an approved supervisor by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely standardize and potentially raise the qualifications for marriage and family therapists providing clinical supervision within the VHA. This could lead to improved quality of care for veterans seeking mental health services. The bill ensures that supervisors are properly credentialed and recognized by either state authorities or a national professional organization.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Quality of Care: Veterans receiving mental health services from the VHA may benefit from higher standards of clinical supervision.
- Standardized Qualifications: Establishes clear and consistent qualifications for marriage and family therapists providing supervision.
- Professional Recognition: Acknowledges the expertise of supervisors approved by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
- Enhanced Accountability: Ensures that supervisors meet specific criteria, promoting accountability within the VHA.
- Better Mental Health Outcomes: By improving the quality of supervision, the bill could lead to better mental health outcomes for veterans.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Shortage of Qualified Supervisors: Raising the qualifications could initially lead to a shortage of eligible supervisors.
- Increased Costs: The VHA might incur additional costs to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
- Administrative Burden: Implementing and monitoring the new qualifications may create an additional administrative burden.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses marriage and family therapists, potentially overlooking other mental health professionals.
- Possible Geographic Disparities: States with less stringent licensing requirements may face challenges in meeting the new federal standards.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble), as it aims to improve the health and well-being of veterans. Congress has the authority to legislate for the armed forces and provide for their healthcare under Article I, Section 8. The establishment of qualifications for healthcare professionals within the VHA falls under this purview. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).