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 clear criteria for appointing individuals qualified to provide clinical supervision in this field. It emphasizes the need for therapists to be authorized to provide clinical supervision in their respective states or be designated as approved supervisors by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely lead to standardized and potentially higher qualifications for marriage and family therapists providing clinical supervision within the VHA. This could improve the quality of mental health services offered to veterans. The amendment ensures that therapists are appropriately credentialed and competent to supervise other professionals.
Potential Benefits
- Improved quality of mental health services for veterans through better-qualified supervisors.
- Standardized qualifications for marriage and family therapists within the VHA.
- Ensured adherence to professional standards for clinical supervision.
- Potential for enhanced training and development of therapists within the VHA.
- Greater accountability and oversight of mental health services provided to veterans.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential limitations on the pool of eligible therapists if the qualifications are too stringent.
- Possible increased administrative burden for verifying and maintaining therapist credentials.
- Potential costs associated with ensuring compliance with the new requirements.
- Possible delays in filling therapist positions due to stricter qualification requirements.
- May not address other systemic issues within the VHA that affect mental health service delivery.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve healthcare services for veterans. Specifically, it falls under Congress's power to provide for the common defense and general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).