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HD 4717

An Act establishing a board of registration of licensed mental health counselors

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Badger

HD 4717: An Act Establishing a Board of Registration for Licensed Mental Health Counselors Bill SummaryThis proposed bill aims to establish a new Board of Registration of Licensed

Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
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Bill Summary · HD 4717

HD 4717: An Act Establishing a Board of Registration for Licensed Mental Health Counselors

Bill Summary

This proposed bill aims to establish a new Board of Registration of Licensed Mental Health Counselors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The primary purpose of this board would be to oversee the licensing and regulation of mental health counselors practicing within the state.

Key Provisions

  • Creates a 9-member Board of Registration of Licensed Mental Health Counselors, appointed by the Governor, to regulate the practice of mental health counseling
  • Requires mental health counselors to be licensed by the board in order to practice legally in Massachusetts
  • Defines the education, training, and experience requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor
  • Grants the board authority to establish professional and ethical standards, investigate complaints, and discipline licensed counselors as needed
  • Mandates the board to maintain a public registry of all licensed mental health counselors
  • Sets application, licensure, and renewal fees to be determined by the board

Impact and Affected Parties

If passed, this bill would have several important effects:

  • Establishes a new regulatory framework for the mental health counseling profession in Massachusetts
  • Provides oversight and accountability for the practice of mental health counseling in the state
  • Aims to ensure a consistent standard of education, training, and ethical conduct for licensed mental health counselors
  • Gives consumers more transparency and information about the credentials of practicing mental health counselors
  • Impacts both current and future mental health counselors, who would need to meet the new licensing requirements

Timeline and Procedure

  • The bill was initially introduced in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on May 22, 2025
  • It has been reported out of committee and referred to the Joint Rules committee for further consideration
  • After clearing the Joint Rules committee, the bill was then referred to the Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery committee
  • If approved by this final committee, the bill would then proceed to a full vote in the House and potentially the Senate before being sent to the Governor for signature into law

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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