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SB 2399

Health Care - As introduced, redefines a licensed professional counselor as a limited practice professional counselor; redefines a licensed professional counselor with a designation as a mental health service provider as a licensed professional counselor; terminates the issuance of limited practice professional counselor licenses on July 1, 2028. - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Yarbro

Tennessee eliminates limited practice counselor licenses by 2028, reclassifying existing practitioners as full licensed professional counselors and consolidating mental health credentialing standards.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 2399

Legislative bill overview

SB 2399 restructures Tennessee's professional counselor licensing system by eliminating the "limited practice professional counselor" (LPPC) designation and reclassifying existing LPPCs as standard licensed professional counselors. The bill phases out new LPPC licenses entirely by July 1, 2028, while consolidating related mental health credential definitions across eight Tennessee statutory titles.

Why is this important

This change affects the counseling workforce and potentially alters service delivery standards. It may increase credential requirements for some practitioners, impact insurance reimbursement eligibility, and influence who can provide mental health services in Tennessee. The sunset provision creates a compliance deadline for LPPCs seeking to transition their credentials before the license category disappears.

Potential points of contention

  • Credential elevation: Existing LPPCs would be reclassified upward, potentially requiring additional education or training to meet full licensed professional counselor standards—or conversely, requiring different practice restrictions if standards aren't harmonized
  • Workforce disruption: The 2028 sunset creates urgency for current LPPC licensees to transition; unclear whether existing LPPCs automatically upgrade or must take specific actions, risking practice interruptions
  • Access and cost implications: Eliminating a lower-tier credential could reduce the number of qualified counselors available at lower cost, potentially affecting mental health service accessibility, particularly in rural areas

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

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