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HB 1917

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 Bob Freeman

Tennessee consolidates counselor licensing categories, phasing out "limited practice professional counselor" licenses by July 2028 and reclassifying holders into the standard licensed professional counselor designation.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1917

Legislative bill overview

HB 1917 restructures Tennessee's professional counselor licensing system by eliminating the "limited practice professional counselor" category and reclassifying those licensees as "licensed professional counselors with mental health service provider designations." The bill phases out issuance of new limited practice licenses, with a complete termination date of July 1, 2028.

Why is this important

This change affects workforce regulations for mental health professionals in Tennessee, potentially impacting licensing requirements, scope of practice, insurance reimbursement, and job opportunities for current and future counselors. The restructuring also requires amendments across eight Tennessee Code Annotated titles, suggesting broad implications for healthcare regulation, insurance, and employment law.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice changes: The reclassification may expand or restrict what services limited practice counselors can currently provide, affecting their marketability and career trajectories
  • Transition burden: Current limited practice licensees face uncertainty during the 2-year phase-out period regarding credential recognition, continuing education requirements, and whether they must upgrade licenses
  • Implementation complexity: Coordinating changes across eight different TCA titles creates substantial regulatory, administrative, and compliance challenges for licensing boards, employers, and insurance companies

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

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