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HB 1909

Medical Occupations - As enacted, changes references to marital and family therapists to marriage and family therapists throughout the code, and makes other changes relative to marriage and family therapists. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 8, Chapter 50; Title 33; Title 36; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Gary Hicks

Bill standardizes Tennessee legal terminology by renaming "marital and family therapists" to "marriage and family therapists" across eight state code titles for regulatory consistency.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 737
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Bill Summary · HB 1909

Legislative bill overview

HB 1909 standardizes terminology throughout Tennessee state code by replacing "marital and family therapists" with the more widely recognized term "marriage and family therapists." The bill makes corresponding nomenclature changes across eight different titles of the Tennessee Code Annotated, affecting licensing, regulation, and professional standards.

Why is this important

Terminology consistency in state law ensures clarity for licensing boards, healthcare providers, employers, and the public when referencing qualified mental health professionals. Aligning Tennessee's terminology with national professional standards (the field is formally known as Marriage and Family Therapy) reduces confusion and may improve regulatory efficiency and interstate professional recognition.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice concerns: Changes to professional titles can inadvertently alter or clarify scope-of-practice boundaries; stakeholders may dispute whether terminology changes carry regulatory implications beyond nomenclature
  • Implementation consistency: Amending eight separate code titles creates risk of uneven application or missed references elsewhere in the code
  • Professional identity: Some practitioners or organizations may have established professional identities or reputations under the existing terminology and could resist rebranding

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

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