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SB 2585

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 Ed Jackson

Standardizes terminology for marriage and family therapists across eight Tennessee Code sections to replace "marital and family therapists" references for regulatory consistency.

Pub. Ch. 737
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Bill Summary · SB 2585

Legislative bill overview

SB 2585 standardizes terminology throughout Tennessee law by changing references from "marital and family therapists" to "marriage and family therapists" and makes related conforming changes across eight Tennessee Code Annotated titles. The bill affects licensing, regulation, and administrative references to this mental health profession across multiple state statutes.

Why is this important

Terminology consistency in state law prevents confusion in licensing enforcement, professional regulation, and legal proceedings. This clarification ensures that therapists, regulatory boards, and the public have a unified understanding of professional titles and requirements across different sections of Tennessee code that reference this occupation.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of changes: While presented as terminology clarification, the amendment across eight separate titles raises questions about whether substantive regulatory changes are being introduced alongside terminology shifts
  • Implementation burden: Licensing boards and practitioners must update forms, credentials, and compliance procedures to reflect the new terminology, requiring administrative resources
  • Retroactive application: Unclear whether existing licenses and credentials under the old terminology require immediate updating or if a transition period exists

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

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