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Bill Summary · HB 1187

Summary of House Bill 1187

Bill Number: HB 1187
Title: Relating to Procurement
Status: Senate Conferees Appointed: McKelvey Chair; Moriwaki Co-Chair; Fevella
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Licensure by Endorsement for Marriage and Family Therapists

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1187 aims to authorize a licensure by endorsement for marriage and family therapists in the state of Arkansas. This legislation is designed to streamline the process for qualified therapists from other states to obtain licensure in Arkansas, thereby enhancing the availability of mental health services within the state.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant provisions:

  • Reciprocity for Licensure: The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling is granted the discretion to waive formal examination requirements for candidates who are already licensed or certified in another state, provided that the standards in the candidate's state are comparable to those in Arkansas.

  • Criteria for Licensure by Endorsement: To qualify for licensure by endorsement, applicants must:

    1. Submit documentation proving their license from another state is in good standing.
    2. Not have any disqualifying criminal offenses as outlined in § 17-3-102 or related state laws.
    3. Have no pending complaints, allegations, or investigations in any jurisdiction.

Impact

This bill is expected to impact:

  • Marriage and Family Therapists: The primary beneficiaries will be licensed marriage and family therapists from other states who wish to practice in Arkansas. The streamlined process may encourage more professionals to relocate to Arkansas, thus addressing potential shortages in mental health services.

  • State Agencies: The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling will have increased responsibilities in evaluating out-of-state licenses and ensuring compliance with Arkansas standards.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 22, 2025: Bill introduced and passed first reading.
  • February 11, 2025: Passed second reading as amended and referred to the Finance Committee.
  • April 14, 2025: Bill passed third reading in both the House and Senate.
  • April 17, 2025: Notification that HB 1187 is now Act 858.

The bill has undergone several amendments and has been discussed in various committees, reflecting a thorough legislative process aimed at ensuring its effectiveness and alignment with state standards.

Conclusion

House Bill 1187 represents a significant step towards improving the accessibility of mental health services in Arkansas by facilitating the licensure of qualified marriage and family therapists from other states. By establishing clear criteria for licensure by endorsement, the bill aims to enhance the state's mental health workforce and support the well-being of its residents.

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

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