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AB 163

Relating to: redeterminations of eligibility for the Medical Assistance program and database confirmation for public assistance program eligibility. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Allen and 7 co-sponsors

Nevada joins the Counseling Compact to allow out-of-state LPCs to practice in NV (in person or telehealth) if criteria are met, expanding access and licensure portability.

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Bill Summary · AB 163

AB 163 — Enters into the Counseling Compact (BDR 54-129)

Status: Chapter 461 (enacted). Governor approved June 10, 2025; chaptered June 11, 2025.

Purpose / Intent

AB 163 ratifies Nevada’s participation in the interstate Counseling Compact. The Compact is designed to facilitate interstate practice by Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), expand access to counseling services (including via telehealth), support continuity of care and military spouse mobility, and provide a coordinated system for licensure, information-sharing, and regulatory cooperation among member states.

Key provisions

  • Ratifies and enters Nevada into the Counseling Compact in substantially the form adopted nationally.
  • Authorizes LPCs licensed in another Compact member state to practice in Nevada (in-person or via telehealth) if they meet Compact criteria, including (among other requirements):
    • Hold a license in a Compact member “home state”
    • Have a valid Social Security number or National Provider Identifier
    • Notify the Counseling Compact Commission when seeking to practice in another member state
    • No licensure encumbrances/restrictions in the prior 2 years
    • Pay applicable fees and meet continuing education requirements
    • Meet any member-state requirement to pass an assessment of that state’s laws/rules
    • Timely report adverse actions from non-member states
  • Establishes/recognizes the Counseling Compact Commission (a joint public agency of member states) with powers to adopt rules, create bylaws, run a coordinated database and reporting system, levy annual assessments on member states, and resolve disputes.
  • Authorizes Nevada’s Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors to share required investigatory/licensure information with the Commission and its database, and provides confidentiality protections for database information consistent with the Compact.
  • Deems practice under the Compact equivalent to practicing as a Nevada clinical professional counselor for legal/regulatory purposes.
  • Maintains a two‑thirds legislative vote requirement for final passage (procedural note included in amendment history).

Who is affected

  • Licensed Professional Counselors licensed in Compact member states (who may gain authorization to practice in Nevada under Compact rules).
  • Nevada patients (potentially increased access to counselors, especially via telehealth and in underserved/rural areas).
  • Nevada regulatory entities (Board of Examiners) and state government (participation in the Commission, possible assessments).
  • Military families and spouses (improved licensure portability and continuity).

Procedural / Timeline highlights

  • Prefiled Jan. 31, 2025; passed Assembly (third reading) March 20, 2025 (Ayes 53, Noes 17).
  • Passed Senate (third reading) June 2, 2025 (Yeas 21, Nays none); enrolled June 6; approved by Governor June 10; chaptered June 11, 2025 as Chapter 461.
  • Amendment No. 826 (Ways & Means) retained the two‑thirds requirement.

Fiscal and practical impacts

  • Fiscal note: “Effect on the State: Yes.” The Commission is authorized to levy annual assessments on member states; Nevada may incur administrative costs associated with Commission membership and database participation. No direct local government effect was identified.
  • Regulatory impact: member states retain disciplinary authority over practitioners practicing within their borders; Compact arrangement centralizes information-sharing about licensure and adverse actions.

Stakeholder views / notable issues

  • Broad support from provider groups, military (DoD letter), patient advocacy groups, and Nevada Board of Examiners (Board supports joining but requests adoption of a Nevada jurisprudence exam for incoming Compact practitioners).
  • Some organizations (e.g., CACREP) urged protections for professional identity and education standards, warning the Compact’s deference to state definitions of “counselor” could allow practitioners with non-counseling academic backgrounds to participate if states’ licensure rules permit it.
  • Provider letters also raised state-specific concerns (e.g., Nevada statutory restrictions on certain testing by counselors), urging alignment of state practice scope with Compact participation to attract incoming providers.

This summary highlights the principal elements and potential effects of AB 163. For full statutory language and rule details, consult the enacted chapter and the Counseling Compact text as adopted by the Commission.

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

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