Virginia Association of Clinical Counselors

House of Representatives Passes Counselor TRICARE Legislation PDF Print E-mail
On Thursday, May 11, the House of Representatives passed the FY 2007 National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 390-39. Included in the bill, which authorizes spending for all Defense-related programs, is a provision sponsored by Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC) granting independent practice authority to licensed mental health counselors practicing under TRICARE.  Under current TRICARE rules, licensed mental health counselors are the only mental health professionals required to have physician referral and supervision. 
 

The Senate has not considered their version of the defense authorization bill, which does not yet include a counselor practice authority provision. The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) are working together to find a sponsor to introduce an amendment during Senate consideration of the bill. The Senate is expected to consider their version of a defense bill following the Memorial Day recess. We will send you additional information about what grassroots actions will be necessary for passage of an amendment.

Barring an amendment offered during Senate consideration, we will work with members of a House-Senate conference committee who will be appointed following Senate action.
 
Our success in gaining passage of independent practice authority in the House is due in large part to grassroots support.  Although there is still much work to be done before the legislation is enacted, we are very grateful to the many counselors nationwide who called and wrote their members of Congress in support of our efforts.
 
If you need additional information about these efforts, please contact Beth Powell with AMHCA at 800-326-2642, ext. 105 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Brian Altman at ACA at 800-347-6647, ext. 242 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Kristi McCaskill of NBCC can be reached at 336-547-0607, ext. 3109 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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