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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Marc Gergely |
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House passes Gergely's bill to protect consumers
Would require license for social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors
HARRISBURG, March 9 – Continuing his efforts to protect the health and welfare of consumers, state Rep. Marc Gergely secured House passage today of his legislation that would require social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors to be licensed in Pennsylvania.
"Under current state law, it is an option for social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors to get their license to practice in Pennsylvania, but unlicensed individuals are not prevented from providing these services," Gergely said.
"Many people working in these professions have voluntarily gone through the licensing process and are providing a great service to individuals and their community. By requiring all of those providing these services to be licensed and setting a minimum standard of care, we will ensure that consumers are protected."
Gergely said the legislation, H.B. 1250, would make further updates to the existing law as follows:
· Reduce the hours of clinical experience required to qualify for the Marriage and Family Therapist or the Professional Counselor license from 3,600 to 3,000;
· Provide exemptions to the license requirement, including the person licensed or regulated under another Pennsylvania professional licensure law or state certification, a unlicensed psychologist under supervision of a licensed psychologist according to law, a member of another recognized profession such as clergy or a drug and alcohol abuse counselor, and a person employed by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision who provides such services as part of their job;
· Establish standards to determine if a group qualifies for a license exemption; and
· Require the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors to implement the new regulations within 18 months after the legislation takes effect.
Gergely's bill passed the House by a vote of 185-11. It now heads to the state Senate for consideration.