TAMFT Legislative Update: BHEC Requests Attorney General Clarification on Authority to Adopt Code of Conduct Rules

By way of a quick update on an important action taken late Monday by the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), please see the anticipated Attorney General’s opinion request linked here, seeking legal clarification in connection with proposed rules changes to a social worker’s “Code of Conduct” affecting their anti-discrimination rules as promulgated by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners alongside their licensure statute.

BHEC Votes to Restore Anti-Discrimination Language in 

Social Worker Code of Conduct 

TAMFT Statement on Recent Changes to Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners' Code of Conduct

TAMFT has taken note of the proposed changes approved by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners, in connection with certain anti-discriminatory provisions contained in their code of conduct. While we appreciate the gravity of this issue facing licensed social workers in Texas, we wanted to express our thoughts on the matter to help inform our members:

TSBEMFT OCTOBER 2020 UPDATE

On Wednesday, October 21, Governor Abbott's office officially announced the appointment of three new members to the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, which licenses and regulates marriage and family therapists in Texas.

TSBEMFT Update: TSBEMFT Transfer to BHEC and Impact on August Renewals and Current and Future Applicants

TAMFT recently received the following update from TSBEMFT. Please take note of this important information.

Legislative Update: TDI Extends Telemedicine Emergency Rule Into September

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is extending a requirement that insurers cover telemedicine services, including mental health visits, at the same rate as in-person visits. An emergency rule in place since March helps doctors across Texas treat their patients and limit the spread of COVID-19.

BHEC Releases Non-Discrimination Statement

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council recently released a non-discrimination statement, shared below:

We See You: A Letter From President Linda Metcalf

Dear TAMFT Members and Friends, 

TAMFT Announces Attorney Partnership as a New Members-Only Benefit!

TAMFT is excited to announce a partnership with Texas-based attorney Kenda Dalrymple, of Dalrymple, Shellhorse, Ellis & Diamond, LLP, to provide TAMFT members with answers to frequently asked legal and ethical questions and the opportunity to consult with an attorney who understands Texas law and regulations when needed. 

TSBEMFT REPORTS REDUCED STAFFING, SUSPENDS TELEPHONE ACCESS

TAMFT has received the following update from TSBEMFT to share with our members:

"Due to the response to the COVID-19 outbreak we are operating with significantly reduced staff. As a result we have been forced to suspend telephone access. This is being done so the remaining staff can devote their time strictly to processing license applications. Given the rapidly changing circumstances we cannot provide an estimate for the resumption of access to staff by telephone."

TSBEMFT can still be reached via email at the following addresses:

HIPAA & TELETHERAPY UPDATES

HHS Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications During the COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for enforcing certain regulations issued under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, to protect the privacy and security of protected health information, namely the HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules (the HIPAA Rules). 

A Letter From TAMFT: Licensure Test Dates Rescheduled & Teletherapy Updates

Dear TAMFT members and Friends,

Emergency Rule for Telemedicine Announced by Governor Abbott

Governor Abbott announced on March 17 adoption of an emergency rule governing telemedicine and telehealth services provided by health professionals—specifically including mental health professionals—to reduce barriers to accessing services as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Abbott directed the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to issue an emergency rule to help improve access to care, while mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

TAMFT and TSBEMFT Ask Governor Abbott for Help With Coronavirus

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists requires MFTs to have 15 hours of training to perform teletherapy. TSBEMFT has informed TAMFT that it has petitioned the Governor's Office for a suspension of the rules related to training requirements and waits for Governor Abbott's approval.

TAKING CARE OF FAMILIES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS: A LETTER FROM TAMFT'S PRESIDENT

Dear Texas Marriage and Family Therapists,

The TAMFT Membership Committee is excited to share the full schedule of 2020 TAMFT Member Meet-Ups. All Meet-Ups will be held online and are free to TAMFT members. Member Meet-Ups provide 1 hour of CEU credit to TAMFT members. TAMFT will share sign up details and other information with members prior to each event. All Meet-Ups take place from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. CST. Mark your calendars for the following dates!

Member Benefit News: TAMFT Now Partnered With Northcentral University!

In TAMFT’s mission of advancement and promotion of marriage and family therapy in Texas, we look to partner with organizations who share this same goal. We are excited to share our newest partnership with Northcentral University.