Public Policy & Legislation

ACA is working on a number of different federal ACApolicy issues to advance the profession and better serve clients. Your help is needed!  For more information on the issues we are following and ACA's advocacy efforts, e-mail the Public Policy department at publicpolicy@counseling.org.
ICA Legislation and Public Policy ChairAmy Jones is the Idaho Counseling Association's Public Policy and Legislation Committee Chair.  She is working on a number of state policy issues and represents Counselors across Idaho.
Current News
Licensure Board Meeting - October 29, 2012

The Idaho Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists met on October 29th and 30th for their regular quarterly meeting. Three members of ICA’s Public Policy Committee were present to learn and advocate for the membership.  Here are some highlights…

Sanctions, up to suspension of a license, continue to be given to counselors and therapists who do not properly fulfill CEU requirements and who break clinical boundaries with clients. The type of actions that receive the severest consequences are in the area of sexual contact with current or former clients, not disclosing conflicts of interest, not providing a client’s file when asked and not following through on promises made to clients with regards to transitioning clients when closing a practice.

Another issue the board is addressing is how to ensure that clinical supervisors are properly arranging and documenting the hours of supervision.  Supervisors should have a contract in place for their supervisee’s as well as a system to document that the supervision sessions are addressing critical areas of clinical competence for supervisees.

The Board also wants feedback from therapists on the topic of distance counseling as it works on formulating guidelines. Contact the Licensing Board or the Public Policy Committee if you would like to be part of this process.

The Board has a website that provides extensive information, including the names of counselors and therapists who have been disciplined by the Board.   Also on the website are links to the ethical guidelines, rules, and laws governing therapists. Follow the link to learn more: http://ibol.idaho.gov/IBOL/BoardPage.aspx?Bureau=COU

   
   

 
 
ACA UPDATE: Issues Addressed at the ACA "Day on the Hill" - July 27, 2012

Licensed Professional Counselors Continue to be Shut Out of the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is failing to adequately provide mental health services to veterans, as shown by the fact that a veteran commits suicide every 80 minutes, on average. In April of 2012, the VA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found that the VA is grossly misrepresenting how quickly veterans are able to receive a mental health evaluation. While the VA claimed that 95% of veterans were being evaluated within 14 days, the OIG investigation found that this was only true for about half of veterans; the other half waited about 50 days—almost two months—to obtain an evaluation. The OIG report showed similar problems with the VA’s claimed ‘success rate’ for scheduling follow-up treatment appointments when requested. Although the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) increased mental health services staff by 46% between 2005 and 2010, the OIG surveyed VHA clinicians and found that they still don’t think there are enough providers to meet the demand for services.  ...MORE

Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program (ESSCP)
The Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program is a competitive grant program to help school districts establish or expand school-based counseling services, including by hiring qualified state licensed- or certified-school counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists. The program helps improve school safety, school climate, reduce disciplinary referrals, and increase students' academic achievement by expanding access to counseling services. The program is authorized under Title V, Part D, Subpart 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7245).   ...MORE

Medicare, Outpatient Mental Health Services, and Coverage of Licensed Professional Counselors
Medicare beneficiaries have serious mental health challenges. The elderly experience mental disorders that are not part of normal aging, including anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders. The rate of suicide is higher among older adults than any other age group, and the suicide rate for persons 85 years and older is the highest of all – twice the overall national rate. Unfortunately, Medicare beneficiaries don’t enjoy the same access to outpatient mental health professionals as do those with private health insurance: Private and public health care programs have long covered licensed professional counselors, recognizing that LPCs (as they are usually known) provide high-quality, cost-effective treatment. There are more than 120,000 LPCs nationwide, licensed for independent practice. Licensed professional counselors are master’s-degreed mental health professionals, meeting education, training, experience, examination, and ethical standards on par with those of providers already covered by Medicare.   ...MORE

Counselors are encouraged to read the regulations and provide comments as individuals.  For follow up questions for ACA, contact me at 800-347-6647 x234, or at sbarstow@counseling.org. 

Scott Barstow
Director of Public Policy & Legislation
American Counseling Association
ph  703-823-9800 x234 | 800-347-6647 x234
www.counseling.org

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