Advocate
Legislative Information
The Public Policy Committee exists to advance the advocacy goals of the TLPCA at the local, state, and federal levels.
With over 1,000 bills typically filed every state legislative session, many of which might impact counselors and clients, your Public Policy Committee must take care to focus our efforts strategically. In the 2022 Tennessee legislative season, our top priorities include:
- Ensuring that Tennessee counselors become part of The Interstate Compact, thereby securing greater state-to-state licensure portability and easing the way for counselors licensed elsewhere to move to our state.
- Protecting and promoting the interests of Tennessee counselors and clients, especially those who face systemic oppression and historic marginalization.
Want to get involved?
- Become a member and help us shape the future of counseling in Tennessee!
- Communicate with your TLPCA Regional Representative about legislation you’d like to see TLPCA support or oppose.
- Get connected to be in-the-know about legislative updates and calls-to-action!
Want to learn more about the legislative process?
Legislative Update
Legislative UpdateTLPCA had a very productive legislative session, thanks in part to our lobbyist, Jenny Ford! TLPCA and Jenny were instrumental in helping change the telehealth legislation to include graduate students and post-graduate, pre-licensed mental health...
COVID-19 News
COVID-19 News Executive Order #77 Executive Order #67 Executive Order #50 Update on TennCare MCO Telehealth Coverage Policies - June 4, 2020 Executive Order #36 Executive Order #24: Non-Licensed Mental Health Professional Under Supervision Providing Telehealth...
NAMI Applauds 3-Digit Suicide Hotline Legislation
9/25/2019 NAMI is thrilled by the introduction of H.R. 4194, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 9-8-8 as the 3-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health...
Legislative Update: 11/20/19
The National Portability Taskforce Counseling regulatory boards will determine the future of license portability for counselors. With the recent progress toward a counseling interstate compact, creating uniform standards across state lines has never been more...
Legislative Update: 8/28/2019
This morning Tennessee’s House of Representatives elected a new Speaker, Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) 94-0 with bipartisan support. Jeremy Faison will replace Sexton as Republican Caucus Leader. Before adjourning the Special Session, Sexton announced his leadership...
Legislative Update: 5/2019
Here is your final bill report for this Session.- Jenny Ford, Public Relations Specialist SB55/HB781 | Creates the professional art therapist advisory committee. Stalled. Sponsors: | Sen. Massey, Becky , Rep. Ramsey, Bob Senate Status: | 03/13/19 - Taken off notice in...
Legislative Update: 2/4/2019
TLPCA Members - There hasn’t been much going on at the Capitol following Session convening and the Inauguration with the very important exception of the election of legislative leaders and committee assignments. Here are the legislative leaders for the 111th General...
Weekly Legislative Report: February 1, 2019
TLPCA Members - Below are current bills being tracked.SB53/HB496 -- PROFESSIONS & LICENSURE: Mental and Medical Health Providers get waiver while working on Innovative Readiness Training programs in TN. Sponsors: Sen. Kelsey, Brian , Rep. Hurt, Chris Senate...
Legislative Update: 2/19/2018
TLPCA Members, don’t miss out on the upcoming event that’s open to anyone who wants to advocate for mental health in TN! If you’ve ever wanted your voice to be heard with law makers, this is your chance.
Straight Talk
Behavioral Health Day on the Hill! This is hosted by the TN Coalition for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Registration begins at 8:30am, the program begins at 9:30am, and the event concludes at 12:45pm.
