4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Feb 2, 2026)

Technical corrections only. The v4 version of the bill includes the Senate referral information and specifies the name of the House Clerk, Kevin F. McCumber, who attested to its passage. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill itself between v3 and v4.

H.R. 658119th CongressIntroduced Jan 23, 2025

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish qualifications for the appointment of a person as a marriage and family therapist, qualified to provide clinical supervision, in the Veterans Health Administration.

Passed HouseArmed Forces and National SecuritySubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
Committees: Veterans' Affairs Committee (primary)
Last action: Feb 3, 2026

Bottom line

The bill standardizes the qualifications for marriage and family therapists providing clinical supervision within the VHA by aligning them with state recognition requirements.

What it actually does

This bill amends title 38, United States Code, to establish specific qualifications for marriage and family therapists within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who are appointed to provide clinical supervision. It mandates that such therapists must not only meet the existing VHA qualifications for marriage and family therapists but also be recognized by their respective state as qualified to provide clinical supervision. This ensures that VHA clinical supervisors meet state-level standards for supervision.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill enhances the quality of care for veterans by ensuring that clinical supervisors in the VHA meet rigorous, state-recognized standards for supervision. This alignment with state licensure requirements can improve the professional development of VHA therapists and ultimately lead to better mental health outcomes for veterans receiving services. It also helps ensure consistency in professional standards across different states where VHA operates.

Opponents contend

Critics might contend that while the intent is good, adding more specific state-level requirements could potentially create administrative burdens or limit the pool of eligible candidates for supervisory roles in the VHA, especially in states with more stringent or unique supervision recognition processes. This could inadvertently delay the provision of critical mental health services if finding qualified supervisors becomes more challenging.

The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.

Section 1, amending Section 7402(b)(10) of title 38, United States Code.

Establishing State-Recognized Clinical Supervision Qualifications for VHA Marriage and Family Therapists

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision modifies existing law to require that any marriage and family therapist appointed to a position in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) that involves providing clinical supervision must meet two criteria. First, they must already possess the general qualifications for a marriage and family therapist in the VHA. Second, they must also be explicitly recognized or allowed by their state to provide clinical supervision, ensuring that VHA supervisors meet external professional standards.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupVeterans Health Administration (VHA) Marriage and Family TherapistsImpactRequires additional state-level recognition for those in supervisory roles.MechanismAmends Title 38, U.S. Code, to add a new qualification requirement.ScaleAffects all current and future VHA marriage and family therapists seeking or holding clinical supervision roles.

GroupVeterans receiving mental health services from VHAImpactPotential improvement in quality of supervised care.MechanismEnsures supervisors meet state-recognized standards, potentially leading to higher quality clinical guidance.ScaleBroad impact on veterans receiving care from therapists under supervision.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for maintaining and elevating the quality of mental healthcare provided to veterans. By requiring VHA clinical supervisors to be state-recognized, the bill ensures that these professionals adhere to the highest standards of practice and ethical guidelines, which directly benefits the therapists they supervise and, by extension, the veterans they serve.

Critics contend

Opponents might argue that while the goal of quality is laudable, this specific requirement could introduce unnecessary bureaucracy or create barriers to entry for highly qualified individuals who may meet VHA's internal standards but face hurdles with specific state recognition processes for supervision. This could potentially exacerbate staffing shortages in critical mental health roles within the VHA.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances the desire for high-quality, state-aligned professional standards for clinical supervision with the potential for increased administrative complexity or limitations on the pool of eligible VHA supervisors. It aims to enhance professional rigor but might inadvertently affect recruitment flexibility.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.