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.
Sponsors:
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
(2026-02-03)
View Original Bill Text
Plain Language Summary
This bill sets up rules for who can become a marriage and family therapist supervisor at VA hospitals. These supervisors are experienced therapists who train and guide other therapists who work with veterans. The bill creates clear requirements about what education, licenses, and experience a person needs to get this job. This would help make sure veterans get quality mental health care from well-trained professionals.
Key Points
- Creates official job requirements for marriage and family therapist supervisors at VA hospitals
- These supervisors train and oversee other therapists who help veterans with relationship and family problems
- Sets standards for education, state licenses, and work experience needed for the supervisor job
Who This Affects
This bill affects veterans who receive mental health services at VA hospitals, especially those getting help with marriage and family issues. It also affects marriage and family therapists who want to become supervisors in the VA system.
Arguments For
- Clear job requirements help ensure veterans receive care from highly qualified therapists
- Standards help the VA hire consistent, well-trained supervisors across all their hospitals
Arguments Against
- Additional requirements might make it harder to fill supervisor positions if fewer people qualify
- The VA may already have good hiring practices without needing new rules in law
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact estimated
Summary generated by AI (claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929). For informational purposes only.
Always refer to the original bill text for legal accuracy.