Board News

NEW RULES – 22 TAC CHAPTERS 781 AND 882-885
– EFFECTIVE MARCH 27, 2024

The Council published adopted rules in 22 TAC Chapters 781, 882, 883, 884, and 885

The following adopted rule, affecting Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, can be found in the March 22, 2024, Texas Register and becomes effective March 27, 2024:
  • §781.404 Recognition as a Council-approved Supervisor and the Supervision Process with preamble, which includes reasoned justification for the rule;
  • §781.412 Examination Requirement with preamble;
  • §781.501 Requirements for Continuing Education with preamble;
  • §882.23 License Required to Practice with preamble;
  • §882.28 Update to Degree on a License with preamble;
  • §883.1 Renewal of a License with preamble;
  • §884.1 Timeliness of Complaints with preamble; and
  • §885.1 Executive Council Fees with preamble.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Requests for subscription to Email Updates from the Council and the member boards may be submitted via the Council’s Email Updates webpage.

Posted on March 21, 2024

NEW RULE – 22 TAC CHAPTER 882
– EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Executive Council published adopted rule in 22 TAC Chapter 882

The following adopted rule, affecting Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, can be found in the November 10, 2023, Texas Register and becomes effective November 15, 2023:
  • §882.32 Duty to Update Name and Address with preamble, which includes reasoned justification for the rule.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Requests for subscription to Email Updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be submitted via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage.

Posted on November 9, 2023

NEW RULE – 22 TAC CHAPTER 882
– EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

Executive Council published adopted rule in 22 TAC Chapter 882

The following adopted rule, affecting Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, can be found in the September 15, 2023, Texas Register and becomes effective September 21, 2023:
  • §882.61 Special Licensing Provisions for Service Members and Military Spouses with preamble, which includes
     reasoned justification for the rule.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Requests for subscription to Email Updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be submitted via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage.

Posted on September14, 2023

ASWB TRANSITIONS TESTING-CENTER FROM PEARSON VUE TO PSI – EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2, 2024

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) announced test-administration transition to PSI. In preparation for the transition,
   • Beginning January 2, 2024, all testing will occur at PSI test centers. Test-takers are encouraged to familiarize
      themselves with the PSI testing platform.
   • Exam registrations with ASWB will continue, but no testing appointments will be available between December 16
      and December 31. Candidates who register November 1 or later will test at a PSI test center beginning January 2,
      2024.
   • If you would prefer to test with Pearson VUE by December 15, 2023, schedule your exam early. Testing
      appointments are limited and are filling faster than usual.
   • The exam questions and scoring will remain the same, no matter when you take the exam. Download the
       Exam Guidebook for details.
   • ASWB plans to offer online testing later in 2024. ASWB will notify all registered test-takers about online testing
       availability and technical requirements when this option becomes available.
   • If you have questions about how this transition may affect your testing experience, please
      contact ASWB’s Candidate Services Center.

Posted September 7, 2023

NEW RULES – 22 TAC CHAPTERS 781, 882, AND 884
– EFFECTIVE JUNE 15, 2023

Executive Council published adopted rules in 22 TAC Chapters 781, 882 and 884

The following adopted rules, affecting Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, can be found in the June 9, 2023, Texas Register and become effective June 15, 2023:
  • §781.401 Qualifications for Licensure with preamble, which includes reasoned justification for the rule;
  • §781.404 Recognition as a Council-approved Supervisor and the Supervision Process with preamble;
  • §781.421 Remedy for Incomplete License Requirements with preamble;
  • §781.501 Requirements for Continuing Education with preamble;
  • §882.10 Applicants with Pending Complaints [repealed and replaced] with preamble; and
  • §884.10 Investigation of Complaints with preamble.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Requests for subscription to Email Updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be submitted via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage.

Posted on June 15, 2023

NEW RULES – 22 TAC CHAPTERS 781 and 882
– EFFECTIVE MARCH 7, 2023

Executive Council published adopted rules in 22 TAC Chapters 781 and 882

The following adopted rules, affecting Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, can be found in the March 3, 2023, Texas Register and become effective March 7, 2023:
  • §781.303 General Standards of Practice with preamble, which includes reasoned justification for the rule; and
  • §882.42 Ineligibility Due to Criminal History with preamble.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Requests for subscription to Email Updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be submitted via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage.

Posted on February 28, 2023

TOWNHALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT – FEBRUARY 2, 2023

The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SW Board) calls for public comment – specifically on stakeholders’ experiences with the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB’s) national exam(s) and field instructors or school representatives regarding impact of recent continuing education (CE) rule changes –  although all public comment is welcome. To help focus participants’ time commitments, the SW Board asks
  • those who wish to provide public comment concerning the ASWB exam,
     do so from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and
  • those who wish to provide public comment regarding recent CE rule
     changes, do so from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
All public comments will be limited to 3 minutes.  In lieu of providing verbal public comment during the townhall, you may submit written public comments by clicking here.  Only those written public comments received by 5 p.m. on the last business day before the townhall will be submitted to the board members before the townhall.  No written comments will be read aloud during the townhall. Shortly after the townhall, a recording will be posted to the Council’s YouTube channel. All board members will have opportunity to review all written and verbal public comment before the SW Board’s May 5, 2023 regular meeting.

To join the Townhall on February 2, click here.


Background information concerning ASWB exams
  • to review ASWB’s presentation at the January 6, 2023 SW Board meeting
     click here [2023-01-06 from 08:51:00 to 09:52:30]. Additional information
     is available on ASWB’s website; and
  • to review the National Association of Social Workers/Texas Chapter’s
     (NASW/TX) public comment at the October 7, 2022 SW Board meeting,
     click here [2022-10-07 from 10:35:05 to 10:37:48].

Posted January 24, 2023

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED DECEMBER 23, 2022

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapter 882

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to propose the following rule(s) at its October 25, 2022, meeting. These proposed rules are published in the December 23, 2022, edition of the Texas Register.

You may view the proposed changes by clicking on the rule below. The preamble includes the rationale for the rule change and request for public comment.
 • §882.42 Ineligibility Due to Criminal History with preamble.

Request for Public Comments
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted by mail to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701 or via the Council’s Contact Us webpage. To submit a comment via the Contact Us webpage simply click on the “Email Us” link on that page and select “Submission of Public Comment for Proposed Rule(s) or Open Meeting” from the drop-down menu. Please use the subject line “Public Comment for (enter rule number here)” to ensure your comments are associated with the correct rule and directed accordingly. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5 p.m., Central Time, on January 23, 2023, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.

Posted on December 22, 2022

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED DECEMBER 16, 2022

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapter 781

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to propose the following rule(s) at its October 25, 2022, meeting. These proposed rules are published in the December 16, 2022, edition of the Texas Register.

You may view the proposed changes by clicking on the rule below. The preamble includes the rationale for the rule change and request for public comment.
 • §781.401 Qualifications for Licensure with preamble;
 • §781.404 Recognition as a Council-approved Supervisor and the Supervision Process with preamble;
 • §781.421 Remedy for Incomplete License Requirements with preamble; and
 • §781.501 Requirements for Continuing Education with preamble.

Request for Public Comments
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted by mail to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701 or via the Council’s Contact Us webpage. To submit a comment via the Contact Us webpage simply click on the “Email Us” link on that page and select “Submission of Public Comment for Proposed Rule(s) or Open Meeting” from the drop-down menu. Please use the subject line “Public Comment for (enter rule number here)” to ensure your comments are associated with the correct rule and directed accordingly. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5 p.m., Central Time, on January 16, 2023, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.

Posted on December 15, 2022

NEW RULES – 22 TAC CHAPTERS 781 and 885
– EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 23, 2022

Executive Council published adopted rules in 22 TAC Chapters 781 and 885

The following adopted rules, affecting Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, can be found in the November 18, 2022, Texas Register and become effective November 23, 2022:
  • §781.304 Relationships with Clients with preamble, which includes
     reasoned justification for the rule;
  • §781.401 Qualifications for Licensure with preamble;
  • §781.405 Application for Licensure with preamble;
  • §781.406 Required Documentation of Qualifications for Licensure with preamble
  • §781.803 Severity Levels with preamble;
  • §781.805 Schedule of Sanctions (Repeal and Replace) with preamble; and
  • §885.1 Executive Council Fees with preamble.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Requests for subscription to Email Updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be submitted via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage.

Posted on November 17, 2022

Call for Stakeholder Comment Regarding Crisis Intervention

At its October 7, 2022 meeting, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners approved this call for comment from stakeholders concerning crisis intervention. Please complete this survey to provide your comments to the Board. The survey is open until 5 p.m. December 5, 2022. The SW Board is tentatively scheduled to review stakeholder comments when it convenes on January 6, 2023.

Posted November 3, 2022

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED OCTOBER 21, 2022

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapter 781

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to propose the following rule(s) at its August 23, 2022, meeting. These proposed rules are published in the October 21, 2022, edition of the Texas Register.

You may view the proposed changes by clicking on the rule below. The preamble includes the rationale for the rule change and request for public comment.
   22 TAC §781.404 Recognition as a Council-approved Supervisor and the Supervision Process with preamble

Request for Public Comments
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, George H. W. Bush State Office Building, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701, or via the Council’s Contact Us webpage. To submit a comment via the Contact Us webpage simply click on the “Email Us” link on that page and select “Submission of Public Comment for Proposed Rule(s) or Open Meeting” from the drop-down menu. Please use the subject line “Public Comment for (enter rule number here)” to ensure your comments are associated with the correct rule and directed accordingly. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on November 21, 2022, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication in the Texas Register.

Posted on October 21, 2022

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapter 781

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to propose the following rule(s) at its August 23, 2022, meeting. These proposed rules are published in the September 30, 2022, edition of the Texas Register.

You may view the proposed changes by clicking on the rule below. The preamble includes the rationale for the rule change and request for public comment.
22 TAC §781.303 General Standards of Practice with preamble

Request for Public Comments
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, George H. W. Bush State Office Building, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701, or by email to rules@bhec.texas.gov. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on October 30, 2022, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication in the Texas Register.

Posted on September 30, 2022

NEW RULES – 22 TAC CHAPTERS 781, 882, and 884
– EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

Executive Council published adopted rules in 22 TAC Chapters 781, 882, and 884

The following adopted rules, affecting Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, can be found in the September 16, 2022, Texas Register and become effective September 21, 2022:
  • §781.404 Recognition as a Council-approved Supervisor and the Supervision 
     Process with preamble, which includes reasoned justification for the rule;
  • ***§781.501 Requirements for Continuing Education with preamble***;
  • §781.508 Hour Requirements for Continuing Education [Repeal] with preamble;
  • §781.509 Types of Acceptable Continuing Education [Repeal] with preamble
  • §781.510 Activities Unacceptable as Continuing Education [Repeal]
     with preamble;
  • §781.514 Credit Hours Granted [Repeal] with preamble;
  • §882.2 General Application File Requirements with preamble;
  • §882.22 Reinstatement of a License with preamble; and
  • §884.20 Disciplinary Guidelines and General Schedule of Sanctions
    with preamble.
***Provision in §781.501(f) will not be enforced until January 1, 2024. Amendment with this effective date will be recommended to the SW Board at its meeting on October 7, 2022.***

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Requests for subscription to Email Updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be submitted via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage.

Posted on September 16, 2022

Jurisprudence Exams Unavailable Sunday, August 14, 2022 from 7am until 9am

On Sunday, August 14, 2022, from 7am until 9am CDT, the Jurisprudence Exams will be unavailable while eStrategy Solutions performs scheduled maintenance.

Your Lifelong Learning Portal will be unavailable for user registrations and login during this time.

The time for this maintenance window has been chosen to minimize user inconvenience and reflects a time of lowest overall user activity in the system.

A warning message that explains this scheduled outage has been posted to appear for all users at registration and at login.

Posted August 12, 2022

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED AUGUST 5, 2022

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapters 781 and 885

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to propose the following rule(s) at its May 18, 2022, meeting. These proposed rules are published in the August 5, 2022, edition of the Texas Register.

You may view the proposed changes by clicking on the rule below. The preamble includes the rationale for the rule change and request for public comment.
22 TAC §781.304 Relationships with Clients with preamble
22 TAC §781.401 Qualifications for Licensure with preamble
22 TAC §781.405 Application for Licensure with preamble
22 TAC §781.406 Required Documentation of Qualifications for Licensure with preamble
22 TAC §781.803 Severity Levels with preamble
22 TAC §781.805 Schedule of Sanctions (Proposed Repeal) with preamble
22 TAC §781.805 Schedule of Sanctions with preamble and
22 TAC §885.1 Executive Council Fees with preamble

Request for Public Comments
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701, or by email to rules@bhec.texas.gov. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on September 4, 2022, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication in the Texas Register.

Posted on August 4, 2022

SOCIAL WORK COMPACT DRAFT PUBLISHED ONLINE
FOR STAKEHOLDER REVIEW

The Council of State Governments’ (CSG) National Center for Interstate Compacts is excited to announce that the initial draft of the Social Work Compact has been finalized and posted online for review and public comment at https://compacts.csg.org/compact-updates/social-work/. On CSG’s webpage you will also find a list of FAQs and a two-page educational fact-sheet.

Additionally, beginning July 18, CSG will host weekly review sessions to explain the provisions of the compact. These meetings are open to the general public. A link to register can be found here: https://csg-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqcOysqjwtHdDXjPkdYBeqaa0im8-kCDjY.

To submit comment or feedback on the draft, please fill out the online survey which is linked here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/socialworkcompact.

Posted around July 12, 2022

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED APRIL 22, 2022

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapters 781, 882, and 884

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to propose the following rule(s) at its February 1, 2022, meeting.  These proposed rules are published in the April 22, 2022, edition of the Texas Register.

You may view the proposed changes by clicking on the rule below. The preamble includes the rationale for the rule change and request for public comment.
22 TAC §781.404 Recognition as a Council-approved Supervisor and the Supervision Process with preamble
22 TAC §781.501 Requirements for Continuing Education with preamble
22 TAC §781.508 Hour Requirements for Continuing Education with preamble
22 TAC §781.509 Types of Acceptable Continuing Education with preamble
22 TAC §781.510 Activities Unacceptable as Continuing Education with preamble
22 TAC §781.514 Credit Hours Granted with preamble
22 TAC §781.805 Schedule of Sanctions with preamble
22 TAC §882.2 General Application File Requirements with preamble
22 TAC §882.22 Reinstatement of a License with preamble
22 TAC §884.20 Disciplinary Guidelines and General Schedule of Sanctions with preamble

Request for Public Comments
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701 or by email to rules@bhec.texas.gov. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on May 22, 2022, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication in the Texas Register.

Posted on April 19, 2022

NEW RULES – 22 TAC CHAPTERS 781, 881, 882, 884, and 885 – EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 27, 2022

Executive Council published adopted rules in 22 TAC Chapters 781, 881, 882, 884, and 885

The following adopted rules, affecting Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, can be found in the February 18, 2022, Texas Register and become effective February 27, 2022:
  • §781.206 Board Minutes with preamble, which includes reasoned justification for the rule;
  • §781.401 Qualifications for Licensure with preamble;
  • §781.404 Recognition as a Council-approved Supervisor and the Supervision Process with preamble;
  • §781.406 Required Documentation of Qualifications for Licensure with preamble;
  • §781.412 Examination Requirement with preamble;
  • §881.33 Family Leave Pool with preamble;
  • §882.21 License Statuses with preamble;
  • §882.37 COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Prohibited with preamble;
  • §882.60 Special Provisions Applying to Military Service Members, Veterans and Spouses with preamble;
  • §882.61 Special Licensing Provisions for Military Spouses with preamble;
  • §882.70 Emergency Temporary License with preamble;
  • §884.4 Special Requirements for Complaints Alleging Violations Related to Court-ordered Therapy
    
or Parenting Facilitator Services with preamble; and
  • §885.1 Executive Council Fees with preamble.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Requests for subscription to Email Updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be submitted via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage.

Posted on February 17, 2022

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED DECEMBER 10, 2021

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapters 881 and 882

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to propose the following rule(s) at its October 26, 2021 meeting.  These proposed rules were published in the December 10, 2021 edition of the Texas Register [46 TexReg 8311]. 

You may view the proposed changes by clicking on the rule below. The preamble includes the rationale for the rule change and request for public comment.
22 TAC §881.33 Family Leave Pool with preamble
22 TAC §882.21 License Statuses with preamble
22 TAC §882.60 Special Provisions Applying to Military Service Members, Veterans and Spouses with preamble
22 TAC §882.61 Special Licensing Provisions for Military Spouses with preamble

Request for Public Comments
Request for Public Comments. Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701 or by email to rules@bhec.texas.gov. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on January 10, 2022, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication in the Texas Register.

Posted on December 10, 2021

NEW RULES – 22 TAC CHAPTER 883 –
EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Executive Council published adopted rules in 22 TAC Chapter 883

On May 4, 2021, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to publish proposed rule changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, §883.1 Renewal of a License.

On June 18, 2021, the Council’s proposed rules were published in – then on August 2, due to technical correction, withdrawn from – the Texas Register [46 TexReg 3698]. On August 13, 2021, the Council’s corrected proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 4973]. Public comment was reviewed by the Council on October 26,, 2021, and the Council adopted rules as proposed.

On November 12, 2021, adopted rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 7788], effective November 21, 2021. On and after November 21, 2021 these new rules will be available on the Texas Secretary of State’s webpage for 22 TAC Part 41.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Subscription to email updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be entered via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage. Members of the public may also sign-up to receive email notification of any rule action taken by the Executive Council as published in the Texas Register via the Texas Secretary of State’s Subscription Formats and Options webpage.

Posted on November 12, 2021.

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED OCTOBER 1, 2021

SW Board recommended and Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapter 781

On July 9, 2021, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SW Board) voted to recommend changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code §§781.206, 781.401, 781.404, 781.406, and 781.412 concerning Board Minutes, Qualifications for Licensure, Recognition as a Council-approved Supervisor and the Supervision Process, Required Documentation of Qualifications for Licensure, and Examination Requirement, respectively.

On August 24, 2021, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Council) voted to publish proposed changes to the above-listed sections.

On October 1, 2021, the Council’s proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 6485] with call for public comments.

Request for Public Comments
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701 or by email to rules@bhec.texas.gov. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on October 31, 2021, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication in the Texas Register.

Posted on October 1, 2021

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED OCTOBER 1, 2021

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapters 882, 884, and 885

On August 24, 2021, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Council) voted to publish proposed changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code §§882.37, 882.70, 884.4 and 885.1, concerning COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Prohibited, Emergency Temporary License, Special Requirements for Complaints Alleging Violations Related to Court-ordered Therapy or Parenting Facilitator Services, and Executive Council Fees, respectively.

On October 1, 2021, the Council’s proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 6500] with call for public comments.

Request for Public Comments
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701 or by email to rules@bhec.texas.gov. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on October 31, 2021, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication in the Texas Register.

Posted on October 1, 2021

NEW RULES – 22 TAC CHAPTERS 881, 882, AND 885
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 19, 2021

Executive Council published adopted rules in 22 TAC Chapters 881, 882, and 885

On May 4, 2021, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to publish proposed rule changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, §§881.21, 882.11, and 885.1, concerning Petition for Rulemaking, Applicants with Foreign Degrees and Executive Council Fees, respectively.

On June 18, 2021, Executive Council’s proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 3696]. Public comment was reviewed by the Executive Council on August 24, 2021, and the Executive Council adopted rules as proposed.

On September 17, 2021, adopted rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 6262], effective September 19, 2021. On and after September 19, 2021 these new rules will be available on the Texas Secretary of State’s webpage for 22 TAC Part 41.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Subscription to email updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be entered via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage. Members of the public may also sign-up to receive email notification of any rule action taken by the Executive Council as published in the Texas Register via the Texas Secretary of State’s Subscription Formats and Options webpage.

Posted on September 17, 2021.

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED AUGUST 13, 2021

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapter 883

On May 4, 2021, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Council) voted to publish proposed changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code §883.1, concerning Renewal of a License.

On June 18, 2021, the Council’s proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 3696]. Effective August 2, 2021, the Council’s proposed rules were withdrawn [46 TexReg 5013]. And on August 13, 2021, the Council’s revised proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 4973]

Call for Public Comment
Within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register, comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701 or via email to rules@bhec.texas.gov.

Posted on August 26, 2021

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED JUNE 18, 2021

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapters 881, 882, 883, and 885

On May 4, 2021, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Council) voted to publish proposed changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code §§881.21, 882.11, 883.1, and 885.1, concerning Petition for Rulemaking, Applicants with Foreign Degrees, Renewal of a License, and Executive Council Fees, respectively.

On June 18, 2021, the Council’s proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 3696].

Call for Public Comment
Within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register, comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701 or via email to rules@bhec.texas.gov.

Posted on June 18, 2021

NEW RULES –
22 TAC CHAPTER 882, EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2021

Executive Council published adopted rules regarding 22 TAC Chapter 882

On January 12, 2021, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to publish proposed rule changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, §§882.21 and 882.50, concerning License Statuses and Continuing Education and Audits, respectively.

On February 19, 2021, the Executive Council’s proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 1181]. Public comment was reviewed by the Executive Council on May 4, 2021, and the Executive Council adopted rules as proposed.

On May 28, 2021, adopted rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 3414], effective June 1, 2021. On and after May 28, 2021 these new rules will be available on the Texas Secretary of State’s webpage for 22 TAC Part 41.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Subscription to email updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be entered via the Email Updates form at the bottom of the Executive Council’s homepage. Members of the public may also sign-up to receive email notification of any rule action taken by the Executive Council as published in the Texas Register via the Texas Secretary of State’s Subscription Formats and Options webpage.

Posted on May 28, 2021.

NEW RULES –
22 TAC CHAPTER 781, EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2021

Executive Council published adopted rules regarding 22 TAC Chapter 781

On January 5, 2021, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SW Board) voted to recommend changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, §§781.312, 781.803, and 781.805, concerning Licensees and the Council, Severity Levels, and Schedule of Sanctions, respectively. On January 12, 2021, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to publish proposed rule changes based on SW Board’s recommendations.

On February 19, 2021, the Executive Council’s proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 1177] with call for public comment. On April 2, 2021, the SW Board reviewed public comment (none was received) and voted to recommend adoption as proposed. On May 4, 2021, the Executive Council considered the SW Board’s recommendation and voted to adopt rules as proposed.

On May 28, 2021, adopted rules are scheduled to be published in the Texas Register and become effective June 1, 2021. On and after May 28, 2021 these new rules will be available on the Texas Secretary of State’s webpage for 22 TAC Part 41.
Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Subscription to email updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be entered via the Email Updates form at the bottom of the Executive Council’s homepage. Members of the public may also sign-up to receive email notification of any rule action taken by the Executive Council as published in the Texas Register via the Texas Secretary of State’s Subscription Formats and Options webpage.

Posted on May 20, 2021

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 19, 2021

SW Board recommended and Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapter 781

On January 5, 2021, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SW Board) voted to recommend changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code §§781.312, 781.803, and 781.805, concerning Licensees and the Council, Severity Levels, and Schedule of Sanctions, respectively. On January 12, 2021, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Council) considered the SW Board’s recommended changes and approved publication of proposed rules.

On February 19, 2021, the Council’s proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 1177].

Call for Public Comment
Within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register, comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701 or via email to rules@bhec.texas.gov.

Posted on February 24, 2021

NEW RULES –
22 TAC CHAPTERS 881 and 885, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 9, 2021

Executive Council published adopted rules regarding 22 TAC Chapters 881 and 885

On August 28, 2020, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted to publish proposed rule changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, §§881.21 and 885.1, concerning Petition for Rulemaking and Executive Council Fees.

On October 2, 2020, the Executive Council’s proposed rules were published in the Texas Register [45 TexReg 6958]. Public comment was reviewed by the Executive Council on January 12, 2021, and the Executive Council adopted rules as proposed.

On February 5, 2021, adopted rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 915], effective February 9, 2021. On and after February 9, 2021 these new rules will be available on the Texas Secretary of State’s webpage for 22 TAC Part 41.

Updated Consolidated Rulebooks will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Subscription to email updates from the Executive Council and the member boards may be entered via the Email Updates form at the bottom of the Executive Council’s homepage. Members of the public may also sign-up to receive email notification of any rule action taken by the Executive Council as published in the Texas Register via the Texas Secretary of State’s Subscription Formats and Options webpage.

Posted on February 5, 2021.

PRE-APPROVAL NO LONGER REQUIRED
FOR SUPERVISION PLANS

 

Effective 02/04/2021, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE) will no longer require supervision plans be submitted for pre-approval. Instead, the supervision plan is to be kept on file with the clinical supervisor and be submitted along with the Clinical Supervision Verification form at the conclusion of supervision. This change applies both to social workers who are beginning their supervision now and any social workers who have submitted plans in the past but have not heard back from the Board or Council. 

What this means… 

  • Entering into clinical supervision does not require pre-approval by the Board or Council
  • The clinical supervisor must develop and maintain a supervision plan
  • The supervisor is required to ensure that the experience gained is clinical in nature
  • When supervision concludes, both the supervision plan and the form documenting the hours must be submitted to the Council’s office 

Important Notes… 

It is incumbent upon the LMSW to make sure the LCSW is a Council-approved supervisor. This can be done by using the Council’s online verification system found here.  Supervisors are identified in the “Specialty” field.

What you need to do… 

If you have submitted a clinical supervision plan to the Board or Council for approval but haven’t heard back from our office, your supervisor should make sure a copy of the plan is in your supervision file. No approval from the Board or Council will be necessary for the supervision to continue.

If you have found a clinical supervisor but have not yet submitted a plan to the Council, your supervisor should make sure a copy of the plan is in your supervision file. No approval from the Board or Council will be necessary for the supervision to begin. 

If you have already received approval from TSBSWE, your supervisor should make sure a copy of the plan is in your supervision file. When the supervision is complete, submit a copy of the plan with the Clinical Supervision Verification form. Even though the plan was already approved, submitting it in that format will avoid confusion and delays.

Posted on February 4, 2021

NEW RULES –
22 TAC CHAPTER 781, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 4, 2021

SW Board recommended and Executive Council published adopted rules regarding 22 TAC Chapter 781

At a joint meeting on October 12, 2020, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SW Board) voted to recommend changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code (22 TAC) §§781.102, 781.302, 781.401 – 781.404, and 781.406, concerning supervision plans, as well as withdraw proposed §781.420 and propose revised §781.420, regarding Licensing of Persons with Criminal Convictions. The Executive Council considered the SW Board’s recommended changes and voted to publish proposed rules.

On November 13, 2020, the Executive Council’s revised proposed §781.420 was published in the Texas Register [45 TexReg 8097].

On December 4, 2020, the Executive Council’s proposed rules concerning supervision plans were published in the Texas Register [45 TexReg 8707].

Public comment on both proposals was reviewed by the SW Board on January 5, 2021, and the SW Board recommended to the Executive Council adoption of the proposed rules. On January 12, 2021, the Executive Council considered the SW Board’s recommendation and voted to adopt rules as proposed.

On January 29, 2021, adopted rules were published in the Texas Register [46 TexReg 814] and become effective February 4, 2021. On and after February 4, 2021 these new rules will be available on the Texas Secretary of State’s webpage for 22 TAC Chapter 781.

An updated Consolidated Rulebook for Social Work will soon be available on the Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Subscription to email updates from the SW Board and Executive Council may be entered via the Email Updates form at the bottom of the Executive Council’s homepage. Members of the public may also sign-up to receive email notification of any rule action taken by the SW Board and Executive Council is published in the Texas Register via the Texas Secretary of State’s Subscription Formats and Options webpage.

Posted on January 29, 2021

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED DECEMBER 4, 2020

SW Board recommended and Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC, Chapter 781 – multiple sections, regarding supervision plans

On October 12, 2020, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SW Board) voted to recommend changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code (22 TAC), §§781.102, 781.302, 781.401 – 781.404, and 781.406, concerning supervision plans.

Overview and Explanation of the Proposed Rules. The proposed amended rules published in this edition of the Texas Register, will no longer require the preapproval of a supervision plan in order to accrue supervised experience required for the issuance of a license as a clinical social worker (LCSW) or for independent practice recognition for a baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) or a master social worker (LMSW). Supervised experience will still be required, at the same requisite level that is currently in place, but documentation of the required supervised experience will now only be submitted to the Executive Council when the applicant is applying for either the LCSW or independent practice recognition. The Executive Council anticipates the proposed amendment will address the backlog of applications and expedite future applications received.

The 86th Legislature, Regular Session (2019) enacted House Bill 1501, to amend Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 505 and 507. This legislation created the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Executive Council) and authorized the Executive Council to regulate marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Sections 507.151 and 507.152 of Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code authorize the Executive Council to administer and enforce Chapters 501, 502, 503, 505, and 507 of Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, as well as adopt rules as necessary to perform the Executive Council’s duties. On October 12, 2020 in a joint meeting, the Executive Council considered the SW Board’s recommended changes and approved publication of proposed rules.

On December 4, 2020, the Executive Council’s proposed rules, concerning supervision plans, were published in the Texas Register [45 TexReg 8707].

Call for Public Comment:
Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701, within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register. Comments may also be submitted via email to rules@bhec.texas.gov, within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.

Click the link below to view the Texas Register in HTML or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format:
Texas Register [45 TexReg 8707], SW supervision plans Proposed Rules (HTML format)
Texas Register [45 TexReg 8707], SW supervision plans Proposed Rules pages 25-43 (Adobe Acrobat format)

Posted on December 7, 2020

NEW RULES –
22 TAC CHAPTERS 881 – 885, EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2020, AND 22 TAC CHAPTER 781, EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 19, 2020

SW Board recommended and Executive Council published adopted rules regarding 22 TAC Chapter 781

On June 6, 2020, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SW Board) voted to recommend changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 781 to align with statutory amendments made by House Bill 1501, 86th Legislature, Regular Session (2019) to Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 505 and 507. This legislation created the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Executive Council) and authorized the Executive Council to regulate marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Sections 507.151 and 507.152 of Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code authorize the Executive Council to administer and enforce Chapters 501, 502, 503, 505, and 507 of Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, as well as adopt rules as necessary to perform the Executive Council’s duties. On June 16, 2020, the Executive Council considered the SW Board’s recommended changes and voted to publish proposed rules.

On July 17, 2020, the Executive Council’s proposed rules concerning Chapter 781 were published in the Texas Register [45 TexReg 4915]. Public comment was reviewed by the SW Board on September 11, 2020, and the SW Board recommended adoption of the proposed rules with some changes to the Executive Council. In a joint meeting with the SW Board and the Executive Council on October 12, 2020, the Executive Council approved publication of adopted rules in the Texas Register. On November 13, 2020, adopted rules were published in the Texas Register [45 TexReg 8156] and become effective November 19, 2020. On and after November 19, 2020, these new rules will be available on the Secretary of State’s website for 22 TAC Part 34.

Reminder: SW Board applicants and licensees are also subject to 22 TAC Part 41
SW Board applicants and licensees are subject to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, Part 41 (Chapters 881 through 885), which became effective September 1, 2020 and are available on the Secretary of State’s website for 22 TAC Part 41.

A Consolidated Rulebook for Social Work will soon be available with other resources Executive Council’s Statutes and Rules webpage.

Members of the public may also signup to receive email notifications when any rule actions taken by the Executive Council are published in the Texas Register via the Texas Secretary of State’s Subscription Formats and Options webpage.

Posted on November 13, 2020

CALL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT –
PROPOSED RULES PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 13, 2020

SW Board recommended and Executive Council published proposed rules regarding 22 TAC §781.420 Licensing of Persons with Criminal Convictions

On June 6, 2020, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (SW Board) voted to recommend changes to Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code (22 TAC), §781.420 Licensing of Persons with Criminal Convictions, to align with statutory amendments made by House Bill 1501, 86th Legislature, Regular Session (2019) to Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 505 and 507. This legislation created the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Executive Council) and authorized the Executive Council to regulate marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Sections 507.151 and 507.152 of Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code authorize the Executive Council to administer and enforce Chapters 501, 502, 503, 505, and 507 of Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code, as well as adopt rules as necessary to perform the Executive Council’s duties. On June 16, 2020, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (Executive Council) considered the SW Board’s recommended changes and approved publication of proposed rules.

Proposed rules were published in the July 17, 2020 edition of the Texas Register. However, on September 11, 2020, the SW Board voted to withdraw proposed rule §781.420 and recommend other changes to §781.420 Licensing of Persons with Criminal Convictions, to align with statutory amendments, consider comments by the Governor’s Office, and to standardize language as much as possible with other member boards. In a joint meeting with the SW Board and the Executive Council, on October 12, 2020, the Council considered the SW Board’s recommended withdrawal and new proposal and  approved publication of proposed rules.

On November 13, 2020, the Executive Council’s proposed rules, concerning 22 TAC §781.420 Licensing of Persons with Criminal Convictions, were published in the Texas Register [45 TexReg 8097], available on the Texas Secretary of State’s website at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml.

Call for Public Comment:
Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-900, Austin, Texas 78701, within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register. Comments may also be submitted via email to rules@bhec.texas.gov, within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.

Click the link below to view the Texas Register in HTML or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.
Texas Register [45 TexReg 8097], SW §781.420  Proposed Rules (HTML format)
Texas Register [45 TexReg 8097], SW §781.420 Proposed Rules pages 21-23 (Adobe Acrobat format)

Posted on November 13, 2020

BHEC LAUNCHES NEW EXAM REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR SOCIAL WORKER APPLICANTS

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council has begun a new process for individuals who wish to take the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB) examination for baccalaureate, master’s, or clinical licensure.

The Council has partnered with ASWB to allow all prospective licensees to apply for the exam directly to ASWB.  Prospective social workers will benefit from being able to take the examination in a timelier fashion, while agency staff will be able to focus more on processing license applications.

Individuals who have graduated from their social work program or are in their last semester can begin the exam registration process through the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners’ ASWB Licensure Examinations webpage.

Prospective applicants with questions regarding the registration process should direct their questions to:
           ASWB, Attn: Texas Applications
           17126 Mountain Run Vista Court
           Culpeper, VA 22701
           Email: texas@aswb.org
           Dedicated application queue toll free number: 866-825-9580
           ASWB home page: https://www.aswb.org/

Posted on November 2, 2020

ACTION PLAN ON LICENSING BACKLOG AFFECTING TSBSWE

In response to the backlog of applications pending before the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, the Council directed its Executive Director at the June 16, 2020 regular meeting to coordinate with HHSC PLCU staff to develop a plan to address the backlog. The Council directed that the plan specifically address three areas of concern related to the backlog. These areas consist of:

  1. Development and planning for revisions to the licensing process that will prevent or reduce the likelihood of future backlogs;
  2. Development and implementation of a plan to eliminate the existing backlog in the licensing process; and
  3. Development of a plan for ensuring continued timely licensing operations under current executive orders, as well as any reasonably foreseeable future amendments or expansion of those orders.

The Council held a special called meeting on July 28th to review and approve the action plan. The action plan can be viewed by clicking here.

Posted on August 10, 2020