Benjamin M. Seiss

The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy convened to conduct board business. The Chairman and Executive Director presented their reports. The board members reviewed application files and approved candidates for Associate Status, LMFT, and Examination, pending supervisor hours or receipt of required forms. The next board meeting was scheduled.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas, including CEU providers and approvals, clarification of Associate and Intern statuses, and Board Member Nominations. Amendments were made to the Rules and Regulations concerning the requirements for Marriage and Family Therapy Associates and the criteria for acceptable CEUs. The Legal Services Contract with Dana Billingsley was extended. The board reviewed and approved applications for Intern and Associate status, candidates to sit for the examination, and individuals for LMFT licensure, pending the passing of the National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy.

The Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy convened to discuss several key issues. The Executive Director presented a financial report for FY 2022, reviewed the recent audit findings, and discussed proposed legislative changes. The Legal Counsel presented reports on two complaint cases, recommending their closure. The Board discussed proposed legislation regarding MFT associate and intern designations, as well as a final rule change concerning technology-assisted training education requirements. Other topics included COAMFTE accreditation standards, requests for license renewal and extensions, clarification of CE rules, and a proposed rule to expedite licensure for spouses of active duty military personnel. The board also discussed the 2022 board meeting schedule and CE requirements.

The Board discussed the proposed Legislative Bill and the need to update the Board's rules accordingly, also financial activities, the number of licensees, and complaints received. The Board also discussed the availability of MFT services in all geographical areas of the State and the possibility of performing geographical licensee searches on the Board's website. The Board approved the renumbered Rule 536-X-11 Application for Spouses of Active Duty Military Personnel and renumbered Rule 536-X-10.-01 Complaint Procedure. The Board agreed to restore the election of officers to the last Board meeting in a calendar year. They reviewed and approved applications for licensure and a request for a change of supervisor.

The Board discussed the Executive Director's Report, financial activities, and the number of complaints received. They also reviewed the COAMFTE accreditation standards and their potential impact on licensure requirements, particularly regarding associate hours. The Board considered maintaining the 500-hour licensure requirement. Rule changes based on the new statute were discussed, and a Rules Committee was appointed to draft these changes. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved several applications for association, exam requests, LMFT, and intern positions, pending the receipt of additional information as needed.