Jennifer Noack

The meeting included public comment sessions where attendees expressed appreciation for staff performance and leadership, particularly regarding managing complex issues and maintaining clear communication. Key concerns raised included the usability and functionality of the CE Broker platform for logging continuing education credits, specifically issues related to missing speaker names and lack of immediate confirmation of credit approval. Another significant discussion involved the pending Attorney General opinion regarding whether LPCs should be considered healthcare providers, and the potential ramifications, including liability exposure for providing gender-affirming care. Public commenters also addressed issues of discrimination against faith-based counselors and the importance of monitoring legal decisions related to conscience protection rights. The board acknowledged the written comments concerning proposed changes at the Department of Education level, clarifying that while staff stays informed of such trends, the board focuses on issues within its direct scope until official action is required.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, noting one member would arrive late and one member absent. Following introductory remarks, the board conducted a public comment session, outlining procedures for participation both in-person and virtually, and noting that written comments were accepted. Key discussion points included reports from the Board Chair, who noted the number of licensed social workers in Texas now exceeds 35,000 and mentioned potential interstate compact matters for the next legislative session. Another report addressed a pending lawsuit concerning licensing rules related to criminal charges, noting oral arguments were heard in December. Staff reports covered recent leadership listening sessions, a presentation at the NASW Texas conference, and detailed information regarding the new requirement for all licensees to have a CE Broker account for continuing education reporting, effective January 1st. The board also discussed recently updated consolidated rules effective in November and the rule making process. Furthermore, the board proceeded to vote on reelecting the public member delegate to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, which resulted in the reelection of Miss Prior. The final agenda item discussed licensing matters, specifically the board review and possible action on appeals related to license denials based on three or more drug or alcohol-related offenses within the past 10 years, with one appellant speaking to the board regarding her history.

The meeting focused on invited testimony regarding executive orders from the governor directing the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to surge anti-terrorism task force resources. The discussion centered on behavioral threat assessment and management, emphasizing a systematic method for investigating individuals on the pathway to violence. Examples of thwarted targeted violence incidents in Texas were presented, detailing cases involving planned attacks against schools, workplaces, and public events, often prevented through intervention before the individual could act. The council was briefed on the structure of statewide behavioral threat assessment teams, which include mental health professionals, law enforcement, and other stakeholders working together confidentially. A key objective discussed was securing legislative support to protect participants in these teams and ensuring consistent involvement from mental health professionals, as their diagnostic input is crucial for effective intervention, especially in rural areas.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum, followed by the presiding member appointing Dr. Jod Elder as the presiding member for the session. A significant discussion centered on feedback regarding the transition from detailed minutes to a new, concise brief format utilizing timestamps, which received positive reception from board members. Announcements included updates on the next full board meeting date being shifted from April 10th to May 29th due to a conflict with the TAMFT conference. Board members also shared plans for upcoming presentations on ethics and rules updates at various association meetings. A moment of silence was held to honor the passing of Dr. Weayman Henson, a former presiding officer. Public comment addressed written submissions concerning the counting of supervised hours acquired during a master's program, prompting a clarification that this practice will eventually cease as it is inconsistent with current statute, specifically for those beginning their programs after September 1st, 2025. The board delegates to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council reported on several items, including the approval of a guide for new and emerging practices and technology, the upcoming TRIO rule review, the decision not to post guidelines for practice monitoring publicly, and the insights gained from a listening session on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, noting medical safety concerns. The Board Administrator highlighted the closing date for the 2025 customer service and strategic planning survey and provided directions on where to find the BHECK guidelines for new and emerging practice or technology on the agency website.

The agenda for this meeting, conducted via videoconference call, includes several informational items such as Q1 FY2023 performance measures, year-to-date financial reports, updates on licensing and enforcement efficiencies, psychology interjurisdictional compact (PSYPACT) status, legislative bill tracking updates, and discussions regarding EPPP examination requirements and an EEOC discrimination charge against ASWB. Action items involve reviewing licensing and disciplinary recommendations from member boards, considering a switch from quarterly to triannual meetings, requesting research from AHRQ on licensing criteria, and approving survey questions for the Executive Director's job performance review and a revised personnel manual. The meeting also includes significant rulemaking consideration for the Executive Council, the Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, the Board of Examiners of Psychologists, the Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, and the Board of Social Worker Examiners.