Sarah Faszholz

This strategic plan outlines the direction for the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council from 2027 to 2031. Its primary purpose is to protect and promote the welfare of Texans by ensuring qualified and competent behavioral health and social work practitioners. The plan focuses on four key operational goals: improving licensing standards and application processing efficiency, enhancing compliance enforcement, increasing communication effectiveness with stakeholders and the public, and developing and retaining a strong, effective workforce. These goals collectively aim to address the growing demand for behavioral health services and the professional workforce shortage in Texas, while maintaining accountability, efficiency, and transparency.

The board meeting covers a broad range of topics including internal reports from the Chair, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council delegates, staff, and various committees. The agenda includes discussions on board research capabilities, structure reconfiguration, and licensing regulations. Significant focus is placed on examination matters, enforcement activities including contested cases and agreed orders, and rulemaking regarding various sections of the Texas Administrative Code. Additionally, the board will discuss public comments related to the AMFTRB's exam content outline.

The meeting agenda includes informational items such as performance measures for fiscal year 2024, financial reports, updates on licensing and enforcement functions, the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) report, Children's Mental Health Strategic Plan subcommittee activities, compliance audit results, the 2023 annual financial report, the fiscal year 2024 operating budget, and strategic planning efforts. Action items involve reviewing licensing and disciplinary recommendations, the Executive Leadership Succession Plan, customer service survey results, and a revised travel policy. The council also plans to deliberate on various proposed rule changes across several behavioral health boards and hear reports from member boards regarding regulatory functions.

The Board meeting included a public apology by a board member regarding a previous vice chair selection, followed by a public comment session covering issues with CE Broker and requirements for human trafficking continuing education credits. The Board received updates from the Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHECK) regarding developments in operational memoranda, AI regulation, and a shift toward an annual rulemaking window. Staff provided updates on the implementation of CE Broker for license renewals and the launch of a new searchable database for approved human trafficking prevention courses. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the online licensing system and the new procedure for printing licenses.

The agenda for the meeting includes administrative matters such as reports from the Board Chair, delegates to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, and various committees including the Application and Supervision Issues Committee, Rules Committee, and Complaints Committee. Potential action items include license application appeals, updates to the jurisprudence exam, consideration of a test administration services agreement for Spanish-language examinations, and enforcement reviews of contested cases. Additionally, the board will address proposed rule amendments regarding professional judgment, associate licensing, experience requirements, and supervisor requirements.