Legislative Update — Ariel Cohen, MA, LMFT

CAMFT Facebook Page Legislative Updates
January, March, and May 2024

1/1/24

Exciting News!

As of January 1, 2024, CAMFT's co-sponsored bill empowers licensees to notify the BBS of their name and/or gender change, ensuring confidentiality based on specific requirements.

Your privacy matters! Former names would not be posted online, including enforcement actions with former names.

Ready for a change? Eligible individuals can update their license info online. Read more here: https://www.dca.ca.gov/licensees/namegender_change.shtml

#Inclusivity #NameChange #GenderIdentity #ConfidentialityWins #consumeraffairs

3/6/24

Earlier this week, we were thrilled to honor Sen. Caroline Menjivar with our 'State Legislator of the Year Award' for her unwavering dedication to mental health rights!

Her groundbreaking bill, SB 372 (Deadnaming) was proudly co-sponsored by CAMFT, and has been in effect since Jan 1, 2024.

This bill marks a significant step forward in protecting transgender and non-binary clinicians.

Congratulations, Senator Menjivar!

3/12/24

Last week, CAMFT’s Board of Directors and other CAMFT members participated in Lobby Day in Sacramento, meeting with legislators to champion vital mental health initiatives!

#lobbyday #advocacyinaction #sacramento #healthinitiatives #boardofdirectors #mentalhealthinitiative

3/15/24

CAMFT State Government Affairs Associate Shanti Ezrine met with California Senator Roger Niello last week in Sacramento. CAMFT thanks Senator Niello for his work to strengthen the mental health workforce pipeline.

#stategovernment #governmentaffairs #healthworkforce #government

5/10/24

This week, Rep. Julia Brownly dropped HR 8165, a bill that would put more MFTs into the Department of Veterans Affairs. See the press release below, with a quote from CAMFT's Executive Director Joy Alafia.

We need your help to move this bill through Congress. Please contact your elected officials and ask them to co-sponsor this important piece of legislation for both MFTs and our veterans.

Why? The VA Marriage and Family Therapist Equity Act will reduce barriers and ensure qualified LMFTs have the opportunity to provide therapy services to our nation’s veterans by removing unnecessary hurdles and easing a pathway to supervision within the VA.

Please click here to ask your elected official to help move this bill forward: https://www.votervoice.net/CAMFT/Campaigns/115412/Respond

5/28/24

Big news for mental health & substance use treatment! Starting April 1, new regulations from SB 855 are now in effect. This means health plans MUST cover medically necessary treatment for mental health and substance use disorders. Plus, associates and trainees can now provide these crucial services under supervision.

However, we've noticed some health plans aren't allowing associates and trainees to bill for MH/SUD services. If you work with health plans, we need your input! Take our quick survey to help us ensure these new regulations are being implemented effectively.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2Q38JYW

#MentalHealthMatters #HealthcareForAll #SB855 #YourVoiceMatters

Ariel Cohen, MA, LMFT maintains a full-time private practice in Woodland Hills, CA. He works with children, teens, adults and families, with an emphasis on supporting the special needs community. He can be contacted at 818.674.9834 or ArielCohenLMFT@gmail.com.