The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council voted unanimously to grant preliminary approval to remove the requirements for licensed marriage and family therapists, counselors, psychologists and social workers to complete three hours in “cultural diversity or competency” continuing education.
The change would replace cultural diversity and competency requirements with three hours of education designed to “ensure competency when providing services to a distinct population … of the licensee’s choice.”
Robert Romig, deputy executive director for the council, told the Tribune the current requirement suggests mental health providers must be competent in providing care to all backgrounds and cultures. It is not possible to track or enforce this policy, he said.
The new requirement is an effort to keep some element of required cultural competency training, rather than completely abandon it, Mr. Romig said.
The state’s behavioral executive council will vote to finalize the change later this year.
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