Senate Bill 319 Passes Committee

ATLANTA (February 11, 2016) | On Wednesday, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed Senate Bill 319. Sen. Lester Jackson (D – Savannah), Chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs Committee, sponsored SB 319 to expand the scope of practice laws for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).Sen. Lester Jackson 2

“I am grateful to the Committee for hearing Senate Bill 319 and passing this important legislation” said Sen. Jackson. “This is a step in the right direction for LPCs and their practices.”

SB 319 expands the scope of practice laws for Licensed Professional Counselors by amending the term “professional counseling” with the adoption of the word “diagnose.” The scope of practice is expanded by giving them the ability not only to evaluate and recommend a course of treatment for emotional and mental problem conditions but to also diagnose them. This grants LPCs the same authority currently granted to licensed social workers and marriage and family therapists.

SB 319 will now head to the Senate Rules Committee.

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For Immediate Release:
February 11, 2016

For Information Contact:

Jennifer Yarber, Director
Ines Owens, Sr. Communications Specialist
Ines.Owens@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028