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House approves licensing changes for therapy interns despite fiscal concerns
Summary
A substitute to House Bill 73 that creates certificates and supervision rules for therapy interns passed the House 50–22 after debate about a fiscal note estimated at roughly $90,000 and questions about how supervision and discipline would work.
The House passed first substitute House Bill 73 on Jan. 25 by a 50–22 vote. The measure creates a certificate for marriage- and family-therapy interns and psychology residents, restates applicable federal standards, expands recognition of service animals beyond dogs, and clarifies supervision and disciplinary authority.
Sponsor Representative Judy Ann Buffmeier said the bill fills a public-safety gap: it establishes a certificate-based status for interns so regulators can take action if an intern engages in unprofessional conduct. She described the measure as necessary to protect clients and to prevent individuals who have acted unprofessionally from moving to other states and obtaining licensure there.
Questions on the floor focused heavily on the fiscal note and operational impact. Lieutenant Buckmeyer and the sponsor said the licensing division estimated about 75 certificatees over a two-year period and a fiscal note in the neighborhood of $90,000 to fund part-time investigator and attorney support; the sponsor indicated the funding and prioritization mechanics were complicated and would be examined further.
Members also asked what functions interns would perform and whether they could legally practice without supervision; sponsors clarified interns must work under supervision and that the certificate clarifies scope and accountability but does not authorize independent practice.
After debate and further floor questions, the substitute passed and will be transmitted to the Senate for committee review.
