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BBS committee narrows exceptions to MFT "integrated degree" rule and directs staff to refine language
Summary
The Workforce Development Committee voted to direct staff to refine proposed language defining a qualifying "integrated" MFT degree and to draft narrow exceptions for school closure, combined programs, transfer of relevant master'level credit, and certain graduate coursework completed during undergraduate study. Staff also signaled a preference that official transcripts show transferred courses and totals to avoid vague submissions.
The Board of Behavioral Sciences' Workforce Development Committee on June 16 discussed and approved next steps for a draft defining what constitutes a single "integrated" qualifying degree for licensed marriage and family therapists and for limited exceptions that would permit transfer units.
Roseanne Helms, legislative manager for the board, said the proposal in Attachment A would recognize four narrow situations where transferred coursework may be accepted: (1) when a school closes; (2) where a formally structured combined master'and'doctoral program exists; (3) for relevant master'level credits transferred into a qualifying degree; and (4) when some graduate coursework is completed during undergraduate studies. "This proposal defines an integrated degree and establishes some narrow exceptions," Helms said, calling the draft a "starting point" to give predictable, fair outcomes for applicants.
The proposal aims to preserve the integrity of a qualifying degree while adding flexibility. A representative from an accrediting institution pointed out that current practice often relies on a registrar's letter to explain transferred coursework, not the transcript itself. Helms said the registration unit "is asking that it be incorporated into the qualifying transcript because what they're getting right now is sometimes vague and unclear." She added the board may still request a letter of explanation where transcripts remain unclear.
Committee members raised practical concerns, including how programs would handle transcript formats and whether practicum hours should remain nontransferable. Justin Huft, LMFT member, and Dr. Annette Walker, public board member, praised the refinements and emphasized this is an iterative part of a broader MFT education project that will later consider practicum, remediation and continuing-education options.
The committee voted to "direct staff to make any discussed changes and any non-substantive edits" and to fold the language into a later consolidated draft for the MFT education amendments. The roll call recorded Dr. Nicholas Boyd abstaining on an earlier consent-vote but the motion on the integrated-degree language carried with committee support.
The committee asked staff to solicit feedback from schools about transcript feasibility and to return revised language in a future packet for further review.
What happens next: Staff will refine the Attachment A draft, incorporate committee feedback and work with the registration unit and stakeholders before presenting the integrated-degree text as part of the broader MFT education proposal at a subsequent meeting.
