To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish qualifications for the appointment of a person as a marriage and family therapist, qualified to provide clinical supervision, in the Veterans Health Administration.
Last recorded step: House, Feb 3, 2026.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would establish education and licensing requirements for marriage and family therapists providing supervision within the VHA.
What it does
This bill would establish specific eligibility requirements for marriage and family therapists appointed to provide clinical supervision within the Veterans Health Administration. To qualify, an individual would be required to hold a master’s degree and professional licensure, while also maintaining state authorization to provide clinical supervision or a supervisor designation from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Who is affected
This bill directly affects the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by establishing specific eligibility requirements for the appointment of marriage and family therapists qualified to provide clinical supervision. It also impacts individuals seeking these positions within the VHA, who must now meet specific criteria regarding their master's degree, state licensure, and supervisory certifications. Additionally, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy is identified as a designating body for approved supervisors under these new standards.
Key provisions
- Establishment of clinical supervision qualifications. The bill sets specific eligibility requirements for marriage and family therapists within the Veterans Health Administration who are appointed to provide clinical supervision.
- Educational and licensing requirements. Individuals seeking appointment must hold a relevant master’s degree and maintain professional licensure or certification.
- Supervisory authorization standards. Appointees must either be authorized to provide clinical supervision by their licensing state or be designated as an approved supervisor by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Fiscal impact
- H.R.658, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish qualifications for the appointment of a person as a marriage and family therapist, qualified to provide clinical supervision, in the· As ordered reported by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on May 6, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This bill amends Title 38 of the United States Code to modify personnel requirements within the Veterans Health Administration. It establishes specific professional qualifications and certification standards for marriage and family therapists appointed to provide clinical supervision within the agency.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to establish specific professional and educational qualifications for marriage and family therapists appointed to provide clinical supervision within the Veterans Health Administration.