Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.
Impact
The bill is designed to directly affect the academic policies of higher education institutions offering graduate degrees in mental health care. By permitting early graduation or placement in clinical settings, this bill seeks to enhance the availability of mental health services during a time of elevated need. Institutions will have the discretion to implement this early graduation process for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years, which may significantly impact how these programs are structured moving forward.
Summary
Bill S61 aims to address the increasing demand for mental health care professionals in response to the national mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it allows institutions of higher education to permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate early or to be matched with residency or clinical programs before completing the standard requirements. This legislation is positioned to provide a more immediate influx of qualified mental health care providers into the workforce.
Contention
While the intent of S61 is to expedite the training and entry of mental health professionals into a struggling mental health care system, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of preparedness of graduates entering the field prematurely. Critics might argue that this could compromise the quality of care provided by less experienced professionals. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the potential long-term impacts on graduate programs that alter the traditional timelines and requirements for graduating mental health care professionals.
Provides that institutions of higher education may permit final-year students in graduate degree programs for mental health care professions to graduate or be matched with residency or clinical programs early.
Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.
Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.