LCPCM continues to work with Public Policy Partners (PPP), legislative representatives, Boards and Associations, and has testified both online and in-person on related LCPCM issues, building relationships with state agencies and legislative leadership, working to remain visible with stakeholders, and advocating for improvements in the mental health field.

Hot Topics

• In recognition of the vast hardships facing clinicians, LCPCM is working with the Board of Professional Counselors (BOPCT) on ways to re-establish online access to applications and an extension of existing licenses in this process to December 31, 2024. This extension would provide a much-needed buffer for both our clients and therapists, ensuring that services can continue without interruption while the Board works through its current process and backlog.
  
  
• Working with the BOPCT on crisis management, regulatory issues, and administrative priorities such as recruitment and retention of staff and potential automation of application processing.
  
  
• Forwarding letter of support to Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra for waiving the “four wall rule” as telehealth is a critical and effective tool to improve access and patient outcomes in the behavioral health field. Stay tuned, we may need your assistance on this one!

Accomplishments & Ongoing Issues

• Working with NBCC lobbyists and the DC Mental Health Counselors Association to advocate for the adoption of the Counseling Compact in Washington, D.C. to ensure the tri-state area of Maryland, Virginia, and DC will be compact members. The DC Council has voted to approve passage of the Counseling Compact; final passage is awaiting the Mayor’s signature!
  
  
• We continue advocating with partners to request higher reimbursement rates with Medicare; unfortunately, this work is on-going.
  
  
• Thanks to Delegate Sarah Wolek’s sponsorship and advocacy to ensure passage of HB 1013. LCPCs, now licensed in Maryland, are approved to sign State of Maryland Sick Leave certificates helping clients and fostering counselor identity in the community.
  
  
• Telehealth reimbursement is approved through 2025, including reimbursement for audio-only.
  
  
• LCPCM continues to monitor developments with school counselors and Medicaid billing, Medicare reimbursement rates at the federal and state levels. At the state level, LCPCM continues to engage in regulatory review with state agencies, forming collaborative partnerships with the Maryland Counselors Associations and the National Association of Social Workers and, advocating for all members, to ensure we move forward together!