TX HB1716

Expands Medicaid provider options to allow recipients to select licensed marriage and family therapist associates, licensed master social workers pursuing clinical licensure, and licensed professional counselor associates to perform covered health care services

Changes existing law to replace "licensed master social worker" with "licensed clinical social worker" among the providers Medicaid recipients can select for covered services

Requires Medicaid reimbursement for associate-level counseling providers at a rate equal to 50% of the rate established for licensed psychiatrists or psychologists providing similar services

Caps reimbursement for associate-level providers at 3,000 hours or the number of supervised clinical practice hours required to obtain full licensure, whichever applies

Applies to services performed at federally qualified health centers and authorizes state agencies to delay implementation pending any required federal waivers or authorizations; effective September 1, 2025