Senate Passes Roegner Bill Streamlining and Expanding Counseling Services

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), streamlining and expanding access to counseling services for Ohioans. Senate Bill 204 enters Ohio into the Counseling Compact to facilitate interstate practice of licensed counselors. If enacted, Ohio would be one of the ten founding compact states. "This legislation is straightforward and focused on the best interests of caregivers and patients alike," said Roegner. "I am thankful my colleagues have joined me in passing this bill today, that once again expands economic opportunity and improves access to care for Ohio’s patients through interstate travel and greater access to tele-health services." The Department of Defense submitted proponent testimony for the bill, stating: "Of additional benefit is the compact's utilization of a mutual recognition model of interstate practice, which enhances opportunities of portable careers for military spouses by providing consistent rules which allow licensed members to work in other states through 'privilege to practice policies', or more easily transfer their license to a new state." Roegner has championed the passage of four compact bills, prior to Senate Bill 204, facilitating occupational licensure mobility for Ohioans. For more information on Senate Bill 204, click here. To learn more about the Counseling Compact click here.