An Act relative to increasing consumer access to licensed rehabilitation counselors

This bill (HD 2549) adds "licensed rehabilitation counselor" to the list of professionals defined as "licensed mental health professionals" in five Massachusetts law sections (chapters 32A, 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G). It directly affects licensed rehabilitation counselors by expanding their scope to provide mental health services under these laws, and affects consumers seeking mental health care by increasing potential provider options. The key mechanism is amending existing definitions in the statutes to include rehabilitation counselors within the scope of practice for mental health services. The bill does not create new programs or funding but clarifies which professionals qualify under current law.