Pennsylvania · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill

HB 1853: An Act amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

In committee Last action September 9, 2025: Referred to Professional Licensure

Plain-language summary

HB 1853 is a bill introduced in the Pennsylvania House on September 9, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: An Act amending the act of July 9, 1987 (P.L.220, No.39), known as the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice. Primary sponsor: Melissa Shusterman (Democratic). It lists 12 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (September 9, 2025): Referred to Professional Licensure.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor: Melissa Shusterman (Democratic). 12 co-sponsors.