BHEC Rule Updates Published in the Texas Register – Effective March 13, 2026
March 2026 Formal Rule Updates
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) adopted a substantial set of new rules and rule amendments at its February 17, 2026 meeting. These changes will be published in the March 13, 2026 Texas Register and will then be in effect.
This summary breaks down what's changed for LPCs, LMFTs, psychologists, and social workers, and how you can stay engaged with the rulemaking process moving forward.
For a full recap of everything discussed at the February 17 meeting—including behavioral threat assessment testimony, disciplinary cases, the new school psychology retraining program, and more—see our companion blog here.
How to Use This Guide
Each rule is listed with its rule number, title, and a brief at-a-glance summary of what changed. Where available, we've linked to both the adopted rule and the proposed amendments (which show underlined new text and struck-through removed text) so you can see exactly what was added or removed.
Rules are organized by board. If you hold a single license type, you can skip to your board's section—but we recommend all licensees review the BHEC (Council-level) rules, as those apply across all professions.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (All Licensees)
These rules apply to all professionals licensed by BHEC, regardless of board.
881.2 – Definitions
At a glance: Updates to the definitions section that apply across all BHEC-regulated professions. Definition updates often serve as the foundation for other rule changes adopted in the same cycle, ensuring consistent terminology throughout the rulebook.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
882.42 – Ineligibility Due to Criminal History
At a glance: Amendments to the rule governing when a criminal history may make an applicant ineligible for licensure. These updates refine the criteria the agency uses when evaluating criminal history during the application process.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
882.60 – Special Provisions Applying to Military Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses
At a glance: Updates to the licensing provisions for military-connected applicants, including active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses. Texas law requires regulatory agencies to reduce barriers and expedite licensing for military families, and these amendments align with those requirements.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
882.61 – Special Licensing Provisions for Service Members and Military Spouses
At a glance: Companion rule to 882.60, providing additional detail on the specific licensing accommodations available to military service members and spouses. Together, these two rules form the framework for military-related licensing in Texas behavioral health.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
884.11 – Informal Conferences
At a glance: This was the most discussed rule change at the February meeting. The amendments update the procedures for Informal Settlement Conferences (ISCs), which are a key step in the disciplinary process. The primary change clarifies that BHEC staff may conduct ISCs without a board member present in certain cases—particularly for straightforward, non-clinical violations (such as failure to produce records). Staff retains the ability to consult with or include board members for cases involving professional judgment or clinical standards of care. This rule was the subject of a formal petition for rulemaking, public comment from multiple professional associations, and extensive Council discussion. The petition was denied and the rule was adopted as proposed. For a full discussion of the Council's reasoning, see our February 17 meeting recap blog.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
885.1 – Executive Council Fees
At a glance: Updates to the fee schedule for BHEC-regulated licenses. A minor typographical correction was also made during adoption to remove an outdated effective date reference from the fee chart graphic.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
681.53 – Child Custody Evaluation, Adoption Evaluation, and Evaluations in Contested Adoptions
At a glance: Updates to the standards governing how LPCs conduct child custody evaluations, adoption evaluations, and evaluations in contested adoptions. These amendments are part of a cross-board effort to ensure consistent evaluation standards.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
681.114 – Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses
At a glance: LPC-specific updates to military licensing provisions, aligning with the BHEC-level military rules to support military-connected LPC applicants.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners
The Social Work Board adopted the largest package of rule changes in this cycle, including several entirely new rules that replace and modernize the previous supervision and independent practice framework. Note that the Social Work rules were published in the December 5, 2025 Texas Register (one week earlier than the other boards' rules).
781.102 – Definitions
At a glance: Updated definitions for the social work profession, supporting the broader restructuring of supervision and licensure rules in this cycle.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
781.302 – The Practice of Social Work
At a glance: Amendments to the rule defining the practice of social work in Texas.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
781.303 – General Standards of Practice
At a glance: Updates to the general standards of practice for social workers. (Note: This rule was listed as "Rule of Practice" on the meeting agenda but is titled "General Standards of Practice" in the Texas Register.)
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
781.322 – Child Custody Evaluations
At a glance: Updates to the standards for social workers conducting child custody evaluations, part of the cross-board effort to align evaluation standards.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
781.401 – Qualifications for Licensure
At a glance: Amendments to the qualifications for social work licensure. Notably, the updated rule allows LBSW and LMSW applicants from programs that are candidates for CSWE accreditation (not yet fully accredited) to apply for licensure. This provision does not extend to LCSW applicants, which aligns exactly with what the statute requires. During the February meeting, NASW-TX raised questions about what happens if a program ultimately fails to achieve accreditation—a question staff acknowledged but noted is a statutory issue rather than a rulemaking one.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
781.402 – Types of Supervision (New Rule)
At a glance: This is an entirely new rule that replaces the former 781.402 (which addressed clinical supervision for LCSW and non-clinical supervision for independent practice recognition). The new rule distinguishes between the different types of supervision in social work—a significant structural change that clarifies the supervision landscape for social work licensees and supervisors. The former rule was repealed and replaced.
View Adopted New Rule | View Proposed New Rule | View Proposed Repeal of Former Rule
781.403 – Supervision Process (New Rule)
At a glance: Another new rule replacing the former 781.403 (which previously addressed independent practice recognition). The new rule outlines the supervision process itself—how supervision is conducted, documented, and tracked. During the February meeting, NASW-TX noted that this rule may apply to professionals licensed under other boards (such as LPCs or LMFTs) who supervise social work practice, and questioned how those professionals would know to look at the social work rules. BHEC staff acknowledged this is a unique situation but noted that professionals who voluntarily supervise social work practice should follow the applicable supervision standards.
View Adopted New Rule | View Proposed New Rule | View Proposed Repeal of Former Rule
781.404 – Recognition as a Supervisor
At a glance: Amendments to the process and requirements for becoming a recognized supervisor in social work.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
781.405 – Clinical Supervision for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (New Rule)
At a glance: A new rule that specifically addresses clinical supervision for LCSW licensure, replacing the former 781.405 (which previously covered application for licensure). This creates a dedicated rule for the clinical supervision pathway, separate from non-clinical supervision and independent practice recognition.
View Adopted New Rule | View Proposed New Rule | View Proposed Repeal of Former Rule
781.406 – Independent Practice Recognition (New Rule)
At a glance: A new rule replacing the former 781.406 (which covered required documentation of qualifications for licensure). The new rule addresses independent practice recognition for social workers, establishing the framework for when and how social workers can practice independently.
View Adopted New Rule | View Proposed New Rule | View Proposed Repeal of Former Rule
781.407 – Prohibited Independent Practice (New Rule)
At a glance: A new rule that explicitly defines what types of independent practice are prohibited for social workers who have not yet obtained independent practice recognition. This adds clarity to an area that was previously less defined.
View Adopted New Rule | View Proposed New Rule
781.419 – Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses
At a glance: Social work-specific updates to military licensing provisions, consistent with the BHEC-level military rules adopted in this same cycle.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
781.805 – Schedule of Sanctions
At a glance: Updates to the schedule of sanctions used to guide disciplinary actions for social work rule violations.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists
801.2 – Definitions
At a glance: Updates to definitions specific to the LMFT profession. As with the BHEC-level definition changes, these ensure consistent language across the LMFT rulebook and support other rule changes adopted in this cycle.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
801.57 – Child Custody Evaluations
At a glance: Amendments to the standards governing how LMFTs conduct child custody evaluations. Child custody evaluation rules have been updated across multiple boards in this cycle to ensure consistency and alignment with current practice standards.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
801.112 – General Academic Requirements
At a glance: Updates to the general academic requirements for LMFT licensure. These amendments address what educational qualifications applicants must meet.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
801.113 – Academic Requirements
At a glance: Companion to 801.112, this rule provides more specific detail on the coursework and degree requirements for LMFT licensure.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
801.204 – Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses
At a glance: LMFT-specific updates to military licensing provisions, aligning with the BHEC-level military rules (882.60 and 882.61) to reduce barriers for military-connected LMFT applicants.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
463.8 – Licensed Psychological Associate
At a glance: Amendments to the rules governing Licensed Psychological Associates (LPAs), including qualifications and scope of practice provisions.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
463.9 – Licensure as a School Psychologist
At a glance: Updates to the rules for licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). These changes are particularly notable in the context of the newly approved ACU/Region 20 retraining program, which creates an alternative pathway to LSSP licensure for working school professionals. The rule updates help support this expanded pathway.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
463.11 – Supervised Experience Required for Licensure as a Psychologist
At a glance: Amendments to the supervised experience requirements for psychologist licensure. These rules define the hours, settings, and supervision structures required before a provisionally licensed psychologist can obtain full licensure.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
463.20 – Special Provisions Applying to Military Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses
At a glance: Psychology-specific updates to military licensing provisions, aligning with the BHEC-level military rules.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
463.30 – Examinations Required for Licensure
At a glance: Updates to the examination requirements for psychology licensure. This is of particular interest given BHEC's ongoing exploration of a Texas-owned psychology licensing exam as a potential alternative or supplement to the national EPPP.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
465.1 – Definitions
At a glance: Updates to definitions within the psychology practice standards chapter (Chapter 465), which governs professional conduct and standards of care.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
465.2 – Supervision
At a glance: Amendments to the psychology supervision rules, which govern how licensed psychologists supervise provisionally licensed psychologists, LPAs, and others working under their oversight.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
465.18 – Forensic Services
At a glance: Updates to the standards governing forensic psychology services, including evaluations and testimony provided in legal proceedings.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
465.21 – Termination of Services
At a glance: Amendments to the rules governing how psychologists terminate services with clients, including notice requirements and continuity of care obligations.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
465.38 – Psychological Services for Schools
At a glance: Updates to the rules governing psychological services delivered in school settings. These changes complement the broader initiative to expand the school psychology workforce, including the newly approved ACU/Region 20 retraining program.
View Adopted Rule | View Proposed Amendments
Cross-Board Themes
Several themes emerge across all four boards in this rulemaking cycle:
Military licensing provisions were updated across every board (BHEC, LMFT, LPC, Psychology, and Social Work). Texas continues to expand and refine accommodations for military service members, veterans, and their spouses.
Child custody evaluation standards were updated across LPC, LMFT, and Social Work boards, suggesting a coordinated effort to align evaluation standards across professions.
Social work supervision underwent the most significant restructuring, with five rules repealed and replaced by new rules that create a clearer framework distinguishing between types of supervision, the supervision process, clinical supervision for LCSW, independent practice recognition, and prohibited independent practice.
Informal conferences (884.11) received the most public attention, with professional associations submitting formal comments and a petition for rulemaking. The Council adopted the rule as proposed, maintaining staff flexibility while preserving board member involvement in clinical matters.
Staying Engaged With Rulemaking
At the February meeting, BHEC staff recommended moving toward an annual rulemaking window, with rules proposed at the June Council meeting and adopted at the October meeting. While this is not a formal policy—and the Council can deviate as needed—it may make it easier for licensees to track rule changes going forward.
Here's how you can stay informed:
Stay tuned to WisePractice’s Blog, Collective Wisdom — We stay tuned to rule changes and attend board meetings so you don’t have to.
Subscribe to our newsletter for professional insights and timely updates that matter to you.
Questions about how a specific rule change affects your practice? We offer consultation to help you think it through.
Engage with the board:
Subscribe to Email Updates from the Executive Council and the member via the Executive Council’s Email Updates webpage.
Submit written public comment for proposed rule changes (usually due by 5 pm CST the day prior to the meeting) to the board for any issue affecting your professional practice.
Attend the BHEC Leadership Listening Hour - This virtual Zoom webinar allows Council licensees to engage in open and candid conversations directly with the Executive Director and key leadership team members and serves as an invaluable opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss any issues related to the profession. The next listening hour is taking place March 12, 2026 at 12pm CST.
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Reference
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. (2026, March 13). Recently adopted rules. https://bhec.texas.gov/proposed-rule-changes-and-the-rulemaking-process/recently-adopted-rules/