Applicability of MFT Portability Law

What is the next step? How do I take advantage of the new MFT portability law
movement? Who are the participating states which embrace the “full endorsement
model” like Nebraska?

Do I have to apply for licensure or am I just “allowed” to offer therapy to clients in those
states?

A license is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, one needs to apply and be approved for a license. License to practice therapy is like a driver’s license except one needs to pay when you want to drive across state lines. Please always remember:

• One needs to pay for the required fees of the license of the state one applies (just like you pay for Nebraskan licenses).

• One needs to abide by the license of the state where the client resides, e.g. telehealth.

Below is the list of states that have passed the Access MFTs model portability
law (full endorsement model) or a variation of it. 
 
For 2025, the following states have passed the MFT portability law or a variation of it:

• Arkansas

• Nebraska

• West Virginia

• Connecticut (awaiting Governor’s signature)

• Nevada (awaiting Governor’s signature)  

For 2025, we have bills that are moving in the following states:

•  North Carolina – passed House and awaiting action in Senate 

In addition, MFT portability bills will be filed in Washington DC, Michigan and
Pennsylvania, all of which have year-round sessions. The MFT portability bills did not
pass in Kentucky and Texas due to issues unrelated to the substance of the bills.

For 2024, Access MFTs bills or a variation of them were enacted in the following states:

• Arizona

• Georgia

• Illinois

• Iowa

• Maryland

• Tennessee

• Virginia

Although not a portability bill, in 2024, the California board that licenses MFTs agreed to
move forward with adopting the AMFTRB national exam as the exam for MFTs. This
change to the national exam will improve portability. It will likely take effect in 2027.
Currently and historically, 49 states with the exception of California, are using the
AMFTRB Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards Exam.
 
Prior to 2024 and the introduction of the Access MFTs model portability legislation
movement, laws were enacted in the following states that provided portability for MFTs
that is similar to the Access MFTs model or that provided portability for MFTs providing
telehealth services into these states:

• Alaska (telehealth)

• Florida (telehealth)

• Idaho (telehealth)

• Indiana

• Kansas

• Utah

Should you have any questions, I would be happy to furnish more information to your
satisfaction.

Anne Buettner
Legislative Chair