As many of you are aware Maryland’s legislative session ended early this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent social distancing protocols imposed by Governor Hogan. The General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene for a special session in late May 2020, pending any continued social distancing recommendations from the Governor. Despite this unexpected change, this session ended in our favor with the passage of SB182/HB303, Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists (BOPCAT) – Sunset Extension and Program Evaluation. This bill amends the Sunset legislation that regulates BOPCAT and allows us all to practice Marriage and Family Therapy in the state of Maryland.

We are grateful to everyone who could come out to Annapolis on Advocacy Day and meet with key legislators that influenced this decision. It was a great event to meet students new to the MFT community, reconnect with old colleagues, and build relationships with new peers. The energy and support our participants brought truly made a difference in what one might typically expect to be a stale venture. We hope you enjoyed your experience as well and we welcome any feedback you think might improve this or any other event we host!