Update May 8, 2020 – The BBS has provided additional guidance, stating that real-time video supervision is acceptable from March 4, 2020 (the date of the Governor’s initial state of emergency declaration) forward.
The California DCA has issued a waiver allowing BBS registrants (MFT Trainees, AMFTs, APCCs and ASWs) in all work settings to receive two-way, real-time video supervision as of May 6, 2020. The relevant sections of the waiver are pasted below. Prior to this waiver face-to-face supervision was required in any setting other than a governmental entity, school, college, university, or an institution that is nonprofit and charitable.
Accordingly, the Director waives Business and Professions Code section 4980.36, subdivisions (d)(1)(B)(ii) and (d)(1)(B)(vi)(II) and section 4999.33, subdivision (c)(3)(K) to the extent they require student trainees to provide “face-to-face” mental health services in order to complete their required training.
Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order, the Director waives the work setting limitation in Business and Professions Code sections 4980.43.2, subdivision (d), 4996.23.1, subdivision (f), and 4999.46.2, subdivision (d), so that all associates may be supervised via two-way, real-time videoconferencing, irrespective of their work setting.
This order is effective immediately but may be amended as circumstances require. This order terminates 60 days from the date of the order, unless further extended. Dated: May 6, 2020