Couch to Capitol: February 2026 Legislative Updates

Send us Fan MailPolicy moved fast this month, and we break it down so you can protect clients and plan your next steps with confidence. From real wins on Medicare telehealth to high‑stakes proposals that could reshape LGBTQ care and counselor ethics, we connect the dots between statutes, board guidance, and day‑to‑day practice in Ohio.We start with clarity on the Consolidated Appropriations Act that extends Medicare telehealth protections through December 31, 2027, including the in‑person visit waiver for behavioral health and broader geographic flexibility. You’ll hear concrete tips for 2028 readiness, like tagging clients who began services on or before January 30, 2026, to minimize disruption if requirements tighten. Then we track competing Ohio immigration enforcement packages—one limiting ICE access to sensitive locations and data sharing, the other banning sanctuary policies and compelling hospitals and mental health centers to admit federal agents, with possible funding penalties. We outline how HIPAA and confidentiality still apply and share steps for policy, training, and legal consultation so front desks and clinicians are prepared.Next, we examine Ohio’s local conversion therapy bans and why House Bill 693 could undercut those protections while restricting gender‑affirming practice for minors and penalizing licenses. We anchor the conversation in the ethical consensus from ACA, APA, AAP, and AACAP that attempts to change sexual orientation or gender identity cause harm. At the federal level, we explain proposed CMS rules that target gender‑affirming medical care for minors and the active litigation timeline, including a spring hearing and interim guidance expected by June 1, 2026. Counseling and talk therapy aren’t directly restricted, but the mental health ripple effects are real—so we offer practical communication points for families and documentation tips grounded in evidence-based care.We also update students and educators on CACREP’s revised Policy A2E, which requires in‑person, synchronous skill and disposition assessments in all accredited programs, including online, at least twice with one before practicum. Finally, we make space for clinician wellbeing, sharing tangible ways to use supervision, peer consultation, and community care to stay steady under pressure. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review to help more Ohio counselors find these monthly briefings. Your work matters—and we’re here to keep you informed, resourced, and ready.Resources Mentioned on the Episode:February 2026 References & Show Notes:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PJShWrc-mfo5huLntyZa9lOnt0iGGw0Ox9gKIVKKiNA/edit?usp=sharing*****Connect with Us on Any or All Socials at our Link Tree!OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounselingCreated by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee·Hosted by Mariah Payne·Pre-Production & Coordination by Marisa Cargill, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Chase Morgan-Swaney·Editing by Marisa Cargill