ACA Presnets Legislative Service Award to Rep. Robin Hayes

The American Counseling Association awarded Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC) with its Federal Legislative Service Award for 2005. The award was presented in recognition of Rep. Hayes’ hard work and leadership in support of establishing independent practice authority for licensed professional counselors under the TRICARE program.

Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) March 4, 2006 -- The American Counseling Association (ACA) is pleased to announce that it has awarded Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC) with its Federal Legislative Service Award for 2005. The award was presented in recognition of Rep. Hayes’ hard work and leadership in support of establishing independent practice authority for licensed professional counselors under the TRICARE program.

In March 2005, Rep. Hayes introduced the TRICARE Mental Health Services Enhancement Act (H.R. 1358) which would provide easier and faster access to qualified mental health professionals. Currently, there is a significant need for improved access to mental health services for our nation’s military personnel and their dependents. Unfortunately, federal law still requires licensed professional counselors to see TRICARE beneficiaries only under physician referral and supervision. ACA is very grateful for Rep. Hayes’ successful work in gaining House passage of the language in H.R. 1358 within the fiscal year 2006 defense authorization bill.

Upon receiving the award Rep. Hayes said, “I am honored to be recognized by the American Counseling Association, but the people we should really honor are our hardworking men and women in uniform. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I believe it is necessary to change our existing TRICARE system to include unfettered access by our soldiers and their families to licensed mental health counselors. Exposure to the type of prolonged stress our soldiers face in Iraq requires Congress to make it easier for soldiers to receive the mental care they may need.”

ACA’s award was presented at this year’s Legislative Service Award breakfast that was held as part of its annual Legislative Institute. The 2006 Legislative Institute was attended by over fifty members of ACA and participants received briefings on key issues, took a tour of the Capitol building, and attended lobbying visits with their senators and representatives.

Rep. Robin Hayes is presently serving his 4th term in Congress. Rep. Hayes represents the 8th Congressional District of North Carolina. Rep. Hayes serves on the Armed Services Committee and as part of this service sits on the Military Personnel Subcommittee. A native of North Carolina, Rep. Hayes earned a degree in History from Duke University. Upon graduation, Rep. Hayes began a career in business that has ranged from textiles to trucking. Rep. Hayes is the current owner and operator of Mt. Pleasant Hosiery Mill.

The American Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. Founded in 1952, ACA is the world's largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings. By providing leadership training, publications, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy services to nearly 45,000 members, ACA helps counseling professionals develop their skills and expand their knowledge base.

###