Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Social Work intends to consider amending 18VAC140-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work. The purpose of the proposed action is to (i) specify in the regulation that the requirement that a person licensed or registered by the board not conduct "one's practice in such a manner so as to make the practice a danger to the health and welfare of one's clients or to the public" precludes the provision of conversion therapy and (ii) define what comprises conversion therapy and what does not. The goal is to align regulations of the board with the stated policy and ethics for the profession of social work.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: August 7, 2019.

Agency Contact: Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director, Board of Social Work, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4406, FAX (804) 527-4435, or email jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov.