Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Counseling intends to consider amending 18VAC115-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling; 18VAC115-50, Regulations Governing the Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy; and 18VAC115-60, Regulations Governing the Practice of Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners. The purpose of the proposed action is to implement the results of a periodic review and includes updating regulations, clarifying language, achieving consistency among requirements for licensees, and facilitating obtaining a license by examination or by endorsement. Additional standards of practice and grounds for disciplinary action are being considered for amendment for consistency with other behavioral health professional regulations. Amendments specific to 18VAC115-50 and 18VAC115-60 include elimination of the waiver of a licensing examination in marriage and family therapy or substance abuse treatment for counselors who want to obtain those specialized licenses.

This Notice of Intended Regulatory Action serves as the report of the findings of the regulatory review pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia.

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: September 18, 2019.

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