TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD OF COUNSELING

Agency Decision

Title of Regulation: 18VAC115-60. Regulations Governing the Practice of Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners.

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

Name of Petitioner: James Christmas.

Nature of Petitioner's Request: To amend 18VAC115-60-50 to allow persons who are licensed as clinical social workers to be licensed as substance abuse treatment practitioners without examination.

Agency Decision: Request denied.

Statement of Reason for Decision: At its meeting on August 21, 2020, the board declined to take action on the petition. The board concurred with the commenters who noted that licensure as a substance abuse treatment practitioner requires specialized education, experience, and examination. In its proposed amendments adopted pursuant to a periodic review of 18VAC115-60, the board has already deleted the existing exemption from examination for licensed professional counselors.

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

VA.R. Doc. No. R20-36; Filed August 21, 2020, 4:46 p.m.