TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF COUNSELING
Final Regulation
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Counseling is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The board will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.
Title of Regulation: 18VAC115-80. Regulations Governing the Registration of Qualified Mental Health Professionals (amending 18VAC115-80-65).
Statutory Authority: § 54.1-3521 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: November 5, 2025.
Agency Contact: Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director, Board of Counseling, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4406, fax (804) 527-4435, or email jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov.
Summary:
Pursuant to Chapter 146 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly, the amendment adds specific language stating that a licensed baccalaureate social worker shall not be required to register with the board or fulfill any additional training or education requirements to serve as a qualified mental health professional-trainee.
18VAC115-80-65. Requirements for registration as a qualified mental health professional-trainee.
A. A licensed baccalaureate social worker shall not be required to register with the board or fulfill any additional training or education requirements in order to serve as a QMHP-trainee.
B. Prior to receiving supervised experience toward registration as a QMHP, an applicant for registration as a QMHP-trainee shall provide a completed application, the fee prescribed in 18VAC115-80-20, and verification of the following:
1. Enrollment in or completion of a bachelor's degree program from an institution of higher education listed as accredited on the U.S. Department of Education College Accreditation database found on the U.S. Department of Education website or accredited by another accrediting agency recognized by the board;
2. Evidence of completion of 60 hours of didactic education in a program recognized or approved by the board; and
3. Verification of any other mental health or health professional license, certification, or registration ever held in Virginia or another jurisdiction. An applicant for registration as a QMHP-trainee shall have no unresolved disciplinary action. The board will consider a history of disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis as grounds for denial under 18VAC115-80-100.
VA.R. Doc. No. R26-8390; Filed September 08, 2025