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 the following regulations: 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 clarify and update requirements as part of a comprehensive review of current regulations governing the practice of professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, and licensed substance abuse practitioners that began in 2011. The Board of Counseling determined that it is essential to continue the regulation of these licensed professions as mandated by the Code of Virginia, but that there are modifications necessary to clarify and update requirements. Subsequently, the board amended 18VAC115-20 in response to the Governor's Regulatory Reform Initiative, but did not complete its review of 18VAC115-50 and 18VAC115-60 until recently. The board intends to amend all three chapters in this action for consistency in requirements for licensed professionals. The goal of the action is to ensure accountability and competency for residents, supervisors, and licensees who provide clinical services to individuals and families in need of counseling. 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 and 54.1-3505 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: August 13, 2014.

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