Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Psychology intends to consider amending 18VAC125-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Psychology. The purpose of the proposed action is to update its regulations for consistency and clarity, reduce the regulatory hurdle for licensure by endorsement, increase the opportunities for continuing education credits, specify a timeframe within which an applicant must have passed the national examination, and simplify the requirement for individual supervision in a residency. The board will also consider requiring all psychology doctoral programs to be accredited by the American Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychologic Association, or another accrediting body acceptable to the board within three years of the effective date of the regulation. Finally, the board intends to revamp provisions for standards of conduct to emphasize rules for professionalism, confidentiality, client records, and prohibitions on dual relationships.

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: January 10, 2018.

Agency Contact: Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director, Board of Psychology, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4406, FAX (804) 327-4435, or email jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov.