Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services intends to consider amending 12VAC35-105, Rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The purpose of the proposed action is to be consistent and comply with Chapters 136, 418, and 426 of the 2017 Acts of Assembly regarding the inclusion of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the definitions of qualified mental health professionals, qualified mental retardation professionals, or qualified paraprofessionals in mental health. Also, certain definitions are deferred, in accordance with Chapter 418, to the Department of Health Professions' Board of Counseling (18VAC115-80).

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: February 7, 2018.

Agency Contact: Cleopatra L. Booker, PsyD, Director, Office of Licensing, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 1220 Bank Street, P.O. Box 1797, Richmond, VA 23218-1797, telephone (804) 786-1747, FAX (804) 692-0066, TTY (804) 371-8977, or email cleopatra.booker@dbhds.virginia.gov.