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 18VAC115-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling, 18VAC115-30, Regulations Governing the Certification of Substance Abuse Counselors and Substance Abuse Counseling Assistants, 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 (i) specify in the regulations that the standard of practice requiring persons licensed, certified, or registered by the board to "Practice in a manner that is in the best interest of the public and does not endanger the public health, safety, or welfare" precludes the provision of conversion therapy and (ii) define what comprises conversion therapy and what does not. The goal is to align regulations of the board with the stated policy and ethics for the profession of counseling.

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: August 7, 2019.

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