Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Social Work intends to consider amending 18VAC140-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work. The purpose of the proposed action is to consider amending the regulation to (i) eliminate all requirements for either supervised experience or active practice in another jurisdiction licensure by endorsement; (ii) eliminate requirements for a person whose license has been lapsed for 10 or more years to provide evidence of either active practice in another jurisdiction or in an exempt setting, or supervised practice of no less than 360 hours in a 12-month period for reinstatement or reactivation of licensure; and (iii) modify the standards of practice to specify that persons licensed by the board shall not engage in physical contact with a client when there is a likelihood of psychological harm to the client and shall not sexually harass a client.

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: March 31, 2021.

Agency Contact: Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director, Board of Social Work, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4406, FAX (804)527-4435, or email jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov.