TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD OF COUNSELING

Initial Agency Notice

Title of Regulation: 18VAC115-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Name of Petitioner: Gerard Lawson.

Nature of Petitioner's Request: The petitioner is proposing that the language of 18VAC115-20-52 C 3, Residency, be changed to read: Shall hold an active, unrestricted license as a professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or substance abuse treatment practitioner, school psychologist, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, or psychiatrist in the jurisdiction where the supervision is being provided. At least 100 hours of the supervision shall be rendered by a licensed professional counselor.

Agency Plan for Disposition of Request: In accordance with Virginia law, the petition will be filed with the Register of Regulations and published on August 27, 2012, with comment requested until September 21, 2012. It will also be placed on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall and available for comments to be posted electronically. At its first meeting following the close of comment, which is scheduled for November 16, 2012, the board will consider the request to amend regulations and all comment received in support or opposition.

Public Comment Deadline: September 21, 2012.

Agency Contact: Elaine J. Yeatts, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4688, or email elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R12-33, Filed July 26, 2012, 10:30 a.m.