9/30/2016 5:17 pm
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations 		VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
X
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: Board of Psychology
Regulatory Coordinator: Elaine J. Yeatts

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Elaine J. Yeatts

Agency Regulatory Coordinator

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive

Henrico, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 125 - 20: Regulations Governing the Practice of Psychology
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 36 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 03/10/2016
Petitioner Dr. John Wieriman
 Petitioner's Request
To require psychologists to perform standardized pre and post testing on clients and offer evaluation of counseling sessions at their termination.
 Agency Plan
In accordance with Virginia law, the petition has been filed with the Register of Regulations for publication on April 4, 2016 with a request for comment to be received until May 2, 2016.  The petition will also be posted for comment on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov. At the next meeting after the comment period, which is scheduled for May 4, 2016, the Board will consider the petition and any comment received to decide whether or not to initiate the rule-making process.
Publication Date 04/04/2016  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 05/02/2016
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 09/30/2016
 Agency Decision Text
At its meeting on September 30, 2016, the first held since the close of comment, the Board decided not to initiate rulemaking.  While the Board agrees with the principles of screening and assessment in client care, members believe that psychologists should use professional judgment in the use of testing.  Research does not support the use of standardized testing as offering greater protection for the public.  Members were also concerned that benefits for such testing do not appear to outweigh costs, and they were concerned about the potential for security breaches with online assessments.