9/22/2014 11:42 am
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 Counseling
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

Suite 300

Henrico, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 115 - 20: Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 35 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 06/18/2014
Petitioner Gerard Lawson
 Petitioner's Request
To require graduation from a clinically-focused counselor preparation program accredited by CACREP or an approved affiliate of CACREP that includes a minimum of 60 semester credits (90 quarter hour credits) of curricular experiences and a practicum of at least 100 hours and an intership of at least 600 hours.  Allow a grandfathering of programs that meet current requirements for seven years from the effective date of the regulations.
 Agency Plan
 In accordance with Virginia law, the petition will be filed with the Register of Regulations and published on July 14, 2014 with comment requested until August 13, 2014.  It will also be posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall and available for electronic comment. At its first meeting following the close of comment, which is scheduled for September 19, 2014, the Board will consider the request to amend regulations and all comment received in support or opposition.
Publication Date 07/14/2014  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 08/13/2014
 Agency Decision
Initiate a regulatory change
Agency Response Date 09/22/2014
 Agency Decision Text
At its meeting on September 19, 2014, the Board discussed the request to amend regulations and all comment received.  The Board voted to submit a Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) to initiate rulemaking and receive further information and comment.  Once the NOIRA is approved by the Governor, it will be published and a 30-day comment period will be opened.