2/7/2020 1:58 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 Counseling
Regulatory Coordinator: Elaine J. Yeatts

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Jaime Hoyle

Executive Director

(804)367-4406

jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive

Suite 300

Richmond, 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 10/29/2019
Petitioner Robin Usher
 Petitioner's Request
To accept 1500 direct/indirect service hours, 50 hours of supervision, and one years from a master\'s level internship so long as the internship hours were acquired after 30 course hours from a CACREP accredited counseling program and in not more than 3 years of study.
 Agency Plan
In accordance with Virginia law, the petition will be filed with the Register of Regulations and published on November 25, 2019 with comment requested until December 25, 2019.  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 February 7, 2010, the Board will consider the request to amend regulations and all comment received in support or opposition.  The petitioner will be informed of the board's response and any action it approves.  
Publication Date 11/25/2019  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 12/25/2019
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 02/07/2020
 Agency Decision Text
At its meeting today, the Board decided not to initiate rulemaking based on your request. In doing so, the Board was particularly concerned about the reduction in supervisory hours and noted that regulations already allow up to 900 hours of an internship to be counted towards a residency. Therefore, it determined that the current requirement is necessary to ensure competency in counselors serving Virginia clients.