8/21/2020 4:46 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 - 60: Regulations Governing the Practice of Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 35 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 04/20/2020
Petitioner James Christmas
 Petitioner's Request
To amend section 50 to allow persons who are licensed as clinical social workers to be licensed as substance abuse treatment practitioners without examination.
 Agency Plan
The petition will be published in the Register of Regulations with a comment period from May 11, 2020 to June 10, 2020. All comments will be considered by the Board at it next meeting, scheduled for August 21, 2020.
Publication Date 05/11/2020  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 06/10/2020
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 08/21/2020
 Agency Decision Text
At its meeting on August 21, 2020, the Board declined to take action on the petition. It concurred with the commenters who noted that licensure as a substance abuse treatment practitioner requires specialized education, experience, and examination. In its proposed amendments adopted pursuant to a periodic review of Chapter 60, the Board has already deleted the existing exemption from examination for licensed professional counselors.