8/23/2021 11:18 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: 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 06/07/2021
Petitioner Jennifer Stolpe
 Petitioner's Request
To amend the education requirement for licensure by endorsement to require only 36 class hours if all class hours were focused on Addiction Counseling.  
 Agency Plan
The petition will be posted on Townhall and published in the Register of Regulations on July 5, 2021 with comment requested until August 4, 2021. The petition and all comments received will be considered at the first meeting of the Regulatory Committee scheduled on August 6, 2021. The Board will receive a recommendation from the Committee and decide whether to initiate rulemaking at its meeting on August 20, 2021.
Publication Date 07/05/2021  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 08/04/2021
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 08/23/2021
 Agency Decision Text
At its meeting on August 20, 2021, the Board discussed the petitioner's request and decided not to initiate rulemaking. Since the standard for all licensed professions regulated by the Board is 60 graduate hours in counseling, a reduction to 36 hours would be problematic for this license. The petitioner was advised that her educational background would likely qualify you for certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in Virginia, so she could consider pursuing that option.