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.

 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.

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.