Petition 151
Petition Information | |
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Petition Title | Standards of professional conduct |
Date Filed | 7/28/2011 [Transmittal Sheet] |
Petitioner | James D. Watwood |
Petitioner's Request | Increase the tme limit for romantic or sexual relationships with patients from two years after termination to indefinite when the patient has been a victim of rape, incest or sexual abuse. |
Agency's Plan | In accordance with Virginia law, the petition was filed with the Register of Regulations with a request for comment to be received until September 20, 2011. The petition will also be posted for comment on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov At its next meeting which is scheduled for November 8, 2011, the Board will consider the petition and any comment received to decide whether or not to initate the rule-making process. |
Comment Period | Began 8/29/2011 Ended 9/20/2011 3 comments |
Virginia Register Announcement |
Submitted on 7/28/2011
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Agency Decision | Take no action [Transmittal Sheet] |
Response Date | 11/28/2011 |
Decision Publication Date | Published on: 12/19/2011 Volume: 28 Issue: 8 |
Agency Decision Summary |
At its meeting on November 8, 2011, the Board carefully considered and thoroughly discussed the petition. Its vote was to deny the petition because the Board has already proposed to extend the time limitation on relationships with clients from two to five years, which will provide greater separation between the termination of professional services and any initiation of a personal relationship. Notwithstanding the stated time prohibition, current regulations place the burden on the licensee to demonstrate that there has been no exploitation of a client in the initiation of a relationship after that time has passed. Additionally, the Board was concerned that documentation or differing interpretations of sexual abuse, etc. could make enforcement of a permanent prohibition difficult to enforce. |
Contact Information | |
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Name / Title: | Elaine J. Yeatts / Agency Regulatory Coordinator |
Address: |
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 Richmond, 23233 |
Email Address: | elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov |
Telephone: | (804)367-4699 FAX: (804)527-4434 TDD: ()- |