Bill Text: VA HB1872 | 2023 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Professional counselors; licensure without examination.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-02-07 - Left in Health, Welfare and Institutions [HB1872 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2023-HB1872-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 35 of Title 54.1 a section numbered 54.1-3506.2 as follows:
§54.1-3506.2. Licensure of certain persons without examination.
A. The Board may issue a license to practice as a licensed professional counselor without examination to an individual who has applied for such license and who satisfies all other education, experience, and fitness to practice requirements as set forth below.
B. A license to practice as a licensed professional counselor without examination may be issued to an individual who:
1. Has accreditation from an accredited counseling program;
2. Has received a master's degree in either mental health or marriage and family counseling;
3. Is licensed as a resident in counseling from the National Board of Counseling;
4. Has a minimum of three years of experience working under the supervision of a licensed individual in the counseling field;
5. Has at least two letters from supervisors that vouch for the individual's work history;
6. Has a letter from a direct supervisor that verifies the individual's clinical hours of experience; and
7. Has a resume showing proof that the candidate has worked in the mental health field for a minimum of three years.
C. The requirements of subsection B shall be deemed met if the applicant holds a valid School Counselor preK-12 endorsement issued by the Board.
