Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
Board
Board of Counseling
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Registration of Qualified Mental Health Professionals [18 VAC 115 ‑ 80]
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description Regulations for registration of qualified mental health professionals are being promulgated pursuant to a mandate of Chapters 418 and 426 of the 2017 Acts of the Assembly. Regulations establish the fees required for registration and renewal of registration and specify the education and experience necessary to qualify for registration. In order to maintain registration, there is a requirement of eight hours of continuing education with a minimum of one hour in ethics. Standards of practice for qualified mental health professionals include practicing within one’s competency area, practicing in a manner that does not endanger public health and safety, maintaining confidentiality, and avoiding dual relationships that would impair objectivity and increase risk of client exploitation. A violation of standards of practice or of applicable law or regulation provides grounds for disciplinary action by the Board.
State Authority §§ 54.1-2400 , 54.1-3500 & 54.1-3505
Federal Authority N/A
Periodic Review Note New chapter 11/19
Exempt from APA No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act.
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation To establish a registry of qualified mental health professionals and set standards for their practice.
Meetings See all meetings (1) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Jaime Hoyle  / Executive Director
Address: 9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
Email Address: jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)367-4406    FAX: (804)527-4435    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
None

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Registration of QMHP-trainees Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/29/2020.
Reduction in application fee for trainees
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/19/2020.
Handling fee - returned check Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/15/2020.
Initial regulations for registration of Qualified Mental Health Professionals Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/13/2019.