Department of Health Professions
Board of Counseling
Regulations Governing the Registration of Qualified Mental Health Professionals
[18 VAC 115 ‑ 80]
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 |
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
|
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. |