To amend qualifications for supervisors of residents to include art therapists.

In accordance with Virginia law, the petition will be filed with the Register of Regulations and published on March 10, 2014 with comment requested until April 9, 2014.  It will also be placed on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall and available for comments to be posted electronically.

At its first meeting following the close of comment, scheduled for May 9, 2014, the Board will consider the request to amend regulations and all comment received in support or opposition and decide whether to initiate rulemaking.

While the members of the Board of Counseling appreciate the role of art therapy in counseling, it is not a licensed profession and therefore not subject to the statutory and regulatory authority of the Board.  There is no license on which to rely for competency, so anyone could claim to be an "art therapist” and register to supervise a resident.  Many art therapists are licensed professional counselors and, in that capacity, are currently able to supervise a residency. Therefore, the Board  voted to deny the petition and will not amend its rules accordingly.