dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3502. Administration or prescription of drugs not permitted.
This chapter shall not be construed as permitting the administration or prescribing of drugs or in any way infringing upon the practice of medicine as defined in Chapter 29 (§ 54.1-2900 et seq.) of this title.

1976, c. 608, § 54-945; 1988, c. 765.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3503. Board of Counseling.
The Board of Counseling shall regulate the practice of counseling, substance abuse treatment, art therapy, and marriage and family therapy.

The Board shall consist of 12 members to be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Ten members shall be professionals licensed in the Commonwealth, who shall represent the various specialties recognized in the profession, and two shall be nonlegislative citizen members. Of the 10 professional members, six shall be professional counselors, three shall be licensed marriage and family therapists who have passed the examination for licensure as a marriage and family therapist, and one shall be a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner.

The terms of the members of the Board shall be four years.

1976, c. 608; § 54-933; 1981, c. 447; 1983, c. 150; 1986, cc. 185, 464; 1988, c. 765; 1995, c. 820; 1997, c. 901; 2000, c. 473; 2013, cc. 201, 590; 2016, c. 105; 2020, c. 301.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3504. Nominations.
Nominations for professional members may be made from a list of at least three names for each vacancy submitted to the Governor by the Virginia Counselors Association, the Virginia Association of Clinical Counselors, the Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals, and the Virginia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The Governor may notify such organizations of any professional vacancy other than by expiration. In no case shall the Governor be bound to make any appointment from among the nominees.

1986, c. 464, § 54-933.2; 1988, c. 765; 1995, c. 820; 1997, c. 901.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3505.1. Continued competency requirements.
The Board shall promulgate regulations establishing requirements for evidence of continued competency as a condition of renewal of a license under the provisions of this chapter. The Board may approve persons who provide or accredit continuing education programs in order to accomplish the purposes of this section. The Board shall have the authority to grant exemptions or waivers or to reduce the number of continuing education hours required in cases of certified illness or undue hardship.

2002, c. 430.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3506. License required.
In order to engage in the practice of counseling or marriage and family therapy or in the independent practice of substance abuse treatment, as defined in this chapter, it shall be necessary to hold a license issued by the Board.

The Board may issue a license, without examination, for the practice of marriage and family therapy or the independent practice of substance abuse treatment to persons who hold a current and unrestricted license as a professional counselor within the Commonwealth and who meet the clinical and academic requirements for licensure as a marriage and family therapist or licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, respectively. The applicant for such license shall present satisfactory evidence of qualifications equal to those required of applicants for licensure as marriage and family therapists or licensed substance abuse treatment practitioners, respectively, by examination in the Commonwealth.

Any person who renders substance abuse treatment services as defined in this chapter and who is not licensed to do so, other than a person who is exempt pursuant to § 54.1-3501, shall render such services only when he is (i) under the supervision and direction of a person licensed under this chapter who shall be responsible for the services performed by such unlicensed person, or (ii) in compliance with the regulations governing an organization or a facility licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

1979, c. 408, § 54-935.1; 1988, c. 765; 1995, c. 820; 1997, c. 901; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2013, c. 264.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3506.1. Client notification.
Any person licensed, certified, or registered by the Board and operating in a nonhospital setting shall post a copy of his license, certification, or registration in a conspicuous place. The posting shall also provide clients with (i) the number of the toll-free complaint line at the Department of Health Professions, (ii) the website address of the Department for the purposes of accessing the licensee's, certificate holder's, or registrant's record, and (iii) notice of the client's right to report to the Department if he believes the licensee, certificate holder, or registrant may have engaged in unethical, fraudulent, or unprofessional conduct. If the licensee, certificate holder, or registrant does not operate in a central location at which clients visit, he or his employer shall provide such information on a disclosure form signed by the client and maintained in the client's record.

2015, c. 530; 2017, cc. 418, 426.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3506.2. Licensure exemption.
The Board shall recognize the National Counselor Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors as a valid examination to meet the qualifications for licensure as a professional counselor in the Commonwealth. The Board shall incorporate the NCE into its licensure regulations and procedures, provided that such recognition does not conflict with the requirements set forth in any interstate compacts or agreements to which the Commonwealth is a party.

2024, c. 443.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3507. Scope of practice of and qualifications for licensed substance abuse treatment practitioners.
A. A licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner shall be qualified to (i) perform on an independent basis the substance abuse treatment functions of screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, treatment, case management, substance abuse or dependence crisis intervention, client education, referral activities, recordkeeping, and consultation with other professionals; (ii) exercise independent professional judgment, based on observations and objective assessments of a client's behavior, to evaluate current functioning, to diagnose and select appropriate remedial treatment for identified problems, and to make appropriate referrals; and (iii) supervise, direct and instruct others who provide substance abuse treatment.

B. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, an applicant for a license as a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has (i) completed a specified number of hours of graduate studies, including a specified number of didactic substance abuse education courses at, and has received a master's degree in substance abuse or a substantially equivalent master's degree from, an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board; and (ii) completed a specified number of hours of experience involving the practice of substance abuse treatment supervised by a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, or by any other mental health professional licensed by the Department, such number of hours being greater than the number of hours required of a certified substance abuse counseling assistant. The applicant shall also pass an examination, as required by the Board.

1997, c. 901; 2001, c. 460.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3507.1. Scope of practice, supervision, and qualifications of certified substance abuse counselors.
A. A certified substance abuse counselor shall be (i) qualified to perform, under appropriate supervision or direction, the substance abuse treatment functions of screening, intake, orientation, the administration of substance abuse assessment instruments, recovery and relapse prevention planning, substance abuse treatment, case management, substance abuse or dependence crisis intervention, client education, referral activities, record keeping, and consultation with other professionals; (ii) qualified to be responsible for client care of persons with a primary diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence; and (iii) qualified to supervise, direct and instruct certified substance abuse counseling assistants. Certified substance abuse counselors shall not engage in independent or autonomous practice.

B. Such counselor shall also be clinically supervised or directed by a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, or any other mental health professional licensed by the Department, or, in an exempt setting as described in § 54.1-3501, another person with substantially equivalent education, training, and experience, or such counselor shall be in compliance with the supervision requirements of a licensed facility.

C. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, an applicant for certification as a substance abuse counselor shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has (i) completed a specified number of hours of didactic substance abuse education courses in a program or programs recognized or approved by the Board and received a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board; and (ii) accumulated a specified number of hours of experience involving the practice of substance abuse treatment while supervised by a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, or by any other mental health professional licensed by the Department, or by a certified substance abuse counselor who shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of clinical supervision qualifications pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, such number of hours being greater than the number of hours required of a certified substance abuse counseling assistant. The applicant shall also pass an examination as required by the Board.

2001, c. 460.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3507.2. Scope of practice, supervision, and qualifications of certified substance abuse counseling assistants.
A. A certified substance abuse counseling assistant shall be qualified to perform, under appropriate supervision or direction, the substance abuse treatment functions of orientation, implementation of substance abuse treatment plans, case management, substance abuse or dependence crisis intervention, record keeping, and consultation with other professionals. Certified substance abuse counseling assistants may participate in recovery group discussions, but shall not engage in counseling with either individuals or groups or engage in independent or autonomous practice.

B. Such certified substance abuse counseling assistant shall be supervised or directed either by a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, or by any other mental health professional licensed by the Department, or by a certified substance abuse counselor, or, in an exempt setting as described in § 54.1-3501, another person with substantially equivalent education, training, and experience, or such counseling assistant shall be in compliance with the supervision requirements of a licensed facility.

C. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, an applicant for certification as a certified substance abuse counseling assistant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has (i) received a high school diploma or its equivalent, (ii) completed a specified number of hours of didactic substance abuse education in a program or programs recognized or approved by the Board, and (iii) accumulated a specified number of hours of experience and completed a practicum or an internship involving substance abuse treatment, supervised either by a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, or by any other mental health professional licensed by the Department, or by a certified substance abuse counselor. The applicant shall also pass an examination, as required by the Board.

2001, c. 460.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3507.3. Use of titles.
No person shall claim to be, or use the title of, a substance abuse treatment practitioner, a substance abuse counselor, or a substance abuse counseling assistant unless he has been licensed or certified as such pursuant to §§ 54.1-3507, 54.1-3507.1 or § 54.1-3507.2.

2001, c. 460.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3508. Licensure of certain persons possessing substantially equivalent qualifications, education or experience.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 54.1-3507, (i) the Board may issue a license as a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner to a person who, after the effective date of the regulations promulgated pursuant to subdivision 7 of § 54.1-3505, has applied for such a license and who, in the judgment of the Board, possesses qualifications, education or experience substantially equivalent to the requirements of § 54.1-3507; however, any such applicant shall have completed at least one year of supervised clinical experience in substance abuse treatment, and (ii) for a period of time to be determined by the Board but not less than one year after the effective date of the regulations, the Board shall issue such a license to any such person who, in the judgment of the Board, possesses qualifications, education or experience acceptable to the Board and has completed at least one year of supervised clinical experience in substance abuse treatment.

1997, c. 901; 1999, c. 863.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3509. Continued certification of certain certified substance abuse counselors.
On and after July 1, 2001, unless such certification is suspended or revoked by the Board, the Board shall continue to certify as a certified substance abuse counselor any person (i) who was certified by the Board as a certified substance abuse counselor prior to July 1, 2001, or (ii) who registered his supervisory contract with the Board or filed an application with the Board prior to July 1, 2001, for certification as a certified substance abuse counselor and was certified by the Board after July 1, 2001. The person's scope of practice shall be limited to that set forth in subsection A of § 54.1-3507.1.

2001, c. 460.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3510. Definitions.
As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Certified rehabilitation provider" means a person who is certified by the Board as possessing the training, the skills and the experience as a rehabilitation provider to form an opinion by discerning and evaluating, thereby allowing for a sound and reasonable determination or recommendation as to the appropriate employment for a rehabilitation client and who may provide vocational rehabilitation services under subdivision A 3 of § 65.2-603 that involve the exercise of professional judgment.

"Professional judgment" includes consideration of the client's level of disability, functional limitations and capabilities; consideration of client aptitudes, career and technical skills and abilities; education and pre-injury employment; and identification of return-to-work options and service needs which culminate in the determination or recommendation of appropriate employment for the rehabilitation client.

1994, c. 558; 1995, c. 343; 1997, c. 839; 2001, c. 483; 2004, c. 10.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3511. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 10.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3513. Restriction of practice; use of titles.
A. No person, other than a person licensed by the Boards of Counseling; Medicine; Nursing; Optometry; Psychology; or Social Work, shall hold himself out as a provider of rehabilitation services or use the title "rehabilitation provider" or a similar title or any abbreviation thereof unless he holds a valid certificate under this article.

B. Subsection A shall not apply to employees or independent contractors of the Commonwealth's agencies and sheltered workshops providing vocational rehabilitation services, under the following circumstances: (i) such employees or independent contractors are not providing vocational rehabilitation services under § 65.2-603 or (ii) such employees are providing vocational rehabilitation services under § 65.2-603 as well as other programs and are certified by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) as certified rehabilitation counselors (CRC) or by the Commission on Certification of Work Adjustment and Vocational Evaluation Specialists (CCWAVES) as Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialists (CVE).

1994, c. 558; 2000, c. 473; 2004, c. 271.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3514. Certification of existing providers.
The Board of Counseling upon receipt of a completed application and payment of the prescribed fee on or before June 30, 1995, shall issue a certificate to any person who was actively engaged in providing rehabilitation services on January 1, 1994.

1994, c. 558; 2000, c. 473.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3515. Certification renewal of individuals who became certified under the provisions of § 54.1-3514.
After July 1, 2001, the Board of Counseling shall not renew a certificate to any person who became certified under the provisions of § 54.1-3514 without documentation that such person meets the current requirements for certification established by the Board, unless such person provided rehabilitation services for at least two years immediately preceding July 1, 1997, and has done so continuously since that date without interruption and received a passing score on a Board approved examination. The Board of Counseling, pursuant to its authority in this section and in § 54.1-3505, shall adopt regulations to implement the 1997 revisions of the law relating to certified rehabilitation providers in 280 days or less of the date of the enactment of such revisions.

1997, c. 839; 1999, c. 609; 2000, c. 473.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3516. Art therapist and art therapy associate; licensure.
A. No person shall engage in the practice of art therapy or hold himself out or otherwise represent himself as an art therapist or art therapy associate unless he is licensed by the Board. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a person licensed, certified, or registered by a health regulatory board from using the modalities of art media if such modalities are within his scope of practice.

B. The Board shall adopt regulations governing the practice of art therapy, upon consultation with the Advisory Board on Art Therapy established in § 54.1-3517. Such regulations shall (i) set forth the requirements for licensure as an art therapist or art therapy associate, (ii) provide for appropriate application and renewal fees, and (iii) include requirements for licensure renewal and continuing education.

C. In the adoption of regulations for licensure, the Board shall consider requirements for registration as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) and certification as a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) with the Art Therapy Credentials Board and successful completion of the Registered Art Therapist Board Certified Art Therapist examination.

D. A license issued for an art therapy associate shall be valid for a period of five years. At the end of the five-year period, an art therapy associate who has not met the requirements for licensure as an art therapist may submit an application for extension of licensure as an art therapy associate to the Board. Such application shall include (i) a plan for completing the requirements to obtain licensure as an art therapist, (ii) documentation of compliance with the continuing education requirements, (iii) documentation of compliance with requirements related to supervision, and (iv) a letter of recommendation from the clinical supervisor of record. An extension of a license as an art therapy associate pursuant to this subsection shall be valid for a period of two years and shall not be renewable.

2020, c. 301.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3517. Advisory Board on Art Therapy; membership; terms.
A. The Advisory Board on Art Therapy (the Advisory Board) is hereby established to assist the Board in formulating regulations related to the practice of art therapy. The Advisory Board shall also assist in such other matters relating to the practice of art therapy as the Board may require.

B. The Advisory Board shall have a total membership of five nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor as follows: three members shall be licensed art therapists, one member shall be a licensed health care provider other than an art therapist, and one member shall be a citizen at large.

C. After the initial staggering of terms, members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. However, no member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

2020, c. 301.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3518. Scope of practice, supervision, and qualifications of registered behavioral health technicians.
A. A registered behavioral health technician shall be (i) qualified to perform, under Board-approved supervision, collaborative behavioral health services, training on prevention of mental health and substance use disorders, and mental health literacy and the supportive functions of screening, intake, orientation, care coordination, client education, and recordkeeping and (ii) after three years of practicing as a behavioral health technician in good standing and completion of the required behavioral health technician supervisor training set forth by the Board, qualified to supervise, as part of a collaborative team, behavioral health technicians and behavioral health technician assistants. A registered behavioral health technician shall not engage in independent or autonomous practice and shall only perform collaborative behavioral health services.

B. Such registered behavioral health technician shall be supervised by a mental health professional licensed by the Department of Health Professions, a person under supervision that has been approved by the Board of Counseling, Board of Psychology, or Board of Social Work as a prerequisite for licensure who has completed the required supervisor training, or a registered qualified mental health professional who has practiced for three years and completed the required supervisor training.

C. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, an applicant for registration as a behavioral health technician shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has (i) completed a specified number of hours of didactic education in a program or programs recognized or approved by the Board and (ii) received, at a minimum, an associate degree from an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board. A bachelor's degree shall not be a requirement for registration as a behavioral health technician.

2024, c. 595.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3519. Scope of practice, supervision, and qualifications of registered behavioral health technician assistants.
A. A registered behavioral health technician assistant shall be qualified to perform, under Board-approved supervision, collaborative behavioral health services, training on prevention of mental health and substance use disorders, and mental health literacy and the supportive functions of screening, intake, orientation, care coordination, client education, and recordkeeping. A registered behavioral health technician assistant shall not engage in independent or autonomous practice and shall only provide collaborative behavioral health services.

B. Such registered behavioral health technician assistants shall be supervised by either a mental health professional licensed by the Department of Health Professions who has completed the required supervisor training, a person under supervision that has been approved by the Board of Counseling, Board of Psychology, or Board of Social Work as a prerequisite for licensure who has completed the required supervisor training, a registered qualified mental health professional who has practiced for three years and completed the required supervisor training, or a registered behavioral health technician who has practiced for three years and completed the required supervisor training.

C. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, an applicant for registration as a behavioral health technician assistant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has (i) received, at a minimum, a high school diploma or its equivalent and (ii) completed a specified number of hours of didactic education in a program recognized or approved by the Board.

2024, c. 595.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3520. Scope of practice, supervision, and qualifications of qualified mental health professionals.
A. A qualified mental health professional shall be qualified to perform, under Board-approved supervision, collaborative behavioral health services, including the supportive functions of (i) screening; (ii) intake; (iii) orientation; (iv) care coordination; (v) client education; (vi) referral activities; (vii) initiating crisis de-escalation; (viii) gathering histories of mental and physical health conditions, alcohol and drug use, past mental health treatment, and interactions with the criminal justice system; (ix) providing psychosocial skills development; (x) implementing interventions as assigned on individual plans of care and documenting the interventions for the purposes of recordkeeping; and (xi) prevention of mental health and substance use disorders. A registered qualified mental health professional shall not engage in independent or autonomous practice and shall only perform collaborative behavioral health services.

B. Such registered qualified mental health professionals shall be supervised by either a mental health professional licensed by the Department of Health Professions who has completed the required supervisor training, a person under supervision that has been approved by the Board of Counseling, Board of Psychology, or Board of Social Work as a prerequisite for licensure who has completed the required supervisor training, or a registered qualified mental health professional who has practiced for three years and completed the required supervisor training. Registered qualified mental health professionals who have met the supervisor requirements may supervise activities within their scope. This supervision must occur under the broader required direction of and in collaboration with the licensed mental health professional or licensed eligible mental health professional.

C. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, an applicant for registration as a qualified mental health professional shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has (i) completed a specified number of hours of didactic education in a program or programs recognized or approved by the Board; (ii) received, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board; and (iii) accumulated a specified number of hours of Board-approved supervised experience.

2024, c. 595.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 35 (PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING)
§ 54.1-3521. Scope of practice, supervision, and qualifications of qualified mental health professional-trainees.
A. A qualified mental health professional-trainee shall be qualified to perform, under Board-approved supervision, collaborative behavioral health services, including the supportive functions of (i) screening; (ii) intake; (iii) orientation; (iv) care coordination; (v) client education; (vi) referral activities; (vii) initiating crisis de-escalation; (viii) gathering histories of mental and physical health conditions, alcohol and drug use, past mental health treatment, and interactions with the criminal justice system; (ix) providing psychosocial skills development; (x) implementing interventions as assigned on individual plans of care and documenting the interventions for the purposes of recordkeeping; and (xi) prevention of mental health and substance use disorders. A registered qualified mental health professional-trainee shall not engage in independent or autonomous practice and shall only perform collaborative behavioral health services.

B. Such registered qualified mental health professional-trainees shall be supervised by a mental health professional licensed by the Department of Health Professions who has completed the required supervisor training, a person under supervision that has been approved by the Board of Counseling, Board of Psychology, or Board of Social Work as a prerequisite for licensure and who has completed the required supervisor training, or a registered qualified mental health professional who has practiced for three years and completed the required supervisor training.

C. Pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, an applicant for registration as a qualified mental health professional-trainee shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has (i) completed a specified number of hours of didactic education in a program or programs recognized or approved by the Board and (ii) received, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board or is actively enrolled and in good standing in a bachelor's degree program from an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board.

2024, c. 595.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3602. Administration or prescription of drugs not permitted.
This chapter shall not be construed as permitting the administration or prescribing of drugs or in any way infringing upon the practice of medicine as defined in Chapter 29 (§ 54.1-2900 et seq.) of this title.

1976, c. 608, § 54-945; 1988, c. 765.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3603. Board of Psychology; membership.
The Board of Psychology shall regulate the practice of psychology. The membership of the Board shall be representative of the practices of psychology and shall consist of nine members as follows: five persons who are licensed as clinical psychologists, one person licensed as a school psychologist, one person licensed in any category of psychology, and two citizen members. At least one of the seven psychologist members of the Board shall be a member of the faculty at an accredited institution of higher education in the Commonwealth actively engaged in teaching psychology. The terms of the members of the Board shall be four years.

1976, c. 608, § 54-937; 1981, c. 447; 1982, c. 165; 1985, c. 159; 1986, cc. 464, 510; 1988, cc. 42, 765; 1996, cc. 937, 980; 2019, c. 169.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3604. Nominations.
Nominations for professional members may be made from a list of at least three names for each vacancy submitted to the Governor by the Virginia Psychological Association, the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists, the Virginia Applied Psychology Academy and the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists. The Governor may notify such organizations of any professional vacancy other than by expiration. In no case shall the Governor be bound to make any appointment from among the nominees.

1986, c. 464, § 54-937.1; 1988, c. 765; 1996, cc. 937, 980.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3605. Powers and duties of the Board.
In addition to the powers granted in other provisions of this title, the Board shall have the following specific powers and duties:

1. To cooperate with and maintain a close liaison with other professional boards and the community to ensure that regulatory systems stay abreast of community and professional needs.

2. To conduct inspections to ensure that licensees conduct their practices in a competent manner and in conformance with the relevant regulations.

3. To designate specialties within the profession.

4. To issue a temporary license for such periods as the Board may prescribe to practice psychology to persons who are engaged in a residency or pursuant to subdivision 7 of § 54.1-3601.

5. To promulgate regulations for the voluntary certification of licensees as sex offender treatment providers.

6. To administer the mandatory certification of sex offender treatment providers for those professionals who are otherwise exempt from licensure under subdivision 4 of §§ 54.1-3501, 54.1-3601 or § 54.1-3701 and to promulgate regulations governing such mandatory certification. The regulations shall include provisions for fees for application processing, certification qualifications, certification issuance and renewal and disciplinary action.

7. To promulgate regulations establishing the requirements for licensure of clinical psychologists that shall include appropriate emphasis in the diagnosis and treatment of persons with moderate and severe mental disorders.

1976, c. 608, §§ 54-929, 54-931; 1983, c. 115; 1986, cc. 64, 100, 464; 1988, c. 765; 1993, c. 767; 1994, c. 778; 1996, cc. 937, 980; 1997, c. 556; 1999, c. 630; 2001, cc. 186, 198; 2004, c. 11.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3606. License required.
A. In order to engage in the practice of applied psychology, school psychology, or clinical psychology, or to engage in practice as a psychological practitioner, it shall be necessary to hold a license.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 4 of § 54.1-3601 or any Board regulation, the Board of Psychology shall license, as school psychologists-limited, persons licensed by the Board of Education with an endorsement in psychology and a master's degree in psychology. The Board of Psychology shall issue licenses to such persons without examination, upon review of credentials and payment of an application fee in accordance with regulations of the Board for school psychologists-limited.

Persons holding such licenses as school psychologists-limited shall practice solely in public school divisions; holding a license as a school psychologist-limited pursuant to this subsection shall not authorize such persons to practice outside the school setting or in any setting other than the public schools of the Commonwealth, unless such individuals are licensed by the Board of Psychology to offer to the public the services defined in § 54.1-3600.

The Board shall issue persons, holding licenses from the Board of Education with an endorsement in psychology and a license as a school psychologist-limited from the Board of Psychology, a license which notes the limitations on practice set forth in this section.

Persons who hold licenses as psychologists issued by the Board of Psychology without these limitations shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.

1979, c. 408, § 54-939.1; 1988, c. 765; 1996, cc. 937, 980; 1999, cc. 967, 1005; 2024, cc. 754, 761.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3606.1. Continuing education.
A. The Board shall promulgate regulations governing continuing education requirements for psychologists licensed by the Board. Such regulations shall require the completion of the equivalent of 14 hours annually in Board-approved continuing education courses for any license renewal or reinstatement after the effective date.

B. The Board shall include in its regulations governing continuing education requirements for licensees a provision allowing a licensee who completes continuing education hours in excess of the hours required by subsection A to carry up to seven hours of continuing education credit forward to meet the requirements of subsection A for the next annual renewal cycle.

C. The Board shall approve criteria for continuing education courses that are directly related to the respective license and scope of practice of school psychology, applied psychology and clinical psychology. Approved continuing education courses for clinical psychologists shall emphasize, but not be limited to, the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with moderate and severe mental disorders. Any licensed hospital, accredited institution of higher education, or national, state or local health, medical, psychological or mental health association or organization may submit applications to the Board for approval as a provider of continuing education courses satisfying the requirements of the Board's regulations. Approved course providers may be required to register continuing education courses with the Board pursuant to Board regulations. Only courses meeting criteria approved by the Board and offered by a Board-approved provider of continuing education courses may be designated by the Board as qualifying for continuing education course credit.

D. All course providers shall furnish written certification to licensed psychologists attending and completing respective courses, indicating the satisfactory completion of an approved continuing education course. Each course provider shall retain records of all persons attending and those persons satisfactorily completing such continuing education courses for a period of four years following each course. Applicants for renewal or reinstatement of licenses issued pursuant to this article shall retain for a period of four years the written certification issued by any course provider. The Board may require course providers or licensees to submit copies of such records or certification, as it deems necessary to ensure compliance with continuing education requirements.

E. The Board shall have the authority to grant exemptions or waivers or to reduce the number of continuing education hours required in cases of certified illness or undue hardship.

2000, c. 83; 2015, c. 359.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3606.3. Licensure of psychological practitioners; independent practice.
A. It is unlawful for any person to practice or hold himself out as a psychological practitioner in the Commonwealth or use the title of psychological practitioner unless he holds a license issued by the Board.

B. The Board shall establish criteria for licensure as a psychological practitioner, which shall include the following:

1. Documentation that the applicant received a master's degree in psychology or counseling psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association, from a program equivalent to those accredited by the American Psychological Association as determined by the Board, or from a program accredited by another national accrediting body approved by the Board; and

2. Documentation that the applicant successfully completed the academic portion of a national exam recognized by the Board.

C. Every psychological practitioner who meets the requirements of subsection B shall practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist unless the requirements of subsection D are met. The Board shall determine the requirements and procedures for such supervision.

D. A psychological practitioner may practice without supervision upon:

1. Successful completion of the clinical portion of a national exam recognized by the Board; and

2. Completion of one year of full-time experience, as determined by the Board, of practice under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.

Upon receipt of documentation of such examination and experience requirements and a fee as established by the Board, the Board shall issue to the psychological practitioner a new license that includes a designation indicating that the psychological practitioner is authorized to practice independently.

E. The Board shall determine appropriate standards of practice for psychological practitioners.

F. The Board shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

2024, cc. 754, 761.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3607. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1996, cc. 937 and 980.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3608. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2001, cc. 186 and 198.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3609. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 11.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3611. Restriction of practice; use of titles.
No person, including licensees of the Boards of Counseling; Medicine; Nursing; Psychology; or Social Work, shall claim to be a certified sex offender treatment provider unless he has been so certified. No person who is exempt from licensure under subdivision 4 of §§ 54.1-3501, 54.1-3601 or § 54.1-3701 shall hold himself out as a provider of sex offender treatment services unless he is certified as a sex offender treatment provider by the Board of Psychology.

1994, c. 778; 1999, c. 630; 2000, c. 473.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3612. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 698.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3613. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, cc. 40 and 68.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3614. Delegation to unlicensed persons.
Any licensed psychologist may delegate to unlicensed personnel supervised by him such activities or functions as are nondiscretionary and do not require the exercise of professional judgment for their performance and which are usually or customarily delegated to such persons by psychologists, if such activities or functions are authorized by and performed for such psychologist and responsibility for such activities or functions is assumed by such psychologist.

1996, cc. 937, 980.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3615. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 64.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 36 (PSYCHOLOGY)
§ 54.1-3616. Use of title "Doctor.".
No person regulated under this chapter shall use the title "Doctor" or the abbreviation "Dr." in writing or in advertising in connection with his practice unless he simultaneously uses a clarifying title, initials, abbreviation or designation or language that identifies the type of practice for which he is licensed.

1996, cc. 937, 980.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 37 (SOCIAL WORK)
§ 54.1-3702. Administration or prescription of drugs not permitted.
This chapter shall not be construed as permitting the administration or prescribing of drugs or in any way infringing upon the practice of medicine as defined in Chapter 29 (§ 54.1-2900 et seq.) of this title.

1976, c. 608, § 54-945; 1988, c. 765.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 37 (SOCIAL WORK)
§ 54.1-3703. Board of Social Work; members.
The Board of Social Work shall regulate the practice of social work.

The Board shall be composed of nine nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor, seven of whom shall be licensed social workers who have been in active practice of social work for at least five years prior to appointment and two of whom shall be nonlegislative citizen members at large. The terms of the members of the Board shall be four years.

1976, c. 608, § 54-942; 1981, cc. 447, 555; 1986, c. 464; 1988, cc. 42, 765; 2006, c. 685.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 37 (SOCIAL WORK)
§ 54.1-3704. Nominations.
Nominations for professional members may be made from a list of at least three names for each vacancy submitted to the Governor by the Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and by the Virginia Society for Clinical Social Work. The Governor may notify such organizations of any professional vacancy other than by expiration. In no case shall the Governor be bound to make any appointment from among the nominees.

1986, c. 464, § 54-942.1; 1988, c. 765.