Minnesota: The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy regulates licensed professional counselors (LPC) and licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC). However, an individual does not need to have a LPC in order to apply for the LPCC. The LPCC requires completion of a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or related field determined by the board to be equivalent to a qualified counseling program, and that the individual completes graduate level clinical course as determined by the board. Additionally, an individual must have completed 4,000 hours of professional practice. [MN 148B.5301 Subd. 1, Stats.]
Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies:
The section would like to provide greater clarity for both its members reviewing requests for professional counselor training license renewals, as well as for applicants seeking renewals. The current rules state that the section may approve a renewal at its discretion, but does not state for how long the renewal lasts or what factors the section should consider in making such a determination.
The section believes that reviewing the applicant’s reason for requesting the renewal, considering any education or other training the applicant has received since obtaining their training license, and reviewing the supervisor’s progress report on the applicant, will provide the section with valuable information as to whether a renewal of the training license is appropriate.
Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis:
The rule draft was posted on the department’s website for 14 days to solicit economic impact comments from local governments and small businesses. No comments were received.
Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis:
The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis is attached.
Effect on small business:
These proposed rules do not have an economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1), Stats. The Department’s Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by email at Daniel.Hereth@wisconsin.gov, or by calling (608) 267-2435. Agency contact person:
Sofia Anderson, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 4822 Madison Yards Way, P.O. Box 8366, Madison, Wisconsin 53708; telephone 608-261-4463; email at DSPSAdminRules@wisconsin.gov. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEXT OF RULE
Section 1. MPSW 11.015 (2) is repealed and recreated to read:
MPSW 11.015 (2) A professional counselor training license is valid for 48 months, and may be renewed in two year intervals at the discretion of the professional counselor section. In determining whether to renew a professional counselor training license, the professional counselor section may request any of the following from the applicant:
(a) A statement explaining why the applicant needs additional time to complete the hours of professional counselor practice experience required under s. MPSW 11.01 (3). (b) Documentation of any continuing education or graduate level courses the applicant has completed since obtaining their professional counselor training license.
(c) A report from a person actively supervising the applicant under s. MPSW 12.02 (1), demonstrating that the applicant is making satisfactory progress towards completion of the professional counselor practice experience required under s. MPSW 11.01 (3). (d) Other relevant documentation.
Section 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. The rules adopted in this order shall take effect on the first day of the month following publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register, pursuant to s. 227.22 (2) (intro.), Stats. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(END OF TEXT OF RULE)
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Dated _________________ Agency __________________________________
Chairperson
Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board
