{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-3500.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-3500.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-3500.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-3500.1.html"}],"law_id":68349,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68349,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3500.1","catch_line":"Counseling Compact","history":"2023, cc. 684, 685.","full_text":"The General Assembly hereby enacts, and the Commonwealth of Virginia hereby enters into, the Counseling Compact with any and all states legally joining therein according to its terms, in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tCOUNSELING COMPACT\n\t\tArticle I. Purpose.\n\t\tThe purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of Licensed Professional Counselors with the goal of improving public access to Professional Counseling services. The practice of Professional Counseling occurs in the State where the client is located at the time of the counseling services. The Compact preserves the regulatory authority of States to protect public health and safety through the current system of State licensure.\n\t\tThis Compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:\n\n1\n\nIncrease public access to Professional Counseling services by providing for the mutual recognition of other Member State licenses;2\n\nEnhance the States’ ability to protect the public’s health and safety;3\n\nEncourage the cooperation of Member States in regulating multistate practice for Licensed Professional Counselors;4\n\nSupport spouses of relocating Active Duty Military personnel;5\n\nEnhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information among Member States;6\n\nAllow for the use of Telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to Professional Counseling services;7\n\nSupport the uniformity of Professional Counseling licensure requirements throughout the States to promote public safety and public health benefits;8\n\nInvest all Member States with the authority to hold a Licensed Professional Counselor accountable for meeting all State practice laws in the State in which the client is located at the time care is rendered through the mutual recognition of Member State licenses;9\n\nEliminate the necessity for licenses in multiple States; and10\n\nProvide opportunities for interstate practice by Licensed Professional Counselors who meet uniform licensure requirements.\n\t\t\tArticle II. Definitions.\n\t\t\tAs used in this Compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall apply:\n\t\t\t“Active Duty Military” means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211.\n\t\t\t“Adverse Action” means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a State’s laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other authority against a Licensed Professional Counselor, including actions against an individual’s license or Privilege to Practice such as revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee, limitation on the licensee’s practice, or any other Encumbrance on licensure affecting a Licensed Professional Counselor’s authorization to practice, including issuance of a cease and desist action.\n\t\t\t“Alternative Program” means a non-disciplinary monitoring or practice remediation process approved by a Professional Counseling Licensing Board to address Impaired Practitioners.\n\t\t\t“Continuing Competence\/Education” means a requirement, as a condition of license renewal, to provide evidence of participation in, and\/or completion of, educational and professional activities relevant to practice or area of work.\n\t\t\t“Counseling Compact Commission” or “Commission” means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all States that have enacted the Compact.\n\t\t\t“Current Significant Investigative Information” means:1\n\nInvestigative Information that a Licensing Board, after a preliminary inquiry that includes notification and an opportunity for the Licensed Professional Counselor to respond, if required by State law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction; or2\n\nInvestigative Information that indicates that the Licensed Professional Counselor represents an immediate threat to public health and safety regardless of whether the Licensed Professional Counselor has been notified and had an opportunity to respond.\n\t\t\t“Data System” means a repository of information about Licensees, including, but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure, investigative, Privilege to Practice, and Adverse Action information.\n\t\t\t“Encumbered License” means a license in which an Adverse Action restricts the practice of licensed Professional Counseling by the Licensee and said Adverse Action has been reported to the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB).\n\t\t\t“Encumbrance” means a revocation or suspension of, or any limitation on, the full and unrestricted practice of Licensed Professional Counseling by a Licensing Board.\n\t\t\t“Executive Committee” means a group of directors elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the Commission.\n\t\t\t“Home State” means the Member State that is the Licensee’s primary State of residence.\n\t\t\t“Impaired Practitioner” means an individual who has a condition(s) that may impair their ability to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor without some type of intervention and may include, but are not limited to, alcohol and drug dependence, mental health impairment, and neurological or physical impairments.\n\t\t\t“Investigative Information” means information, records, and documents received or generated by a Professional Counseling Licensing Board pursuant to an investigation.\n\t\t\t“Jurisprudence Requirement” if required by a Member State, means the assessment of an individual’s knowledge of the laws and Rules governing the practice of Professional Counseling in a State.\n\t\t\t“Licensed Professional Counselor” means a counselor licensed by a Member State, regardless of the title used by that State, to independently assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.\n\t\t\t“Licensee” means an individual who currently holds an authorization from the State to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor.\n\t\t\t“Licensing Board” means the agency of a State, or equivalent, that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of Licensed Professional Counselors.\n\t\t\t“Member State” means a State that has enacted the Compact.\n\t\t\t“Privilege to Practice” means a legal authorization, which is equivalent to a license, permitting the practice of Professional Counseling in a Remote State.\n\t\t\t“Professional Counseling” means the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral health conditions by a Licensed Professional Counselor.\n\t\t\t“Remote State” means a Member State other than the Home State, where a Licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the Privilege to Practice.\n\t\t\t“Rule” means a regulation promulgated by the Commission that has the force of law.\n\t\t\t“Single State License” means a Licensed Professional Counselor license issued by a Member State that authorizes practice only within the issuing State and does not include a Privilege to Practice in any other Member State.\n\t\t\t“State” means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America that regulates the practice of Professional Counseling.\n\t\t\t“Telehealth” means the application of telecommunication technology to deliver Professional Counseling services remotely to assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.\n\t\t\t“Unencumbered License” means a license that authorizes a Licensed Professional Counselor to engage in the full and unrestricted practice of Professional Counseling.\n\t\t\tArticle III. State Participation in the Compact.A\n\nTo Participate in the Compact, a State must currently:1\n\nLicense and regulate Licensed Professional Counselors;2\n\nRequire Licensees to pass a nationally recognized exam approved by the Commission;3\n\nRequire Licensees to have a 60 semester-hour (or 90 quarter-hour) master’s degree in counseling or 60 semester-hours (or 90 quarter-hours) of graduate course work including the following topic areas:\n\t\t\ta. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice;\n\t\t\tb. Social and Cultural Diversity;\n\t\t\tc. Human Growth and Development;\n\t\t\td. Career Development;\n\t\t\te. Counseling and Helping Relationships;\n\t\t\tf. Group Counseling and Group Work;\n\t\t\tg. Diagnosis and Treatment; Assessment and Testing;\n\t\t\th. Research and Program Evaluation; and\n\t\t\ti. Other areas as determined by the Commission.4\n\nRequire Licensees to complete a supervised postgraduate professional experience as defined by the Commission; and5\n\nHave a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about Licensees.B\n\nA Member State shall:1\n\nParticipate fully in the Commission’s Data System, including using the Commission’s unique identifier as defined in Rules;2\n\nNotify the Commission, in compliance with the terms of the Compact and Rules, of any Adverse Action or the availability of Investigative Information regarding a Licensee;3\n\nImplement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for an initial Privilege to Practice. These procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that State’s criminal records;\n\t\t\ta. A member state must fully implement a criminal background check requirement, within a time frame established by rule, by receiving the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation record search and shall use the results in making licensure decisions.\n\t\t\tb. Communication between a Member State, the Commission and among Member States regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the Compact shall not include any information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a Member State under Public Law 92-544.4\n\nComply with the Rules of the Commission;5\n\nRequire an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the Home State and meet the Home State’s qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure, as well as all other applicable State laws;6\n\nGrant the Privilege to Practice to a Licensee holding a valid Unencumbered License in another Member State in accordance with the terms of the Compact and Rules; and7\n\nProvide for the attendance of the State’s commissioner to the Counseling Compact Commission meetings.C\n\nMember States may charge a fee for granting the Privilege to Practice.D\n\nIndividuals not residing in a Member State shall continue to be able to apply for a Member State’s Single State License as provided under the laws of each Member State. However, the Single State License granted to these individuals shall not be recognized as granting a Privilege to Practice Professional Counseling in any other Member State.E\n\nNothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a Member State for the issuance of a Single State License.F\n\nA license issued to a Licensed Professional Counselor by a Home State to a resident in that State shall be recognized by each Member State as authorizing a Licensed Professional Counselor to practice Professional Counseling, under a Privilege to Practice, in each Member State.\n\t\t\t\tArticle IV. Privilege to Practice.A\n\nTo exercise the Privilege to Practice under the terms and provisions of the Compact, the Licensee shall:1\n\nHold a license in the Home State;2\n\nHave a valid United States Social Security Number or National Practitioner Identifier;3\n\nBe eligible for a Privilege to Practice in any Member State in accordance with subsections D, G, and H;4\n\nHave not had any Encumbrance or restriction against any license or Privilege to Practice within the previous two (2) years;5\n\nNotify the Commission that the Licensee is seeking the Privilege to Practice within a Remote State(s);6\n\nPay any applicable fees, including any State fee, for the Privilege to Practice;7\n\nMeet any Continuing Competence\/Education requirements established by the Home State;8\n\nMeet any Jurisprudence Requirements established by the Remote State(s) in which the Licensee is seeking a Privilege to Practice; and9\n\nReport to the Commission any Adverse Action, Encumbrance, or restriction on license taken by any non-Member State within 30 days from the date the action is taken.B\n\nThe Privilege to Practice is valid until the expiration date of the Home State license. The Licensee must comply with the requirements of subsection A to maintain the Privilege to Practice in the Remote State.C\n\nA Licensee providing Professional Counseling in a Remote State under the Privilege to Practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations of the Remote State.D\n\nA Licensee providing Professional Counseling services in a Remote State is subject to that State’s regulatory authority. A Remote State may, in accordance with due process and that State’s laws, remove a Licensee’s Privilege to Practice in the Remote State for a specific period of time, impose fines, and\/or take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens. The Licensee may be ineligible for a Privilege to Practice in any Member State until the specific time for removal has passed and all fines are paid.E\n\nIf a Home State license is encumbered, the Licensee shall lose the Privilege to Practice in any Remote State until the following occur:1\n\nThe Home State license is no longer encumbered; and2\n\nHave not had any Encumbrance or restriction against any license or Privilege to Practice within the previous two (2) years.F\n\nOnce an Encumbered License in the Home State is restored to good standing, the Licensee must meet the requirements of subsection A to obtain a Privilege to Practice in any Remote State.G\n\nIf a Licensee’s Privilege to Practice in any Remote State is removed, the individual may lose the Privilege to Practice in all other Remote States until the following occur:1\n\nThe specific period of time for which the Privilege to Practice was removed has ended;2\n\nAll fines have been paid; and3\n\nHave not had any Encumbrance or restriction against any license or Privilege to Practice within the previous two (2) years.H\n\nOnce the requirements of subsection G have been met, the Licensee must meet the requirements in subsection A to obtain a Privilege to Practice in a Remote State.\n\t\t\t\tArticle V. Obtaining a New Home State License Based on a Privilege to Practice.A\n\nA Licensed Professional Counselor may hold a Home State license, which allows for a Privilege to Practice in other Member States, in only one Member State at a time.B\n\nIf a Licensed Professional Counselor changes primary State of residence by moving between two Member States:1\n\nThe Licensed Professional Counselor shall file an application for obtaining a new Home State license based on a Privilege to Practice, pay all applicable fees, and notify the current and new Home State in accordance with applicable Rules adopted by the Commission.2\n\nUpon receipt of an application for obtaining a new Home State license by virtue of a Privilege to Practice, the new Home State shall verify that the Licensed Professional Counselor meets the pertinent criteria outlined in Article IV via the Data System, without need for primary source verification except for:\n\t\t\ta. A Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint based criminal background check if not previously performed or updated pursuant to applicable rules adopted by the Commission in accordance with Public Law 92-544;\n\t\t\tb. Other criminal background check as required by the new Home State; and\n\t\t\tc. Completion of any requisite Jurisprudence Requirements of the new Home State.3\n\nThe former Home State shall convert the former Home State license into a Privilege to Practice once the new Home State has activated the new Home State license in accordance with applicable Rules adopted by the Commission.4\n\nNotwithstanding any other provision of this Compact, if the Licensed Professional Counselor cannot meet the criteria in Article IV, the new Home State may apply its requirements for issuing a new Single State License.5\n\nThe Licensed Professional Counselor shall pay all applicable fees to the new Home State in order to be issued a new Home State license.C\n\nIf a Licensed Professional Counselor changes Primary State of Residence by moving from a Member State to a non-Member State, or from a non-Member State to a Member State, the State criteria shall apply for issuance of a Single State License in the new State.D\n\nNothing in this Compact shall interfere with a Licensee’s ability to hold a Single State License in multiple States, however for the purposes of this Compact, a Licensee shall have only one Home State license.E\n\nNothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a Member State for the issuance of a Single State License.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VI. Active Duty Military Personnel or their Spouses.\n\t\t\t\tActive Duty Military personnel, or their spouse, shall designate a Home State where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the Home State designation during the period the service member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a Home State, the individual shall only change their Home State through application for licensure in the new State, or through the process outlined in Article V.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VII. Compact Privilege to Practice Telehealth.A\n\nMember States shall recognize the right of a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed by a Home State in accordance with Article III and under Rules promulgated by the Commission, to practice Professional Counseling in any Member State via Telehealth under a Privilege to Practice as provided in the Compact and Rules promulgated by the Commission.B\n\nA Licensee providing Professional Counseling services in a Remote State under the Privilege to Practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations of the Remote State.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VIII. Adverse Actions.A\n\nIn addition to the other powers conferred by State law, a Remote State shall have the authority, in accordance with existing State due process law, to:1\n\nTake Adverse Action against a Licensed Professional Counselor’s Privilege to Practice within that Member State, and2\n\nIssue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the attendance and testimony of witnesses as well as the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a Licensing Board in a Member State for the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another Member State shall be enforced in the latter State by any court of competent jurisdiction, according to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes of the State in which the witnesses or evidence are located.3\n\nOnly the Home State shall have the power to take Adverse Action against a Licensed Professional Counselor’s license issued by the Home State.B\n\nFor purposes of taking Adverse Action, the Home State shall give the same priority and effect to reported conduct received from a Member State as it would if the conduct had occurred within the Home State. In so doing, the Home State shall apply its own State laws to determine appropriate action.C\n\nThe Home State shall complete any pending investigations of a Licensed Professional Counselor who changes primary State of residence during the course of the investigations. The Home State shall also have the authority to take appropriate action(s) and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigations to the administrator of the Data System. The administrator of the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the new Home State of any Adverse Actions.D\n\nA Member State, if otherwise permitted by State law, may recover from the affected Licensed Professional Counselor the costs of investigations and dispositions of cases resulting from any Adverse Action taken against that Licensed Professional Counselor.E\n\nA Member State may take Adverse Action based on the factual findings of the Remote State, provided that the Member State follows its own procedures for taking the Adverse Action.F\n\nJoint Investigations:1\n\nIn addition to the authority granted to a Member State by its respective Professional Counseling practice act or other applicable State law, any Member State may participate with other Member States in joint investigations of Licensees.2\n\nMember States shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the Compact.G\n\nIf Adverse Action is taken by the Home State against the license of a Licensed Professional Counselor, the Licensed Professional Counselor’s Privilege to Practice in all other Member States shall be deactivated until all Encumbrances have been removed from the State license. All Home State disciplinary orders that impose Adverse Action against the license of a Licensed Professional Counselor shall include a Statement that the Licensed Professional Counselor’s Privilege to Practice is deactivated in all Member States during the pendency of the order.H\n\nIf a Member State takes Adverse Action, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the Data System. The administrator of the Data System shall promptly notify the Home State of any Adverse Actions by Remote States.I\n\nNothing in this Compact shall override a Member State’s decision that participation in an Alternative Program may be used in lieu of Adverse Action.\n\t\t\t\tArticle IX. Establishment of Counseling Compact Commission.A\n\nThe Compact Member States hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the Counseling Compact Commission:1\n\nThe Commission is an instrumentality of the Compact States.2\n\nVenue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.3\n\nNothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity.B\n\nMembership, Voting, and Meetings1\n\nEach Member State shall have and be limited to one (1) delegate selected by that Member State’s Licensing Board.2\n\nThe delegate shall be either:\n\t\t\ta. A current member of the Licensing Board at the time of appointment, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor or public member; or\n\t\t\tb. An administrator of the Licensing Board.3\n\nAny delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the State from which the delegate is appointed.4\n\nThe Member State Licensing Board shall fill any vacancy occurring on the Commission within 60 days.5\n\nEach delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote with regard to the promulgation of Rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission.6\n\nA delegate shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates’ participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.7\n\nThe Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.8\n\nThe Commission shall by Rule establish a term of office for delegates and may by Rule establish term limits.C\n\nThe Commission shall have the following powers and duties:1\n\nEstablish the fiscal year of the Commission;2\n\nEstablish bylaws;3\n\nMaintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws;4\n\nMeet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact and the bylaws;5\n\nPromulgate Rules which shall be binding to the extent and in the manner provided for in the Compact;6\n\nBring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of any State Licensing Board to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;7\n\nPurchase and maintain insurance and bonds;8\n\nBorrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a Member State;9\n\nHire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and establish the Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters;10\n\nAccept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety and\/or conflict of interest;11\n\nLease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use, any property, real, personal, or mixed; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety;12\n\nSell convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed;13\n\nEstablish a budget and make expenditures;14\n\nBorrow money;15\n\nAppoint committees, including standing committees composed of members, State regulators, State legislators or their representatives, and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this Compact and the bylaws;16\n\nProvide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;17\n\nEstablish and elect an Executive Committee; and18\n\nPerform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact consistent with the State regulation of Professional Counseling licensure and practice.D\n\nThe Executive Committee1\n\nThe Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Commission according to the terms of this Compact.2\n\nThe Executive Committee shall be composed of up to eleven (11) members:\n\t\t\ta. Seven voting members who are elected by the Commission from the current membership of the Commission; and\n\t\t\tb. Up to four (4) ex-officio, nonvoting members from four (4) recognized national professional counselor organizations.\n\t\t\tc. The ex-officio members will be selected by their respective organizations.3\n\nThe Commission may remove any member of the Executive Committee as provided in bylaws.4\n\nThe Executive Committee shall meet at least annually.5\n\nThe Executive Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:\n\t\t\ta. Recommend to the entire Commission changes to the Rules or bylaws, changes to this Compact legislation, fees paid by Compact Member States such as annual dues, and any Commission Compact fee charged to Licensees for the Privilege to Practice;\n\t\t\tb. Ensure Compact administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;\n\t\t\tc. Prepare and recommend the budget;\n\t\t\td. Maintain financial records on behalf of the Commission;\n\t\t\te. Monitor Compact compliance of Member States and provide compliance reports to the Commission;\n\t\t\tf. Establish additional committees as necessary; and\n\t\t\tg. Other duties as provided in Rules or bylaws.E\n\nMeetings of the Commission1\n\nAll meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in the same manner as required under the Rulemaking provisions in Article XI.2\n\nThe Commission or the Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission may convene in a closed, non-public meeting if the Commission or Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission must discuss:\n\t\t\ta. Non-compliance of a Member State with its obligations under the Compact;\n\t\t\tb. The employment, compensation, discipline, or other matters, practices, or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;\n\t\t\tc. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;\n\t\t\td. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;\n\t\t\te. Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;\n\t\t\tf. Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;\n\t\t\tg. Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;\n\t\t\th. Disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;\n\t\t\ti. Disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to the Compact; or\n\t\t\tj. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or Member State statute.3\n\nIf a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision, the Commission’s legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision.4\n\nThe Commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the Commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.F\n\nFinancing of the Commission1\n\nThe Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.2\n\nThe Commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.3\n\nThe Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each Member State or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Commission, which shall promulgate a Rule binding upon all Member States.4\n\nThe Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any of the Member States, except by and with the authority of the Member State.5\n\nThe Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.G\n\nQualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification1\n\nThe members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and\/or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.2\n\nThe Commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person’s intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.3\n\nThe Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.\n\t\t\tArticle X. Data System.A\n\nThe Commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, operation, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, Adverse Action, and Investigative Information on all licensed individuals in Member States.B\n\nNotwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, a Member State shall submit a uniform data set to the Data System on all individuals to whom this Compact is applicable as required by the Rules of the Commission, including:1\n\nIdentifying information;2\n\nLicensure data;3\n\nAdverse Actions against a license or Privilege to Practice;4\n\nNon-confidential information related to Alternative Program participation;5\n\nAny denial of application for licensure, and the reason(s) for such denial;6\n\nCurrent Significant Investigative Information; and7\n\nOther information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as determined by the Rules of the Commission.C\n\nInvestigative Information pertaining to a Licensee in any Member State will only be available to other Member States.D\n\nThe Commission shall promptly notify all Member States of any Adverse Action taken against a Licensee or an individual applying for a license. Adverse Action information pertaining to a Licensee in any Member State will be available to any other Member State.E\n\nMember States contributing information to the Data System may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing State.F\n\nAny information submitted to the Data System that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the Member State contributing the information shall be removed from the Data System.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XI. Rulemaking.A\n\nThe Commission shall promulgate reasonable Rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purpose of the Compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Commission exercises its Rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of the Compact, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the Commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect.B\n\nThe Commission shall exercise its Rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the Rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each Rule or amendment.C\n\nIf a majority of the legislatures of the Member States rejects a Rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the Compact within four (4) years of the date of adoption of the Rule, then such Rule shall have no further force and effect in any Member State.D\n\nRules or amendments to the Rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the Commission.E\n\nPrior to promulgation and adoption of a final Rule or Rules by the Commission, and at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting at which the Rule will be considered and voted upon, the Commission shall file a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:1\n\nOn the website of the Commission or other publicly accessible platform; and2\n\nOn the website of each Member State Professional Counseling Licensing Board or other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each State would otherwise publish proposed Rules.F\n\nThe Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall include:1\n\nThe proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the Rule will be considered and voted upon;2\n\nThe text of the proposed Rule or amendment and the reason for the proposed Rule;3\n\nA request for comments on the proposed Rule from any interested person; and4\n\nThe manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the Commission of their intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments.G\n\nPrior to adoption of a proposed Rule, the Commission shall allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which shall be made available to the public.H\n\nThe Commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it adopts a Rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by:1\n\nAt least twenty-five (25) persons;2\n\nA State or federal governmental subdivision or agency; or3\n\nAn association having at least twenty-five (25) members.I\n\nIf a hearing is held on the proposed Rule or amendment, the Commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing. If the hearing is held via electronic means, the Commission shall publish the mechanism for access to the electronic hearing.1\n\nAll persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the executive director of the Commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to appear and testify at the hearing not less than five (5) business days before the scheduled date of the hearing.2\n\nHearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing.3\n\nAll hearings will be recorded. A copy of the recording will be made available on request.4\n\nNothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each Rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the Commission at hearings required by this subsection.J\n\nFollowing the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the Commission shall consider all written and oral comments received.K\n\nIf no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested parties is received, the Commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed Rule without a public hearing.L\n\nThe Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed Rule and shall determine the effective date of the Rule, if any, based on the Rulemaking record and the full text of the Rule.M\n\nUpon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider and adopt an emergency Rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided that the usual Rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact and in this article shall be retroactively applied to the Rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the Rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency Rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:1\n\nMeet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;2\n\nPrevent a loss of Commission or Member State funds;3\n\nMeet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative Rule that is established by federal law or Rule; or4\n\nProtect public health and safety.N\n\nThe Commission or an authorized committee of the Commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted Rule or amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the Commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of thirty (30) days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a Rule. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the chair of the Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision will take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the Commission.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XII. Oversight, Dispute Resolution, and Enforcement.A\n\nOversight1\n\nThe executive, legislative, and judicial branches of State government in each Member State shall enforce this Compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the Compact’s purposes and intent. The provisions of this Compact and the Rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law.2\n\nAll courts shall take judicial notice of the Compact and the Rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a Member State pertaining to the subject matter of this Compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the Commission.3\n\nThe Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any such proceeding and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the Commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the Commission, this Compact, or promulgated Rules.B\n\nDefault, Technical Assistance, and Termination1\n\nIf the Commission determines that a Member State has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact or the promulgated Rules, the Commission shall:\n\t\t\ta. Provide written notice to the defaulting State and other Member States of the nature of the default, the proposed means of curing the default and\/or any other action to be taken by the Commission; and\n\t\t\tb. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.C\n\nIf a State in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting State may be terminated from the Compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the Member States, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this Compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending State of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default.D\n\nTermination of membership in the Compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the Commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting State’s legislature, and each of the Member States.E\n\nA State that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination.F\n\nThe Commission shall not bear any costs related to a State that is found to be in default or that has been terminated from the Compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the Commission and the defaulting State.G\n\nThe defaulting State may appeal the action of the Commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices. The prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.H\n\nDispute Resolution1\n\nUpon request by a Member State, the Commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the Compact that arise among Member States and between member and non-Member States.2\n\nThe Commission shall promulgate a Rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.I\n\nEnforcement1\n\nThe Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and Rules of this Compact.2\n\nBy majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices against a Member State in default to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated Rules and bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.3\n\nThe remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Commission. The Commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or State law.\n\t\t\tArticle XIII. Date of Implementation of the Counseling Compact Commission and Associated Rules, Withdrawal, and Amendment.A\n\nThe Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact statute is enacted into law in the tenth Member State. The provisions, which become effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the Commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of Rules. Thereafter, the Commission shall meet and exercise Rulemaking powers necessary to the implementation and administration of the Compact.B\n\nAny State that joins the Compact subsequent to the Commission’s initial adoption of the Rules shall be subject to the Rules as they exist on the date on which the Compact becomes law in that State. Any Rule that has been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the Compact becomes law in that State.C\n\nAny Member State may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same.1\n\nA Member State’s withdrawal shall not take effect until six (6) months after enactment of the repealing statute.2\n\nWithdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing State’s Professional Counseling Licensing Board to comply with the investigative and Adverse Action reporting requirements of this act prior to the effective date of withdrawal.D\n\nNothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any Professional Counseling licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a Member State and a non-Member State that does not conflict with the provisions of this Compact.E\n\nThis Compact may be amended by the Member States. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon any Member State until it is enacted into the laws of all Member States.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XIV. Construction and Severability.\n\t\t\t\tThis Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any Member State or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any Member State, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining Member States and in full force and effect as to the Member State affected as to all severable matters.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XV. Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws.A\n\nA Licensee providing Professional Counseling services in a Remote State under the Privilege to Practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations, including scope of practice, of the Remote State.B\n\nNothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a Member State that is not inconsistent with the Compact.C\n\nAny laws in a Member State in conflict with the Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.D\n\nAny lawful actions of the Commission, including all Rules and bylaws properly promulgated by the Commission, are binding upon the Member States.E\n\nAll permissible agreements between the Commission and the Member States are binding in accordance with their terms.F\n\nIn the event any provision of the Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any Member State, the provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that Member State.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":247307,"text":"The General Assembly hereby enacts, and the Commonwealth of Virginia hereby enters into, the Counseling Compact with any and all states legally joining therein according to its terms, in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tCOUNSELING COMPACT\n\t\tArticle I. Purpose.\n\t\tThe purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of Licensed Professional Counselors with the goal of improving public access to Professional Counseling services. The practice of Professional Counseling occurs in the State where the client is located at the time of the counseling services. The Compact preserves the regulatory authority of States to protect public health and safety through the current system of State licensure.\n\t\tThis Compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":247308,"text":"Increase public access to Professional Counseling services by providing for the mutual recognition of other Member State licenses;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":247309,"text":"Enhance the States’ ability to protect the public’s health and safety;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":247310,"text":"Encourage the cooperation of Member States in regulating multistate practice for Licensed Professional Counselors;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":247311,"text":"Support spouses of relocating Active Duty Military personnel;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":247312,"text":"Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information among Member States;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":247313,"text":"Allow for the use of Telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to Professional Counseling services;","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":247314,"text":"Support the uniformity of Professional Counseling licensure requirements throughout the States to promote public safety and public health benefits;","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":247315,"text":"Invest all Member States with the authority to hold a Licensed Professional Counselor accountable for meeting all State practice laws in the State in which the client is located at the time care is rendered through the mutual recognition of Member State licenses;","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"9":{"id":247316,"text":"Eliminate the necessity for licenses in multiple States; and","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"10"},"10":{"id":247317,"text":"Provide opportunities for interstate practice by Licensed Professional Counselors who meet uniform licensure requirements.\n\t\t\tArticle II. Definitions.\n\t\t\tAs used in this Compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall apply:\n\t\t\t“Active Duty Military” means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211.\n\t\t\t“Adverse Action” means any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a State’s laws which is imposed by a licensing board or other authority against a Licensed Professional Counselor, including actions against an individual’s license or Privilege to Practice such as revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee, limitation on the licensee’s practice, or any other Encumbrance on licensure affecting a Licensed Professional Counselor’s authorization to practice, including issuance of a cease and desist action.\n\t\t\t“Alternative Program” means a non-disciplinary monitoring or practice remediation process approved by a Professional Counseling Licensing Board to address Impaired Practitioners.\n\t\t\t“Continuing Competence\/Education” means a requirement, as a condition of license renewal, to provide evidence of participation in, and\/or completion of, educational and professional activities relevant to practice or area of work.\n\t\t\t“Counseling Compact Commission” or “Commission” means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all States that have enacted the Compact.\n\t\t\t“Current Significant Investigative Information” means:","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"1"},"11":{"id":247318,"text":"Investigative Information that a Licensing Board, after a preliminary inquiry that includes notification and an opportunity for the Licensed Professional Counselor to respond, if required by State law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction; or","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10","next_prefix":"2"},"12":{"id":247319,"text":"Investigative Information that indicates that the Licensed Professional Counselor represents an immediate threat to public health and safety regardless of whether the Licensed Professional Counselor has been notified and had an opportunity to respond.\n\t\t\t“Data System” means a repository of information about Licensees, including, but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure, investigative, Privilege to Practice, and Adverse Action information.\n\t\t\t“Encumbered License” means a license in which an Adverse Action restricts the practice of licensed Professional Counseling by the Licensee and said Adverse Action has been reported to the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB).\n\t\t\t“Encumbrance” means a revocation or suspension of, or any limitation on, the full and unrestricted practice of Licensed Professional Counseling by a Licensing Board.\n\t\t\t“Executive Committee” means a group of directors elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the Commission.\n\t\t\t“Home State” means the Member State that is the Licensee’s primary State of residence.\n\t\t\t“Impaired Practitioner” means an individual who has a condition(s) that may impair their ability to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor without some type of intervention and may include, but are not limited to, alcohol and drug dependence, mental health impairment, and neurological or physical impairments.\n\t\t\t“Investigative Information” means information, records, and documents received or generated by a Professional Counseling Licensing Board pursuant to an investigation.\n\t\t\t“Jurisprudence Requirement” if required by a Member State, means the assessment of an individual’s knowledge of the laws and Rules governing the practice of Professional Counseling in a State.\n\t\t\t“Licensed Professional Counselor” means a counselor licensed by a Member State, regardless of the title used by that State, to independently assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.\n\t\t\t“Licensee” means an individual who currently holds an authorization from the State to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor.\n\t\t\t“Licensing Board” means the agency of a State, or equivalent, that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of Licensed Professional Counselors.\n\t\t\t“Member State” means a State that has enacted the Compact.\n\t\t\t“Privilege to Practice” means a legal authorization, which is equivalent to a license, permitting the practice of Professional Counseling in a Remote State.\n\t\t\t“Professional Counseling” means the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral health conditions by a Licensed Professional Counselor.\n\t\t\t“Remote State” means a Member State other than the Home State, where a Licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the Privilege to Practice.\n\t\t\t“Rule” means a regulation promulgated by the Commission that has the force of law.\n\t\t\t“Single State License” means a Licensed Professional Counselor license issued by a Member State that authorizes practice only within the issuing State and does not include a Privilege to Practice in any other Member State.\n\t\t\t“State” means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America that regulates the practice of Professional Counseling.\n\t\t\t“Telehealth” means the application of telecommunication technology to deliver Professional Counseling services remotely to assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.\n\t\t\t“Unencumbered License” means a license that authorizes a Licensed Professional Counselor to engage in the full and unrestricted practice of Professional Counseling.\n\t\t\tArticle III. State Participation in the Compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"2A"},"13":{"id":247320,"text":"To Participate in the Compact, a State must currently:","type":"section","prefixes":["2","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"2A","prefix_anchor":"2A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"1"},"14":{"id":247321,"text":"License and regulate Licensed Professional Counselors;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2A","next_prefix":"2"},"15":{"id":247322,"text":"Require Licensees to pass a nationally recognized exam approved by the Commission;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"16":{"id":247323,"text":"Require Licensees to have a 60 semester-hour (or 90 quarter-hour) master’s degree in counseling or 60 semester-hours (or 90 quarter-hours) of graduate course work including the following topic areas:\n\t\t\ta. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice;\n\t\t\tb. Social and Cultural Diversity;\n\t\t\tc. Human Growth and Development;\n\t\t\td. Career Development;\n\t\t\te. Counseling and Helping Relationships;\n\t\t\tf. Group Counseling and Group Work;\n\t\t\tg. Diagnosis and Treatment; Assessment and Testing;\n\t\t\th. Research and Program Evaluation; and\n\t\t\ti. Other areas as determined by the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"17":{"id":247324,"text":"Require Licensees to complete a supervised postgraduate professional experience as defined by the Commission; and","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"18":{"id":247325,"text":"Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about Licensees.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"5B"},"19":{"id":247326,"text":"A Member State shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["5","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"5B","prefix_anchor":"5B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"1"},"20":{"id":247327,"text":"Participate fully in the Commission’s Data System, including using the Commission’s unique identifier as defined in Rules;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5B","next_prefix":"2"},"21":{"id":247328,"text":"Notify the Commission, in compliance with the terms of the Compact and Rules, of any Adverse Action or the availability of Investigative Information regarding a Licensee;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"22":{"id":247329,"text":"Implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for an initial Privilege to Practice. These procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that State’s criminal records;\n\t\t\ta. A member state must fully implement a criminal background check requirement, within a time frame established by rule, by receiving the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation record search and shall use the results in making licensure decisions.\n\t\t\tb. Communication between a Member State, the Commission and among Member States regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the Compact shall not include any information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a Member State under Public Law 92-544.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"23":{"id":247330,"text":"Comply with the Rules of the Commission;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"24":{"id":247331,"text":"Require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the Home State and meet the Home State’s qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure, as well as all other applicable State laws;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"25":{"id":247332,"text":"Grant the Privilege to Practice to a Licensee holding a valid Unencumbered License in another Member State in accordance with the terms of the Compact and Rules; and","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"26":{"id":247333,"text":"Provide for the attendance of the State’s commissioner to the Counseling Compact Commission meetings.","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"7C"},"27":{"id":247334,"text":"Member States may charge a fee for granting the Privilege to Practice.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"7C","prefix_anchor":"7C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"7D"},"28":{"id":247335,"text":"Individuals not residing in a Member State shall continue to be able to apply for a Member State’s Single State License as provided under the laws of each Member State. However, the Single State License granted to these individuals shall not be recognized as granting a Privilege to Practice Professional Counseling in any other Member State.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"7D","prefix_anchor":"7D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7C","next_prefix":"7E"},"29":{"id":247336,"text":"Nothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a Member State for the issuance of a Single State License.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"7E","prefix_anchor":"7E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7D","next_prefix":"7F"},"30":{"id":247337,"text":"A license issued to a Licensed Professional Counselor by a Home State to a resident in that State shall be recognized by each Member State as authorizing a Licensed Professional Counselor to practice Professional Counseling, under a Privilege to Practice, in each Member State.\n\t\t\t\tArticle IV. Privilege to Practice.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"7F","prefix_anchor":"7F","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7E","next_prefix":"7A"},"31":{"id":247338,"text":"To exercise the Privilege to Practice under the terms and provisions of the Compact, the Licensee shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["7","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"7A","prefix_anchor":"7A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7F","next_prefix":"1"},"32":{"id":247339,"text":"Hold a license in the Home State;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7A","next_prefix":"2"},"33":{"id":247340,"text":"Have a valid United States Social Security Number or National Practitioner Identifier;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"34":{"id":247341,"text":"Be eligible for a Privilege to Practice in any Member State in accordance with subsections D, G, and H;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"35":{"id":247342,"text":"Have not had any Encumbrance or restriction against any license or Privilege to Practice within the previous two (2) years;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"36":{"id":247343,"text":"Notify the Commission that the Licensee is seeking the Privilege to Practice within a Remote State(s);","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"37":{"id":247344,"text":"Pay any applicable fees, including any State fee, for the Privilege to Practice;","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"38":{"id":247345,"text":"Meet any Continuing Competence\/Education requirements established by the Home State;","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"39":{"id":247346,"text":"Meet any Jurisprudence Requirements established by the Remote State(s) in which the Licensee is seeking a Privilege to Practice; and","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"40":{"id":247347,"text":"Report to the Commission any Adverse Action, Encumbrance, or restriction on license taken by any non-Member State within 30 days from the date the action is taken.","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"9B"},"41":{"id":247348,"text":"The Privilege to Practice is valid until the expiration date of the Home State license. The Licensee must comply with the requirements of subsection A to maintain the Privilege to Practice in the Remote State.","type":"section","prefixes":["9","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"9B","prefix_anchor":"9B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"9C"},"42":{"id":247349,"text":"A Licensee providing Professional Counseling in a Remote State under the Privilege to Practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations of the Remote State.","type":"section","prefixes":["9","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"9C","prefix_anchor":"9C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"9B","next_prefix":"9D"},"43":{"id":247350,"text":"A Licensee providing Professional Counseling services in a Remote State is subject to that State’s regulatory authority. A Remote State may, in accordance with due process and that State’s laws, remove a Licensee’s Privilege to Practice in the Remote State for a specific period of time, impose fines, and\/or take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens. The Licensee may be ineligible for a Privilege to Practice in any Member State until the specific time for removal has passed and all fines are paid.","type":"section","prefixes":["9","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"9D","prefix_anchor":"9D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"9C","next_prefix":"9E"},"44":{"id":247351,"text":"If a Home State license is encumbered, the Licensee shall lose the Privilege to Practice in any Remote State until the following occur:","type":"section","prefixes":["9","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"9E","prefix_anchor":"9E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"9D","next_prefix":"1"},"45":{"id":247352,"text":"The Home State license is no longer encumbered; and","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9E","next_prefix":"2"},"46":{"id":247353,"text":"Have not had any Encumbrance or restriction against any license or Privilege to Practice within the previous two (2) years.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"2F"},"47":{"id":247354,"text":"Once an Encumbered License in the Home State is restored to good standing, the Licensee must meet the requirements of subsection A to obtain a Privilege to Practice in any Remote State.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"2F","prefix_anchor":"2F","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"2G"},"48":{"id":247355,"text":"If a Licensee’s Privilege to Practice in any Remote State is removed, the individual may lose the Privilege to Practice in all other Remote States until the following occur:","type":"section","prefixes":["2","G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"2G","prefix_anchor":"2G","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2F","next_prefix":"1"},"49":{"id":247356,"text":"The specific period of time for which the Privilege to Practice was removed has ended;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2G","next_prefix":"2"},"50":{"id":247357,"text":"All fines have been paid; and","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"51":{"id":247358,"text":"Have not had any Encumbrance or restriction against any license or Privilege to Practice within the previous two (2) years.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"3H"},"52":{"id":247359,"text":"Once the requirements of subsection G have been met, the Licensee must meet the requirements in subsection A to obtain a Privilege to Practice in a Remote State.\n\t\t\t\tArticle V. Obtaining a New Home State License Based on a Privilege to Practice.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"3H","prefix_anchor":"3H","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"3A"},"53":{"id":247360,"text":"A Licensed Professional Counselor may hold a Home State license, which allows for a Privilege to Practice in other Member States, in only one Member State at a time.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"3A","prefix_anchor":"3A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3H","next_prefix":"3B"},"54":{"id":247361,"text":"If a Licensed Professional Counselor changes primary State of residence by moving between two Member States:","type":"section","prefixes":["3","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"3B","prefix_anchor":"3B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3A","next_prefix":"1"},"55":{"id":247362,"text":"The Licensed Professional Counselor shall file an application for obtaining a new Home State license based on a Privilege to Practice, pay all applicable fees, and notify the current and new Home State in accordance with applicable Rules adopted by the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3B","next_prefix":"2"},"56":{"id":247363,"text":"Upon receipt of an application for obtaining a new Home State license by virtue of a Privilege to Practice, the new Home State shall verify that the Licensed Professional Counselor meets the pertinent criteria outlined in Article IV via the Data System, without need for primary source verification except for:\n\t\t\ta. A Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint based criminal background check if not previously performed or updated pursuant to applicable rules adopted by the Commission in accordance with Public Law 92-544;\n\t\t\tb. Other criminal background check as required by the new Home State; and\n\t\t\tc. Completion of any requisite Jurisprudence Requirements of the new Home State.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"57":{"id":247364,"text":"The former Home State shall convert the former Home State license into a Privilege to Practice once the new Home State has activated the new Home State license in accordance with applicable Rules adopted by the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"58":{"id":247365,"text":"Notwithstanding any other provision of this Compact, if the Licensed Professional Counselor cannot meet the criteria in Article IV, the new Home State may apply its requirements for issuing a new Single State License.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"59":{"id":247366,"text":"The Licensed Professional Counselor shall pay all applicable fees to the new Home State in order to be issued a new Home State license.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"5C"},"60":{"id":247367,"text":"If a Licensed Professional Counselor changes Primary State of Residence by moving from a Member State to a non-Member State, or from a non-Member State to a Member State, the State criteria shall apply for issuance of a Single State License in the new State.","type":"section","prefixes":["5","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"5C","prefix_anchor":"5C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"5D"},"61":{"id":247368,"text":"Nothing in this Compact shall interfere with a Licensee’s ability to hold a Single State License in multiple States, however for the purposes of this Compact, a Licensee shall have only one Home State license.","type":"section","prefixes":["5","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"5D","prefix_anchor":"5D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"5C","next_prefix":"5E"},"62":{"id":247369,"text":"Nothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a Member State for the issuance of a Single State License.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VI. Active Duty Military Personnel or their Spouses.\n\t\t\t\tActive Duty Military personnel, or their spouse, shall designate a Home State where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the Home State designation during the period the service member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a Home State, the individual shall only change their Home State through application for licensure in the new State, or through the process outlined in Article V.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VII. Compact Privilege to Practice Telehealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["5","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"5E","prefix_anchor":"5E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"5D","next_prefix":"5A"},"63":{"id":247370,"text":"Member States shall recognize the right of a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed by a Home State in accordance with Article III and under Rules promulgated by the Commission, to practice Professional Counseling in any Member State via Telehealth under a Privilege to Practice as provided in the Compact and Rules promulgated by the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["5","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"5A","prefix_anchor":"5A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"5E","next_prefix":"5B"},"64":{"id":247371,"text":"A Licensee providing Professional Counseling services in a Remote State under the Privilege to Practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations of the Remote State.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VIII. Adverse Actions.","type":"section","prefixes":["5","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"5B","prefix_anchor":"5B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"5A","next_prefix":"5A"},"65":{"id":247372,"text":"In addition to the other powers conferred by State law, a Remote State shall have the authority, in accordance with existing State due process law, to:","type":"section","prefixes":["5","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"5A","prefix_anchor":"5A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"5B","next_prefix":"1"},"66":{"id":247373,"text":"Take Adverse Action against a Licensed Professional Counselor’s Privilege to Practice within that Member State, and","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5A","next_prefix":"2"},"67":{"id":247374,"text":"Issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the attendance and testimony of witnesses as well as the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a Licensing Board in a Member State for the attendance and testimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another Member State shall be enforced in the latter State by any court of competent jurisdiction, according to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes of the State in which the witnesses or evidence are located.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"68":{"id":247375,"text":"Only the Home State shall have the power to take Adverse Action against a Licensed Professional Counselor’s license issued by the Home State.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"3B"},"69":{"id":247376,"text":"For purposes of taking Adverse Action, the Home State shall give the same priority and effect to reported conduct received from a Member State as it would if the conduct had occurred within the Home State. In so doing, the Home State shall apply its own State laws to determine appropriate action.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"3B","prefix_anchor":"3B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"3C"},"70":{"id":247377,"text":"The Home State shall complete any pending investigations of a Licensed Professional Counselor who changes primary State of residence during the course of the investigations. The Home State shall also have the authority to take appropriate action(s) and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigations to the administrator of the Data System. The administrator of the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the new Home State of any Adverse Actions.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"3C","prefix_anchor":"3C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3B","next_prefix":"3D"},"71":{"id":247378,"text":"A Member State, if otherwise permitted by State law, may recover from the affected Licensed Professional Counselor the costs of investigations and dispositions of cases resulting from any Adverse Action taken against that Licensed Professional Counselor.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"3D","prefix_anchor":"3D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3C","next_prefix":"3E"},"72":{"id":247379,"text":"A Member State may take Adverse Action based on the factual findings of the Remote State, provided that the Member State follows its own procedures for taking the Adverse Action.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"3E","prefix_anchor":"3E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3D","next_prefix":"3F"},"73":{"id":247380,"text":"Joint Investigations:","type":"section","prefixes":["3","F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"3F","prefix_anchor":"3F","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3E","next_prefix":"1"},"74":{"id":247381,"text":"In addition to the authority granted to a Member State by its respective Professional Counseling practice act or other applicable State law, any Member State may participate with other Member States in joint investigations of Licensees.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3F","next_prefix":"2"},"75":{"id":247382,"text":"Member States shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the Compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"2G"},"76":{"id":247383,"text":"If Adverse Action is taken by the Home State against the license of a Licensed Professional Counselor, the Licensed Professional Counselor’s Privilege to Practice in all other Member States shall be deactivated until all Encumbrances have been removed from the State license. All Home State disciplinary orders that impose Adverse Action against the license of a Licensed Professional Counselor shall include a Statement that the Licensed Professional Counselor’s Privilege to Practice is deactivated in all Member States during the pendency of the order.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"2G","prefix_anchor":"2G","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"2H"},"77":{"id":247384,"text":"If a Member State takes Adverse Action, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the Data System. The administrator of the Data System shall promptly notify the Home State of any Adverse Actions by Remote States.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"2H","prefix_anchor":"2H","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2G","next_prefix":"2I"},"78":{"id":247385,"text":"Nothing in this Compact shall override a Member State’s decision that participation in an Alternative Program may be used in lieu of Adverse Action.\n\t\t\t\tArticle IX. Establishment of Counseling Compact Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"2I","prefix_anchor":"2I","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2H","next_prefix":"2A"},"79":{"id":247386,"text":"The Compact Member States hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the Counseling Compact Commission:","type":"section","prefixes":["2","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"2A","prefix_anchor":"2A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2I","next_prefix":"1"},"80":{"id":247387,"text":"The Commission is an instrumentality of the Compact States.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2A","next_prefix":"2"},"81":{"id":247388,"text":"Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"82":{"id":247389,"text":"Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"3B"},"83":{"id":247390,"text":"Membership, Voting, and Meetings","type":"section","prefixes":["3","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"3B","prefix_anchor":"3B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"1"},"84":{"id":247391,"text":"Each Member State shall have and be limited to one (1) delegate selected by that Member State’s Licensing Board.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3B","next_prefix":"2"},"85":{"id":247392,"text":"The delegate shall be either:\n\t\t\ta. A current member of the Licensing Board at the time of appointment, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor or public member; or\n\t\t\tb. An administrator of the Licensing Board.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"86":{"id":247393,"text":"Any delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the State from which the delegate is appointed.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"87":{"id":247394,"text":"The Member State Licensing Board shall fill any vacancy occurring on the Commission within 60 days.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"88":{"id":247395,"text":"Each delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote with regard to the promulgation of Rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"89":{"id":247396,"text":"A delegate shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates’ participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"90":{"id":247397,"text":"The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"91":{"id":247398,"text":"The Commission shall by Rule establish a term of office for delegates and may by Rule establish term limits.","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"8C"},"92":{"id":247399,"text":"The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:","type":"section","prefixes":["8","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"8C","prefix_anchor":"8C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"1"},"93":{"id":247400,"text":"Establish the fiscal year of the Commission;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8C","next_prefix":"2"},"94":{"id":247401,"text":"Establish bylaws;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"95":{"id":247402,"text":"Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"96":{"id":247403,"text":"Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact and the bylaws;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"97":{"id":247404,"text":"Promulgate Rules which shall be binding to the extent and in the manner provided for in the Compact;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"98":{"id":247405,"text":"Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of any State Licensing Board to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"99":{"id":247406,"text":"Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"100":{"id":247407,"text":"Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a Member State;","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"101":{"id":247408,"text":"Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and establish the Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters;","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"10"},"102":{"id":247409,"text":"Accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety and\/or conflict of interest;","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"11"},"103":{"id":247410,"text":"Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use, any property, real, personal, or mixed; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety;","type":"section","prefixes":["11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10","next_prefix":"12"},"104":{"id":247411,"text":"Sell convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed;","type":"section","prefixes":["12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"12","prefix_anchor":"12","level":1,"prior_prefix":"11","next_prefix":"13"},"105":{"id":247412,"text":"Establish a budget and make expenditures;","type":"section","prefixes":["13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"13","prefix_anchor":"13","level":1,"prior_prefix":"12","next_prefix":"14"},"106":{"id":247413,"text":"Borrow money;","type":"section","prefixes":["14"],"prefix":"14","entire_prefix":"14","prefix_anchor":"14","level":1,"prior_prefix":"13","next_prefix":"15"},"107":{"id":247414,"text":"Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members, State regulators, State legislators or their representatives, and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this Compact and the bylaws;","type":"section","prefixes":["15"],"prefix":"15","entire_prefix":"15","prefix_anchor":"15","level":1,"prior_prefix":"14","next_prefix":"16"},"108":{"id":247415,"text":"Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies;","type":"section","prefixes":["16"],"prefix":"16","entire_prefix":"16","prefix_anchor":"16","level":1,"prior_prefix":"15","next_prefix":"17"},"109":{"id":247416,"text":"Establish and elect an Executive Committee; and","type":"section","prefixes":["17"],"prefix":"17","entire_prefix":"17","prefix_anchor":"17","level":1,"prior_prefix":"16","next_prefix":"18"},"110":{"id":247417,"text":"Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact consistent with the State regulation of Professional Counseling licensure and practice.","type":"section","prefixes":["18"],"prefix":"18","entire_prefix":"18","prefix_anchor":"18","level":1,"prior_prefix":"17","next_prefix":"18D"},"111":{"id":247418,"text":"The Executive Committee","type":"section","prefixes":["18","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"18D","prefix_anchor":"18D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"18","next_prefix":"1"},"112":{"id":247419,"text":"The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Commission according to the terms of this Compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"18D","next_prefix":"2"},"113":{"id":247420,"text":"The Executive Committee shall be composed of up to eleven (11) members:\n\t\t\ta. Seven voting members who are elected by the Commission from the current membership of the Commission; and\n\t\t\tb. Up to four (4) ex-officio, nonvoting members from four (4) recognized national professional counselor organizations.\n\t\t\tc. The ex-officio members will be selected by their respective organizations.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"114":{"id":247421,"text":"The Commission may remove any member of the Executive Committee as provided in bylaws.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"115":{"id":247422,"text":"The Executive Committee shall meet at least annually.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"116":{"id":247423,"text":"The Executive Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:\n\t\t\ta. Recommend to the entire Commission changes to the Rules or bylaws, changes to this Compact legislation, fees paid by Compact Member States such as annual dues, and any Commission Compact fee charged to Licensees for the Privilege to Practice;\n\t\t\tb. Ensure Compact administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;\n\t\t\tc. Prepare and recommend the budget;\n\t\t\td. Maintain financial records on behalf of the Commission;\n\t\t\te. Monitor Compact compliance of Member States and provide compliance reports to the Commission;\n\t\t\tf. Establish additional committees as necessary; and\n\t\t\tg. Other duties as provided in Rules or bylaws.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"5E"},"117":{"id":247424,"text":"Meetings of the Commission","type":"section","prefixes":["5","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"5E","prefix_anchor":"5E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"1"},"118":{"id":247425,"text":"All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in the same manner as required under the Rulemaking provisions in Article XI.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5E","next_prefix":"2"},"119":{"id":247426,"text":"The Commission or the Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission may convene in a closed, non-public meeting if the Commission or Executive Committee or other committees of the Commission must discuss:\n\t\t\ta. Non-compliance of a Member State with its obligations under the Compact;\n\t\t\tb. The employment, compensation, discipline, or other matters, practices, or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;\n\t\t\tc. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;\n\t\t\td. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;\n\t\t\te. Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;\n\t\t\tf. Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;\n\t\t\tg. Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;\n\t\t\th. Disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;\n\t\t\ti. Disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to the Compact; or\n\t\t\tj. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or Member State statute.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"120":{"id":247427,"text":"If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision, the Commission’s legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"121":{"id":247428,"text":"The Commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the Commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"4F"},"122":{"id":247429,"text":"Financing of the Commission","type":"section","prefixes":["4","F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"4F","prefix_anchor":"4F","level":2,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"1"},"123":{"id":247430,"text":"The Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4F","next_prefix":"2"},"124":{"id":247431,"text":"The Commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"125":{"id":247432,"text":"The Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each Member State or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Commission, which shall promulgate a Rule binding upon all Member States.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"126":{"id":247433,"text":"The Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any of the Member States, except by and with the authority of the Member State.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"127":{"id":247434,"text":"The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"5G"},"128":{"id":247435,"text":"Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification","type":"section","prefixes":["5","G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"5G","prefix_anchor":"5G","level":2,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"1"},"129":{"id":247436,"text":"The members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and\/or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5G","next_prefix":"2"},"130":{"id":247437,"text":"The Commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person’s intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"131":{"id":247438,"text":"The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.\n\t\t\tArticle X. Data System.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"3A"},"132":{"id":247439,"text":"The Commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, operation, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, Adverse Action, and Investigative Information on all licensed individuals in Member States.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"3A","prefix_anchor":"3A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"3B"},"133":{"id":247440,"text":"Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, a Member State shall submit a uniform data set to the Data System on all individuals to whom this Compact is applicable as required by the Rules of the Commission, including:","type":"section","prefixes":["3","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"3B","prefix_anchor":"3B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3A","next_prefix":"1"},"134":{"id":247441,"text":"Identifying information;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3B","next_prefix":"2"},"135":{"id":247442,"text":"Licensure data;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"136":{"id":247443,"text":"Adverse Actions against a license or Privilege to Practice;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"137":{"id":247444,"text":"Non-confidential information related to Alternative Program participation;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"138":{"id":247445,"text":"Any denial of application for licensure, and the reason(s) for such denial;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"139":{"id":247446,"text":"Current Significant Investigative Information; and","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"140":{"id":247447,"text":"Other information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as determined by the Rules of the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"7C"},"141":{"id":247448,"text":"Investigative Information pertaining to a Licensee in any Member State will only be available to other Member States.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"7C","prefix_anchor":"7C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"7D"},"142":{"id":247449,"text":"The Commission shall promptly notify all Member States of any Adverse Action taken against a Licensee or an individual applying for a license. Adverse Action information pertaining to a Licensee in any Member State will be available to any other Member State.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"7D","prefix_anchor":"7D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7C","next_prefix":"7E"},"143":{"id":247450,"text":"Member States contributing information to the Data System may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing State.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"7E","prefix_anchor":"7E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7D","next_prefix":"7F"},"144":{"id":247451,"text":"Any information submitted to the Data System that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the Member State contributing the information shall be removed from the Data System.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XI. Rulemaking.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"7F","prefix_anchor":"7F","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7E","next_prefix":"7A"},"145":{"id":247452,"text":"The Commission shall promulgate reasonable Rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purpose of the Compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Commission exercises its Rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of the Compact, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the Commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"7A","prefix_anchor":"7A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7F","next_prefix":"7B"},"146":{"id":247453,"text":"The Commission shall exercise its Rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the Rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each Rule or amendment.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"7B","prefix_anchor":"7B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7A","next_prefix":"7C"},"147":{"id":247454,"text":"If a majority of the legislatures of the Member States rejects a Rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the Compact within four (4) years of the date of adoption of the Rule, then such Rule shall have no further force and effect in any Member State.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"7C","prefix_anchor":"7C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7B","next_prefix":"7D"},"148":{"id":247455,"text":"Rules or amendments to the Rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["7","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"7D","prefix_anchor":"7D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7C","next_prefix":"7E"},"149":{"id":247456,"text":"Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final Rule or Rules by the Commission, and at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting at which the Rule will be considered and voted upon, the Commission shall file a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:","type":"section","prefixes":["7","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"7E","prefix_anchor":"7E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"7D","next_prefix":"1"},"150":{"id":247457,"text":"On the website of the Commission or other publicly accessible platform; and","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7E","next_prefix":"2"},"151":{"id":247458,"text":"On the website of each Member State Professional Counseling Licensing Board or other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each State would otherwise publish proposed Rules.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"2F"},"152":{"id":247459,"text":"The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall include:","type":"section","prefixes":["2","F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"2F","prefix_anchor":"2F","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"1"},"153":{"id":247460,"text":"The proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the Rule will be considered and voted upon;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2F","next_prefix":"2"},"154":{"id":247461,"text":"The text of the proposed Rule or amendment and the reason for the proposed Rule;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"155":{"id":247462,"text":"A request for comments on the proposed Rule from any interested person; and","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"156":{"id":247463,"text":"The manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the Commission of their intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"4G"},"157":{"id":247464,"text":"Prior to adoption of a proposed Rule, the Commission shall allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which shall be made available to the public.","type":"section","prefixes":["4","G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"4G","prefix_anchor":"4G","level":2,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"4H"},"158":{"id":247465,"text":"The Commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it adopts a Rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by:","type":"section","prefixes":["4","H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"4H","prefix_anchor":"4H","level":2,"prior_prefix":"4G","next_prefix":"1"},"159":{"id":247466,"text":"At least twenty-five (25) persons;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4H","next_prefix":"2"},"160":{"id":247467,"text":"A State or federal governmental subdivision or agency; or","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"161":{"id":247468,"text":"An association having at least twenty-five (25) members.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"3I"},"162":{"id":247469,"text":"If a hearing is held on the proposed Rule or amendment, the Commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing. If the hearing is held via electronic means, the Commission shall publish the mechanism for access to the electronic hearing.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"3I","prefix_anchor":"3I","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"1"},"163":{"id":247470,"text":"All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the executive director of the Commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to appear and testify at the hearing not less than five (5) business days before the scheduled date of the hearing.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3I","next_prefix":"2"},"164":{"id":247471,"text":"Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"165":{"id":247472,"text":"All hearings will be recorded. A copy of the recording will be made available on request.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"166":{"id":247473,"text":"Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each Rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the Commission at hearings required by this subsection.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"4J"},"167":{"id":247474,"text":"Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the Commission shall consider all written and oral comments received.","type":"section","prefixes":["4","J"],"prefix":"J","entire_prefix":"4J","prefix_anchor":"4J","level":2,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"4K"},"168":{"id":247475,"text":"If no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested parties is received, the Commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed Rule without a public hearing.","type":"section","prefixes":["4","K"],"prefix":"K","entire_prefix":"4K","prefix_anchor":"4K","level":2,"prior_prefix":"4J","next_prefix":"4L"},"169":{"id":247476,"text":"The Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed Rule and shall determine the effective date of the Rule, if any, based on the Rulemaking record and the full text of the Rule.","type":"section","prefixes":["4","L"],"prefix":"L","entire_prefix":"4L","prefix_anchor":"4L","level":2,"prior_prefix":"4K","next_prefix":"4M"},"170":{"id":247477,"text":"Upon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider and adopt an emergency Rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided that the usual Rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact and in this article shall be retroactively applied to the Rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the Rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency Rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:","type":"section","prefixes":["4","M"],"prefix":"M","entire_prefix":"4M","prefix_anchor":"4M","level":2,"prior_prefix":"4L","next_prefix":"1"},"171":{"id":247478,"text":"Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4M","next_prefix":"2"},"172":{"id":247479,"text":"Prevent a loss of Commission or Member State funds;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"173":{"id":247480,"text":"Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative Rule that is established by federal law or Rule; or","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"174":{"id":247481,"text":"Protect public health and safety.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"4N"},"175":{"id":247482,"text":"The Commission or an authorized committee of the Commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted Rule or amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the Commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of thirty (30) days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a Rule. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the chair of the Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision will take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the Commission.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XII. Oversight, Dispute Resolution, and Enforcement.","type":"section","prefixes":["4","N"],"prefix":"N","entire_prefix":"4N","prefix_anchor":"4N","level":2,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"4A"},"176":{"id":247483,"text":"Oversight","type":"section","prefixes":["4","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"4A","prefix_anchor":"4A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"4N","next_prefix":"1"},"177":{"id":247484,"text":"The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of State government in each Member State shall enforce this Compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the Compact’s purposes and intent. The provisions of this Compact and the Rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4A","next_prefix":"2"},"178":{"id":247485,"text":"All courts shall take judicial notice of the Compact and the Rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a Member State pertaining to the subject matter of this Compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"179":{"id":247486,"text":"The Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any such proceeding and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the Commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the Commission, this Compact, or promulgated Rules.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"3B"},"180":{"id":247487,"text":"Default, Technical Assistance, and Termination","type":"section","prefixes":["3","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"3B","prefix_anchor":"3B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"1"},"181":{"id":247488,"text":"If the Commission determines that a Member State has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact or the promulgated Rules, the Commission shall:\n\t\t\ta. Provide written notice to the defaulting State and other Member States of the nature of the default, the proposed means of curing the default and\/or any other action to be taken by the Commission; and\n\t\t\tb. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3B","next_prefix":"1C"},"182":{"id":247489,"text":"If a State in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting State may be terminated from the Compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the Member States, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this Compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending State of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default.","type":"section","prefixes":["1","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"1C","prefix_anchor":"1C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"1D"},"183":{"id":247490,"text":"Termination of membership in the Compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the Commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting State’s legislature, and each of the Member States.","type":"section","prefixes":["1","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"1D","prefix_anchor":"1D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"1C","next_prefix":"1E"},"184":{"id":247491,"text":"A State that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination.","type":"section","prefixes":["1","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"1E","prefix_anchor":"1E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"1D","next_prefix":"1F"},"185":{"id":247492,"text":"The Commission shall not bear any costs related to a State that is found to be in default or that has been terminated from the Compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the Commission and the defaulting State.","type":"section","prefixes":["1","F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"1F","prefix_anchor":"1F","level":2,"prior_prefix":"1E","next_prefix":"1G"},"186":{"id":247493,"text":"The defaulting State may appeal the action of the Commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices. The prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.","type":"section","prefixes":["1","G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"1G","prefix_anchor":"1G","level":2,"prior_prefix":"1F","next_prefix":"1H"},"187":{"id":247494,"text":"Dispute Resolution","type":"section","prefixes":["1","H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"1H","prefix_anchor":"1H","level":2,"prior_prefix":"1G","next_prefix":"1"},"188":{"id":247495,"text":"Upon request by a Member State, the Commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the Compact that arise among Member States and between member and non-Member States.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1H","next_prefix":"2"},"189":{"id":247496,"text":"The Commission shall promulgate a Rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"2I"},"190":{"id":247497,"text":"Enforcement","type":"section","prefixes":["2","I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"2I","prefix_anchor":"2I","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"1"},"191":{"id":247498,"text":"The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and Rules of this Compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2I","next_prefix":"2"},"192":{"id":247499,"text":"By majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices against a Member State in default to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated Rules and bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"193":{"id":247500,"text":"The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Commission. The Commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or State law.\n\t\t\tArticle XIII. Date of Implementation of the Counseling Compact Commission and Associated Rules, Withdrawal, and Amendment.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"3A"},"194":{"id":247501,"text":"The Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact statute is enacted into law in the tenth Member State. The provisions, which become effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the Commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of Rules. Thereafter, the Commission shall meet and exercise Rulemaking powers necessary to the implementation and administration of the Compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"3A","prefix_anchor":"3A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"3B"},"195":{"id":247502,"text":"Any State that joins the Compact subsequent to the Commission’s initial adoption of the Rules shall be subject to the Rules as they exist on the date on which the Compact becomes law in that State. Any Rule that has been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the Compact becomes law in that State.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"3B","prefix_anchor":"3B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3A","next_prefix":"3C"},"196":{"id":247503,"text":"Any Member State may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"3C","prefix_anchor":"3C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3B","next_prefix":"1"},"197":{"id":247504,"text":"A Member State’s withdrawal shall not take effect until six (6) months after enactment of the repealing statute.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3C","next_prefix":"2"},"198":{"id":247505,"text":"Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing State’s Professional Counseling Licensing Board to comply with the investigative and Adverse Action reporting requirements of this act prior to the effective date of withdrawal.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"2D"},"199":{"id":247506,"text":"Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any Professional Counseling licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a Member State and a non-Member State that does not conflict with the provisions of this Compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"2D","prefix_anchor":"2D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"2E"},"200":{"id":247507,"text":"This Compact may be amended by the Member States. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon any Member State until it is enacted into the laws of all Member States.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XIV. Construction and Severability.\n\t\t\t\tThis Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any Member State or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any Member State, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining Member States and in full force and effect as to the Member State affected as to all severable matters.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XV. Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"2E","prefix_anchor":"2E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2D","next_prefix":"2A"},"201":{"id":247508,"text":"A Licensee providing Professional Counseling services in a Remote State under the Privilege to Practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations, including scope of practice, of the Remote State.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"2A","prefix_anchor":"2A","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2E","next_prefix":"2B"},"202":{"id":247509,"text":"Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a Member State that is not inconsistent with the Compact.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"2B","prefix_anchor":"2B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2A","next_prefix":"2C"},"203":{"id":247510,"text":"Any laws in a Member State in conflict with the Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"2C","prefix_anchor":"2C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2B","next_prefix":"2D"},"204":{"id":247511,"text":"Any lawful actions of the Commission, including all Rules and bylaws properly promulgated by the Commission, are binding upon the Member States.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"2D","prefix_anchor":"2D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2C","next_prefix":"2E"},"205":{"id":247512,"text":"All permissible agreements between the Commission and the Member States are binding in accordance with their terms.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"2E","prefix_anchor":"2E","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2D","next_prefix":"2F"},"206":{"id":247513,"text":"In the event any provision of the Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any Member State, the provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that Member State.","type":"section","prefixes":["2","F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"2F","prefix_anchor":"2F","level":2,"prior_prefix":"2E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13600,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13599,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:21","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:21","permalink":{"id":243865,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13600,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1","url":"\/54.1\/III\/35\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13599,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professional Counseling","identifier":"35","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:21","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:21","permalink":{"id":243863,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13599,"identifier":"35","token":"54.1\/III\/35","url":"\/54.1\/III\/35\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":54880,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3500","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-3500\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3500","metadata":false},{"id":68349,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3500.1","catch_line":"Counseling Compact","url":"\/54.1-3500.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3500.1","metadata":false},{"id":85227,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3501","catch_line":"Exemption from requirements of licensure","url":"\/54.1-3501\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3501","metadata":false},{"id":86081,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3502","catch_line":"Administration or prescription of drugs not permitted","url":"\/54.1-3502\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3502","metadata":false},{"id":61613,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3503","catch_line":"Board of Counseling","url":"\/54.1-3503\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3503","metadata":false},{"id":54950,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3504","catch_line":"Nominations","url":"\/54.1-3504\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3504","metadata":false},{"id":55659,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3505","catch_line":"Specific powers and duties of the Board","url":"\/54.1-3505\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3505","metadata":false},{"id":54568,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3505.1","catch_line":"Continued competency requirements","url":"\/54.1-3505.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3505.1","metadata":false},{"id":56059,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3506","catch_line":"License required","url":"\/54.1-3506\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3506","metadata":false},{"id":69581,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3506.1","catch_line":"Client notification","url":"\/54.1-3506.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3506.1","metadata":false},{"id":80021,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3506.2","catch_line":"Licensure exemption","url":"\/54.1-3506.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3506.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":54880,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3500","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-3500\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3500","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":85227,"structure_id":13600,"section_number":"54.1-3501","catch_line":"Exemption from requirements of licensure","url":"\/54.1-3501\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3501","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-3500.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2023. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 684<\/a> and 685<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":243871,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68349,"identifier":"54.1-3500.1","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3500.1","url":"\/54.1-3500.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-3500.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/35\/1\/54.1-3500.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Counseling Compact","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-3500.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The General Assembly hereby enacts, and the Commonwealth of Virginia hereby enters into, the Counseling Compact with any and all states<\/span> legally joining therein according to its terms, in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tCOUNSELING COMPACT\n\t\tArticle I. Purpose.\n\t\tThe purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of Licensed Professional Counselors<\/span> with the goal of improving public access to Professional Counseling<\/span> services. The practice of Professional Counseling<\/span> occurs in the State<\/span> where the client is located at the time of the counseling services. The Compact preserves the regulatory authority of States<\/span> to protect public health and safety through the current system of State<\/span> licensure.\n\t\tThis Compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Increase public access to Professional Counseling<\/span> services by providing for the mutual recognition of other Member State<\/span> licenses; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Enhance the States<\/span>’ ability to protect the public’s health and safety; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Encourage the cooperation of Member States<\/span> in regulating multistate practice for Licensed Professional Counselors<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Support spouses of relocating Active Duty Military<\/span> personnel; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information among Member States<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Allow for the use of Telehealth<\/span> technology to facilitate increased access to Professional Counseling<\/span> services; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Support the uniformity of Professional Counseling<\/span> licensure requirements throughout the States to promote public safety and public health benefits; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Invest all Member States<\/span> with the authority to hold a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> accountable for meeting all State practice laws<\/span> in the State in which the client is located at the time care is rendered through the mutual recognition of Member State<\/span> licenses; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Eliminate the necessity for licenses in multiple States; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Provide opportunities for interstate practice by Licensed Professional Counselors<\/span> who meet uniform licensure requirements.\n\t\t\tArticle II. Definitions.\n\t\t\tAs used in this Compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall apply:\n\t\t\t“Active Duty Military<\/span>” means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders<\/span> pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211.\n\t\t\t“Adverse Action<\/span>” means any administrative, civil, equitable<\/span>, or criminal action permitted by a State’s laws<\/span> which is imposed by a licensing board<\/span> or other authority against a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>, including actions against an individual’s license or Privilege to Practice<\/span> such as revocation<\/span>, suspension, probation<\/span>, monitoring of the licensee<\/span>, limitation on the licensee<\/span>’s practice, or any other Encumbrance<\/span> on licensure affecting a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>’s authorization to practice, including issuance of a cease and desist action.\n\t\t\t“Alternative Program<\/span>” means a non-disciplinary monitoring or practice remediation process approved by a Professional Counseling<\/span> Licensing Board<\/span> to address Impaired Practitioners<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Continuing Competence\/Education” means a requirement, as a condition of license renewal, to provide evidence<\/span> of participation in, and\/or completion of, educational and professional activities relevant to practice or area of work.\n\t\t\t“Counseling Compact Commission<\/span>” or “Commission” means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all States that have enacted the Compact.\n\t\t\t“Current Significant Investigative Information<\/span>” means: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Investigative Information<\/span> that a Licensing Board<\/span>, after a preliminary inquiry that includes notification and an opportunity for the Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> to respond, if required by State law<\/span>, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor<\/span> infraction; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Investigative Information<\/span> that indicates that the Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> represents an immediate threat to public health and safety regardless of whether the Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> has been notified and had an opportunity to respond.\n\t\t\t“Data System<\/span>” means a repository of information about Licensees<\/span>, including, but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure, investigative, Privilege to Practice<\/span>, and Adverse Action<\/span> information.\n\t\t\t“Encumbered License<\/span>” means a license in which an Adverse Action<\/span> restricts the practice of licensed Professional Counseling<\/span> by the Licensee<\/span> and said Adverse Action<\/span> has been reported to the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB).\n\t\t\t“Encumbrance<\/span>” means a revocation<\/span> or suspension of, or any limitation on, the full and unrestricted practice of Licensed Professional Counseling<\/span> by a Licensing Board<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Executive Committee<\/span>” means a group of directors elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the Commission.\n\t\t\t“Home State<\/span>” means the Member State<\/span> that is the Licensee<\/span>’s primary State of residence.\n\t\t\t“Impaired Practitioner<\/span>” means an individual who has a condition(s) that may impair their ability to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> without some type of intervention and may include, but are not limited to, alcohol and drug dependence, mental health impairment, and neurological or physical impairments.\n\t\t\t“Investigative Information<\/span>” means information, records, and documents received or generated by a Professional Counseling<\/span> Licensing Board<\/span> pursuant to an investigation.\n\t\t\t“Jurisprudence Requirement<\/span>” if required by a Member State<\/span>, means the assessment of an individual’s knowledge of the laws<\/span> and Rules<\/span> governing the practice of Professional Counseling<\/span> in a State.\n\t\t\t“Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>” means a counselor licensed by a Member State<\/span>, regardless of the title used by that State, to independently assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.\n\t\t\t“Licensee<\/span>” means an individual who currently holds an authorization from the State to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Licensing Board<\/span>” means the agency of a State, or equivalent, that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of Licensed Professional Counselors<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Member State<\/span>” means a State that has enacted the Compact.\n\t\t\t“Privilege to Practice<\/span>” means a legal authorization, which is equivalent to a license, permitting the practice of Professional Counseling<\/span> in a Remote State<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Professional Counseling<\/span>” means the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral health conditions by a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Remote State<\/span>” means a Member State<\/span> other than the Home State<\/span>, where a Licensee<\/span> is exercising or seeking to exercise the Privilege to Practice<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Rule<\/span>” means a regulation promulgated by the Commission that has the force of law<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Single State License<\/span>” means a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> license issued by a Member State<\/span> that authorizes practice only within the issuing State and does not include a Privilege to Practice<\/span> in any other Member State<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“State” means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America that regulates the practice of Professional Counseling<\/span>.\n\t\t\t“Telehealth<\/span>” means the application of telecommunication technology to deliver Professional Counseling<\/span> services remotely to assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.\n\t\t\t“Unencumbered License<\/span>” means a license that authorizes a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> to engage in the full and unrestricted practice of Professional Counseling<\/span>.\n\t\t\tArticle III. State Participation in the Compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> To Participate in the Compact, a State must currently: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> License and regulate Licensed Professional Counselors<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Require Licensees<\/span> to pass a nationally recognized exam approved by the Commission; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Require Licensees<\/span> to have a 60 semester-hour (or 90 quarter-hour) master’s degree in counseling or 60 semester-hours (or 90 quarter-hours) of graduate course work including the following topic areas:\n\t\t\ta. Professional Counseling<\/span> Orientation and Ethical Practice;\n\t\t\tb. Social and Cultural Diversity;\n\t\t\tc. Human Growth and Development;\n\t\t\td. Career Development;\n\t\t\te. Counseling and Helping Relationships;\n\t\t\tf. Group Counseling and Group Work;\n\t\t\tg. Diagnosis and Treatment; Assessment and Testing;\n\t\t\th. Research and Program Evaluation; and\n\t\t\ti. Other areas as determined by the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Require Licensees<\/span> to complete a supervised postgraduate professional experience as defined by the Commission; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about Licensees<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> A Member State<\/span> shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Participate fully in the Commission’s Data System<\/span>, including using the Commission’s unique identifier as defined in Rules<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Notify the Commission, in compliance with the terms of the Compact and Rules<\/span>, of any Adverse Action<\/span> or the availability of Investigative Information<\/span> regarding a Licensee<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for an initial Privilege to Practice<\/span>. These procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that State’s criminal records;\n\t\t\ta. A member state<\/span> must fully implement a criminal background check requirement, within a time frame established by rule<\/span>, by receiving the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation record search and shall use the results in making licensure decisions.\n\t\t\tb. Communication between a Member State<\/span>, the Commission and among Member States<\/span> regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the Compact shall not include any information received from the Federal Bureau of Investigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a Member State<\/span> under Public Law<\/span> 92-544. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Comply with the Rules<\/span> of the Commission; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the Home State<\/span> and meet the Home State<\/span>’s qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure, as well as all other applicable State laws<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Grant the Privilege to Practice<\/span> to a Licensee<\/span> holding a valid Unencumbered License<\/span> in another Member State<\/span> in accordance with the terms of the Compact and Rules<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Provide for the attendance of the State’s commissioner to the Counseling Compact Commission<\/span> meetings. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Member States<\/span> may charge a fee for granting the Privilege to Practice<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Individuals not residing in a Member State<\/span> shall continue to be able to apply for a Member State<\/span>’s Single State License<\/span> as provided under the laws<\/span> of each Member State<\/span>. However, the Single State License<\/span> granted to these individuals shall not be recognized as granting a Privilege to Practice<\/span> Professional Counseling<\/span> in any other Member State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Nothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a Member State<\/span> for the issuance of a Single State License<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> A license issued to a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> by a Home State<\/span> to a resident<\/span> in that State shall be recognized by each Member State<\/span> as authorizing a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> to practice Professional Counseling<\/span>, under a Privilege to Practice<\/span>, in each Member State<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tArticle IV. Privilege to Practice<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> To exercise the Privilege to Practice<\/span> under the terms and provisions of the Compact, the Licensee<\/span> shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Hold a license in the Home State<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Have a valid United States Social Security Number or National Practitioner Identifier; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Be eligible for a Privilege to Practice<\/span> in any Member State<\/span> in accordance with subsections D, G, and H; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Have not had any Encumbrance<\/span> or restriction against any license or Privilege to Practice<\/span> within the previous two (2) years; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Notify the Commission that the Licensee<\/span> is seeking the Privilege to Practice<\/span> within a Remote State<\/span>(s); <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Pay any applicable fees, including any State fee, for the Privilege to Practice<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Meet any Continuing Competence\/Education requirements established by the Home State<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Meet any Jurisprudence Requirements<\/span> established by the Remote State<\/span>(s) in which the Licensee<\/span> is seeking a Privilege to Practice<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Report to the Commission any Adverse Action<\/span>, Encumbrance<\/span>, or restriction on license taken by any non-Member State<\/span> within 30 days from the date the action is taken. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Privilege to Practice<\/span> is valid until the expiration date of the Home State<\/span> license. The Licensee<\/span> must comply with the requirements of subsection A to maintain the Privilege to Practice<\/span> in the Remote State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A Licensee<\/span> providing Professional Counseling<\/span> in a Remote State<\/span> under the Privilege to Practice<\/span> shall adhere to the laws<\/span> and regulations of the Remote State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A Licensee<\/span> providing Professional Counseling<\/span> services in a Remote State<\/span> is subject to that State’s regulatory authority. A Remote State<\/span> may, in accordance with due process<\/span> and that State’s laws<\/span>, remove a Licensee<\/span>’s Privilege to Practice<\/span> in the Remote State<\/span> for a specific period of time, impose fines, and\/or take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens. The Licensee<\/span> may be ineligible for a Privilege to Practice<\/span> in any Member State<\/span> until the specific time for removal has passed and all fines are paid. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> If a Home State<\/span> license is encumbered, the Licensee<\/span> shall lose the Privilege to Practice<\/span> in any Remote State<\/span> until the following occur: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The Home State<\/span> license is no longer encumbered; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Have not had any Encumbrance<\/span> or restriction against any license or Privilege to Practice<\/span> within the previous two (2) years. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Once an Encumbered License<\/span> in the Home State<\/span> is restored to good standing, the Licensee<\/span> must meet the requirements of subsection A to obtain a Privilege to Practice<\/span> in any Remote State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> If a Licensee<\/span>’s Privilege to Practice<\/span> in any Remote State<\/span> is removed, the individual may lose the Privilege to Practice<\/span> in all other Remote States<\/span> until the following occur: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The specific period of time for which the Privilege to Practice<\/span> was removed has ended; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> All fines have been paid; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Have not had any Encumbrance<\/span> or restriction against any license or Privilege to Practice<\/span> within the previous two (2) years. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Once the requirements of subsection G have been met, the Licensee<\/span> must meet the requirements in subsection A to obtain a Privilege to Practice<\/span> in a Remote State<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tArticle V. Obtaining a New Home State<\/span> License Based on a Privilege to Practice<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> may hold a Home State<\/span> license, which allows for a Privilege to Practice<\/span> in other Member States<\/span>, in only one Member State<\/span> at a time. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> If a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> changes primary State of residence by moving between two Member States<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> shall file an application for obtaining a new Home State<\/span> license based on a Privilege to Practice<\/span>, pay all applicable fees, and notify the current and new Home State<\/span> in accordance with applicable Rules<\/span> adopted by the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Upon receipt of an application for obtaining a new Home State<\/span> license by virtue of a Privilege to Practice<\/span>, the new Home State<\/span> shall verify that the Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> meets the pertinent criteria outlined in Article IV via the Data System<\/span>, without need for primary source verification except for:\n\t\t\ta. A Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint based criminal background check if not previously performed or updated pursuant to applicable rules<\/span> adopted by the Commission in accordance with Public Law<\/span> 92-544;\n\t\t\tb. Other criminal background check as required by the new Home State<\/span>; and\n\t\t\tc. Completion of any requisite Jurisprudence Requirements<\/span> of the new Home State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The former Home State<\/span> shall convert the former Home State<\/span> license into a Privilege to Practice<\/span> once the new Home State<\/span> has activated the new Home State<\/span> license in accordance with applicable Rules<\/span> adopted by the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Notwithstanding any other provision of this Compact, if the Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> cannot meet the criteria in Article IV, the new Home State<\/span> may apply its requirements for issuing a new Single State License<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> shall pay all applicable fees to the new Home State<\/span> in order<\/span> to be issued a new Home State<\/span> license. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> changes Primary State of Residence by moving from a Member State<\/span> to a non-Member State<\/span>, or from a non-Member State<\/span> to a Member State<\/span>, the State criteria shall apply for issuance of a Single State License<\/span> in the new State. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Nothing in this Compact shall interfere with a Licensee<\/span>’s ability to hold a Single State License<\/span> in multiple States, however for the purposes of this Compact, a Licensee<\/span> shall have only one Home State<\/span> license. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Nothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a Member State<\/span> for the issuance of a Single State License<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VI. Active Duty Military<\/span> Personnel or their Spouses.\n\t\t\t\tActive Duty Military<\/span> personnel, or their spouse, shall designate a Home State<\/span> where the individual has a current license in good standing. The individual may retain the Home State<\/span> designation during the period the service member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a Home State<\/span>, the individual shall only change their Home State<\/span> through application for licensure in the new State, or through the process outlined in Article V.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VII. Compact Privilege to Practice<\/span> Telehealth<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Member States<\/span> shall recognize the right of a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>, licensed by a Home State<\/span> in accordance with Article III and under Rules<\/span> promulgated by the Commission, to practice Professional Counseling<\/span> in any Member State<\/span> via Telehealth<\/span> under a Privilege to Practice<\/span> as provided in the Compact and Rules<\/span> promulgated by the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> A Licensee<\/span> providing Professional Counseling<\/span> services in a Remote State<\/span> under the Privilege to Practice<\/span> shall adhere to the laws<\/span> and regulations of the Remote State<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tArticle VIII. Adverse Actions<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> In addition to the other powers conferred by State law<\/span>, a Remote State<\/span> shall have the authority, in accordance with existing State due process<\/span> law<\/span>, to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Take Adverse Action<\/span> against a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>’s Privilege to Practice<\/span> within that Member State<\/span>, and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Issue<\/span> subpoenas<\/span> for both hearings<\/span> and investigations that require the attendance and testimony<\/span> of witnesses as well as the production of evidence<\/span>. Subpoenas<\/span> issued by a Licensing Board<\/span> in a Member State<\/span> for the attendance and testimony<\/span> of witnesses or the production of evidence<\/span> from another Member State<\/span> shall be enforced in the latter State by any court<\/span> of competent jurisdiction<\/span>, according to the practice and procedure of that court<\/span> applicable to subpoenas<\/span> issued in proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any witness<\/span> fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes<\/span> of the State in which the witnesses or evidence<\/span> are located. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Only the Home State<\/span> shall have the power to take Adverse Action<\/span> against a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>’s license issued by the Home State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> For purposes of taking Adverse Action<\/span>, the Home State<\/span> shall give the same priority and effect to reported conduct received from a Member State<\/span> as it would if the conduct had occurred within the Home State<\/span>. In so doing, the Home State<\/span> shall apply its own State laws<\/span> to determine appropriate action. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Home State<\/span> shall complete any pending investigations of a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> who changes primary State of residence during the course of the investigations. The Home State<\/span> shall also have the authority to take appropriate action(s) and shall promptly report the conclusions of the investigations to the administrator of the Data System<\/span>. The administrator of the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the new Home State<\/span> of any Adverse Actions<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A Member State<\/span>, if otherwise permitted by State law<\/span>, may recover from the affected Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> the costs of investigations and dispositions<\/span> of cases resulting from any Adverse Action<\/span> taken against that Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> A Member State<\/span> may take Adverse Action<\/span> based on the factual findings<\/span> of the Remote State<\/span>, provided that the Member State<\/span> follows its own procedures for taking the Adverse Action<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Joint Investigations: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> In addition to the authority granted to a Member State<\/span> by its respective Professional Counseling<\/span> practice act or other applicable State law<\/span>, any Member State<\/span> may participate with other Member States<\/span> in joint investigations of Licensees<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Member States<\/span> shall share any investigative, litigation<\/span>, or compliance materials<\/span> in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the Compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> If Adverse Action<\/span> is taken by the Home State<\/span> against the license of a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>, the Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>’s Privilege to Practice<\/span> in all other Member States<\/span> shall be deactivated until all Encumbrances<\/span> have been removed from the State license. All Home State<\/span> disciplinary orders<\/span> that impose Adverse Action<\/span> against the license of a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> shall include a Statement that the Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span>’s Privilege to Practice<\/span> is deactivated in all Member States<\/span> during the pendency of the order<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> If a Member State<\/span> takes Adverse Action<\/span>, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the Data System<\/span>. The administrator of the Data System<\/span> shall promptly notify the Home State<\/span> of any Adverse Actions<\/span> by Remote States<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> Nothing in this Compact shall override a Member State<\/span>’s decision that participation in an Alternative Program<\/span> may be used in lieu of Adverse Action<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tArticle IX. Establishment of Counseling Compact Commission<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Compact Member States<\/span> hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the Counseling Compact Commission<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The Commission is an instrumentality of the Compact States. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Venue<\/span> is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court<\/span> of competent jurisdiction<\/span> where the principal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive<\/span> venue<\/span> and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution<\/span> proceedings. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a waiver<\/span> of sovereign immunity. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Membership, Voting, and Meetings <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Each Member State<\/span> shall have and be limited to one (1) delegate selected by that Member State<\/span>’s Licensing Board<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The delegate shall be either:\n\t\t\ta. A current member of the Licensing Board<\/span> at the time of appointment, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor<\/span> or public member; or\n\t\t\tb. An administrator of the Licensing Board<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Any delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law<\/span> of the State from which the delegate is appointed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The Member State<\/span> Licensing Board<\/span> shall fill any vacancy occurring on the Commission within 60 days. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Each delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote with regard to the promulgation of Rules<\/span> and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> A delegate shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates’ participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> The Commission shall by Rule<\/span> establish a term of office for delegates and may by Rule<\/span> establish term limits. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Commission shall have the following powers and duties: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Establish the fiscal year of the Commission; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Establish bylaws; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact and the bylaws; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Promulgate Rules<\/span> which shall be binding to the extent and in the manner provided for in the Compact; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Bring and prosecute<\/span> legal proceedings or actions in the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of any State Licensing Board<\/span> to sue or be sued under applicable law<\/span> shall not be affected; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Borrow, accept, or contract<\/span> for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a Member State<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and establish the Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> Accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials<\/span>, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance<\/span> of impropriety and\/or conflict of interest<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use, any property, real, personal, or mixed; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance<\/span> of impropriety; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> Sell convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

13.<\/span> Establish a budget and make expenditures; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

14.<\/span> Borrow money; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

15.<\/span> Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members, State regulators, State legislators or their representatives, and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this Compact and the bylaws; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

16.<\/span> Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law<\/span> enforcement agencies; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

17.<\/span> Establish and elect an Executive Committee<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

18.<\/span> Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact consistent with the State regulation of Professional Counseling<\/span> licensure and practice. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Executive Committee<\/span> <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The Executive Committee<\/span> shall have the power to act on behalf of the Commission according to the terms of this Compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The Executive Committee<\/span> shall be composed of up to eleven (11) members:\n\t\t\ta. Seven voting members who are elected by the Commission from the current membership of the Commission; and\n\t\t\tb. Up to four (4) ex-officio, nonvoting members from four (4) recognized national professional counselor organizations.\n\t\t\tc. The ex-officio members will be selected by their respective organizations. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The Commission may remove any member of the Executive Committee<\/span> as provided in bylaws. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The Executive Committee<\/span> shall meet at least annually. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The Executive Committee<\/span> shall have the following duties and responsibilities:\n\t\t\ta. Recommend to the entire Commission changes to the Rules<\/span> or bylaws, changes to this Compact legislation, fees paid by Compact Member States<\/span> such as annual dues, and any Commission Compact fee charged to Licensees<\/span> for the Privilege to Practice<\/span>;\n\t\t\tb. Ensure Compact administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;\n\t\t\tc. Prepare and recommend the budget;\n\t\t\td. Maintain financial records on behalf of the Commission;\n\t\t\te. Monitor Compact compliance of Member States<\/span> and provide compliance reports to the Commission;\n\t\t\tf. Establish additional committees as necessary; and\n\t\t\tg. Other duties as provided in Rules<\/span> or bylaws. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Meetings of the Commission <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in the same manner as required under the Rulemaking provisions in Article XI. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The Commission or the Executive Committee<\/span> or other committees of the Commission may convene in a closed, non-public meeting if the Commission or Executive Committee<\/span> or other committees of the Commission must discuss:\n\t\t\ta. Non-compliance of a Member State<\/span> with its obligations under the Compact;\n\t\t\tb. The employment, compensation, discipline, or other matters, practices, or procedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;\n\t\t\tc. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation<\/span>;\n\t\t\td. Negotiation of contracts<\/span> for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;\n\t\t\te. Accusing any person of a crime<\/span> or formally censuring any person;\n\t\t\tf. Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;\n\t\t\tg. Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;\n\t\t\th. Disclosure of investigative records compiled for law<\/span> enforcement purposes;\n\t\t\ti. Disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues<\/span> pursuant to the Compact; or\n\t\t\tj. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or Member State<\/span> statute<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision, the Commission’s legal counsel<\/span> or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The Commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the Commission or order<\/span> of a court<\/span> of competent jurisdiction<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Financing of the Commission <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The Commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials<\/span>, and services. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The Commission may levy<\/span> on and collect an annual assessment from each Member State<\/span> or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Commission, which shall promulgate a Rule<\/span> binding upon all Member States<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any of the Member States<\/span>, except by and with the authority of the Member State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and\/or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The Commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission in any civil action<\/span> seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel<\/span>; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person’s intentional or willful or wanton misconduct. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement<\/span> or judgment<\/span> obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.\n\t\t\tArticle X. Data System<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, operation, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, Adverse Action<\/span>, and Investigative Information<\/span> on all licensed individuals in Member States<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Notwithstanding any other provision of State law<\/span> to the contrary, a Member State<\/span> shall submit a uniform data set to the Data System<\/span> on all individuals to whom this Compact is applicable as required by the Rules<\/span> of the Commission, including: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Identifying information; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Licensure data; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Adverse Actions<\/span> against a license or Privilege to Practice<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Non-confidential information related to Alternative Program<\/span> participation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Any denial of application for licensure, and the reason(s) for such denial; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Current Significant Investigative Information<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Other information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as determined by the Rules<\/span> of the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Investigative Information<\/span> pertaining to a Licensee<\/span> in any Member State<\/span> will only be available to other Member States<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Commission shall promptly notify all Member States<\/span> of any Adverse Action<\/span> taken against a Licensee<\/span> or an individual applying for a license. Adverse Action<\/span> information pertaining to a Licensee<\/span> in any Member State<\/span> will be available to any other Member State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Member States<\/span> contributing information to the Data System<\/span> may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing State. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Any information submitted to the Data System<\/span> that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws<\/span> of the Member State<\/span> contributing the information shall be removed from the Data System<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XI. Rulemaking. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commission shall promulgate reasonable Rules<\/span> in order<\/span> to effectively and efficiently achieve the purpose of the Compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Commission exercises its Rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of the Compact, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the Commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Commission shall exercise its Rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the Rules<\/span> adopted thereunder. Rules<\/span> and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each Rule<\/span> or amendment. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If a majority of the legislatures of the Member States<\/span> rejects a Rule<\/span>, by enactment of a statute<\/span> or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the Compact within four (4) years of the date of adoption of the Rule<\/span>, then such Rule<\/span> shall have no further force and effect in any Member State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Rules<\/span> or amendments to the Rules<\/span> shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final Rule<\/span> or Rules<\/span> by the Commission, and at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting at which the Rule<\/span> will be considered and voted upon, the Commission shall file a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> On the website of the Commission or other publicly accessible platform; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> On the website of each Member State<\/span> Professional Counseling<\/span> Licensing Board<\/span> or other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each State would otherwise publish proposed Rules<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall include: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the Rule<\/span> will be considered and voted upon; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The text of the proposed Rule<\/span> or amendment and the reason for the proposed Rule<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> A request for comments on the proposed Rule<\/span> from any interested person; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the Commission of their intention to attend the public hearing<\/span> and any written comments. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Prior to adoption of a proposed Rule<\/span>, the Commission shall allow persons to submit written data, facts<\/span>, opinions<\/span>, and arguments, which shall be made available to the public. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> The Commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing<\/span> before it adopts a Rule<\/span> or amendment if a hearing<\/span> is requested by: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> At least twenty-five (25) persons; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> A State or federal governmental subdivision or agency; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> An association having at least twenty-five (25) members. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> If a hearing<\/span> is held on the proposed Rule<\/span> or amendment, the Commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing<\/span>. If the hearing<\/span> is held via electronic means, the Commission shall publish the mechanism for access to the electronic hearing<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing<\/span> shall notify the executive director of the Commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to appear and testify at the hearing<\/span> not less than five (5) business days before the scheduled date of the hearing<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Hearings<\/span> shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> All hearings<\/span> will be recorded. A copy of the recording will be made available on request. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing<\/span> on each Rule<\/span>. Rules<\/span> may be grouped for the convenience of the Commission at hearings<\/span> required by this subsection. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

J.<\/span> Following the scheduled hearing<\/span> date, or by the close of business on the scheduled hearing<\/span> date if the hearing<\/span> was not held, the Commission shall consider all written and oral comments received. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

K.<\/span> If no written notice of intent<\/span> to attend the public hearing<\/span> by interested parties is received, the Commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed Rule<\/span> without a public hearing<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

L.<\/span> The Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed Rule<\/span> and shall determine the effective date of the Rule<\/span>, if any, based on the Rulemaking record and the full text of the Rule<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

M.<\/span> Upon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider and adopt an emergency Rule<\/span> without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing<\/span>, provided that the usual Rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact and in this article shall be retroactively applied to the Rule<\/span> as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the Rule<\/span>. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency Rule<\/span> is one that must be adopted immediately in order<\/span> to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Prevent a loss of Commission or Member State<\/span> funds; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative Rule<\/span> that is established by federal law<\/span> or Rule<\/span>; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Protect public health and safety. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

N.<\/span> The Commission or an authorized committee of the Commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted Rule<\/span> or amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the Commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of thirty (30) days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material<\/span> change to a Rule<\/span>. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the chair of the Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision will take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the Commission.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XII. Oversight, Dispute Resolution, and Enforcement. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Oversight <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of State government in each Member State<\/span> shall enforce this Compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the Compact’s purposes and intent<\/span>. The provisions of this Compact and the Rules<\/span> promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> All courts<\/span> shall take judicial notice of the Compact and the Rules<\/span> in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a Member State<\/span> pertaining to the subject matter of this Compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the Commission. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process<\/span> in any such proceeding and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process<\/span> to the Commission shall render a judgment<\/span> or order<\/span> void as to the Commission, this Compact, or promulgated Rules<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Default<\/span>, Technical Assistance, and Termination <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> If the Commission determines that a Member State<\/span> has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact or the promulgated Rules<\/span>, the Commission shall:\n\t\t\ta. Provide written notice to the defaulting State and other Member States<\/span> of the nature of the default<\/span>, the proposed means of curing the default<\/span> and\/or any other action to be taken by the Commission; and\n\t\t\tb. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If a State in default<\/span> fails to cure the default<\/span>, the defaulting State may be terminated from the Compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the Member States<\/span>, and all rights, privileges<\/span>, and benefits conferred by this Compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default<\/span> does not relieve the offending State of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Termination of membership in the Compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent<\/span> to suspend or terminate shall be given by the Commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting State’s legislature, and each of the Member States<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> A State that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Commission shall not bear any costs related to a State that is found to be in default<\/span> or that has been terminated from the Compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the Commission and the defaulting State. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> The defaulting State may appeal<\/span> the action of the Commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court<\/span> for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices. The prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation<\/span>, including reasonable attorney’s fees. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Dispute Resolution <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Upon request by a Member State<\/span>, the Commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the Compact that arise among Member States<\/span> and between member and non-Member States<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The Commission shall promulgate a Rule<\/span> providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> Enforcement <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and Rules<\/span> of this Compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> By majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal action in the United States District Court<\/span> for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices against a Member State<\/span> in default<\/span> to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated Rules<\/span> and bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages<\/span>. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation<\/span>, including reasonable attorney’s fees. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Commission. The Commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or State law<\/span>.\n\t\t\tArticle XIII. Date of Implementation of the Counseling Compact Commission<\/span> and Associated Rules<\/span>, Withdrawal, and Amendment. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact statute<\/span> is enacted into law<\/span> in the tenth Member State<\/span>. The provisions, which become effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the Commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of Rules<\/span>. Thereafter, the Commission shall meet and exercise Rulemaking powers necessary to the implementation and administration of the Compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any State that joins the Compact subsequent to the Commission’s initial adoption of the Rules<\/span> shall be subject to the Rules<\/span> as they exist on the date on which the Compact becomes law<\/span> in that State. Any Rule<\/span> that has been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect of law<\/span> on the day the Compact becomes law<\/span> in that State. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any Member State<\/span> may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute<\/span> repealing the same. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> A Member State<\/span>’s withdrawal shall not take effect until six (6) months after enactment of the repealing statute<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing State’s Professional Counseling<\/span> Licensing Board<\/span> to comply with the investigative and Adverse Action<\/span> reporting requirements of this act prior to the effective date of withdrawal. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any Professional Counseling<\/span> licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a Member State<\/span> and a non-Member State<\/span> that does not conflict with the provisions of this Compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> This Compact may be amended by the Member States<\/span>. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon any Member State<\/span> until it is enacted into the laws<\/span> of all Member States<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XIV. Construction and Severability.\n\t\t\t\tThis Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any Member State<\/span> or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any Member State<\/span>, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining Member States<\/span> and in full force and effect as to the Member State<\/span> affected as to all severable matters.\n\t\t\t\tArticle XV. Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A Licensee<\/span> providing Professional Counseling<\/span> services in a Remote State<\/span> under the Privilege to Practice<\/span> shall adhere to the laws<\/span> and regulations, including scope of practice, of the Remote State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law<\/span> of a Member State<\/span> that is not inconsistent with the Compact. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any laws<\/span> in a Member State<\/span> in conflict with the Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Any lawful actions of the Commission, including all Rules<\/span> and bylaws properly promulgated by the Commission, are binding upon the Member States<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> All permissible agreements between the Commission and the Member States<\/span> are binding in accordance with their terms. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> In the event any provision of the Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any Member State<\/span>, the provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that Member State<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCOUNSELING COMPACT (\u00a7 54.1-3500.1)\n\nThe General Assembly hereby enacts, and the Commonwealth of Virginia hereby\nenters into, the Counseling Compact with any and all states legally joining\ntherein according to its terms, in the form substantially as follows:\n\t\tCOUNSELING COMPACT\n\t\tArticle I. Purpose.\n\t\tThe purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of Licensed\nProfessional Counselors with the goal of improving public access to Professional\nCounseling services. The practice of Professional Counseling occurs in the State\nwhere the client is located at the time of the counseling services. The Compact\npreserves the regulatory authority of States to protect public health and safety\nthrough the current system of State licensure.\n\t\tThis Compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:\n\n1. Increase public access to Professional Counseling services by providing for\nthe mutual recognition of other Member State licenses;\n\n2. Enhance the States’ ability to protect the public’s health and\nsafety;\n\n3. Encourage the cooperation of Member States in regulating multistate practice\nfor Licensed Professional Counselors;\n\n4. Support spouses of relocating Active Duty Military personnel;\n\n5. Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary\ninformation among Member States;\n\n6. Allow for the use of Telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to\nProfessional Counseling services;\n\n7. Support the uniformity of Professional Counseling licensure requirements\nthroughout the States to promote public safety and public health benefits;\n\n8. Invest all Member States with the authority to hold a Licensed Professional\nCounselor accountable for meeting all State practice laws in the State in which\nthe client is located at the time care is rendered through the mutual\nrecognition of Member State licenses;\n\n9. Eliminate the necessity for licenses in multiple States; and\n\n10. Provide opportunities for interstate practice by Licensed Professional\nCounselors who meet uniform licensure requirements.\n\t\t\tArticle II. Definitions.\n\t\t\tAs used in this Compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following\ndefinitions shall apply:\n\t\t\t“Active Duty Military” means full-time duty status in the active\nuniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard\nand Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211.\n\t\t\t“Adverse Action” means any administrative, civil, equitable, or\ncriminal action permitted by a State’s laws which is imposed by a\nlicensing board or other authority against a Licensed Professional Counselor,\nincluding actions against an individual’s license or Privilege to Practice\nsuch as revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the licensee,\nlimitation on the licensee’s practice, or any other Encumbrance on\nlicensure affecting a Licensed Professional Counselor’s authorization to\npractice, including issuance of a cease and desist action.\n\t\t\t“Alternative Program” means a non-disciplinary monitoring or\npractice remediation process approved by a Professional Counseling Licensing\nBoard to address Impaired Practitioners.\n\t\t\t“Continuing Competence\/Education” means a requirement, as a\ncondition of license renewal, to provide evidence of participation in, and\/or\ncompletion of, educational and professional activities relevant to practice or\narea of work.\n\t\t\t“Counseling Compact Commission” or “Commission” means\nthe national administrative body whose membership consists of all States that\nhave enacted the Compact.\n\t\t\t“Current Significant Investigative Information” means:\n\n1. Investigative Information that a Licensing Board, after a preliminary inquiry\nthat includes notification and an opportunity for the Licensed Professional\nCounselor to respond, if required by State law, has reason to believe is not\ngroundless and, if proved true, would indicate more than a minor infraction; or\n\n2. Investigative Information that indicates that the Licensed Professional\nCounselor represents an immediate threat to public health and safety regardless\nof whether the Licensed Professional Counselor has been notified and had an\nopportunity to respond.\n\t\t\t“Data System” means a repository of information about Licensees,\nincluding, but not limited to, continuing education, examination, licensure,\ninvestigative, Privilege to Practice, and Adverse Action information.\n\t\t\t“Encumbered License” means a license in which an Adverse Action\nrestricts the practice of licensed Professional Counseling by the Licensee and\nsaid Adverse Action has been reported to the National Practitioners Data Bank\n(NPDB).\n\t\t\t“Encumbrance” means a revocation or suspension of, or any\nlimitation on, the full and unrestricted practice of Licensed Professional\nCounseling by a Licensing Board.\n\t\t\t“Executive Committee” means a group of directors elected or\nappointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the\nCommission.\n\t\t\t“Home State” means the Member State that is the Licensee’s\nprimary State of residence.\n\t\t\t“Impaired Practitioner” means an individual who has a\ncondition(s) that may impair their ability to practice as a Licensed\nProfessional Counselor without some type of intervention and may include, but\nare not limited to, alcohol and drug dependence, mental health impairment, and\nneurological or physical impairments.\n\t\t\t“Investigative Information” means information, records, and\ndocuments received or generated by a Professional Counseling Licensing Board\npursuant to an investigation.\n\t\t\t“Jurisprudence Requirement” if required by a Member State, means\nthe assessment of an individual’s knowledge of the laws and Rules\ngoverning the practice of Professional Counseling in a State.\n\t\t\t“Licensed Professional Counselor” means a counselor licensed by a\nMember State, regardless of the title used by that State, to independently\nassess, diagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.\n\t\t\t“Licensee” means an individual who currently holds an\nauthorization from the State to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor.\n\t\t\t“Licensing Board” means the agency of a State, or equivalent,\nthat is responsible for the licensing and regulation of Licensed Professional\nCounselors.\n\t\t\t“Member State” means a State that has enacted the Compact.\n\t\t\t“Privilege to Practice” means a legal authorization, which is\nequivalent to a license, permitting the practice of Professional Counseling in a\nRemote State.\n\t\t\t“Professional Counseling” means the assessment, diagnosis, and\ntreatment of behavioral health conditions by a Licensed Professional Counselor.\n\t\t\t“Remote State” means a Member State other than the Home State,\nwhere a Licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the Privilege to Practice.\n\t\t\t“Rule” means a regulation promulgated by the Commission that has\nthe force of law.\n\t\t\t“Single State License” means a Licensed Professional Counselor\nlicense issued by a Member State that authorizes practice only within the\nissuing State and does not include a Privilege to Practice in any other Member\nState.\n\t\t\t“State” means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of\nthe United States of America that regulates the practice of Professional\nCounseling.\n\t\t\t“Telehealth” means the application of telecommunication\ntechnology to deliver Professional Counseling services remotely to assess,\ndiagnose, and treat behavioral health conditions.\n\t\t\t“Unencumbered License” means a license that authorizes a Licensed\nProfessional Counselor to engage in the full and unrestricted practice of\nProfessional Counseling.\n\t\t\tArticle III. State Participation in the Compact.\n\n A. To Participate in the Compact, a State must currently:\n\n1. License and regulate Licensed Professional Counselors;\n\n2. Require Licensees to pass a nationally recognized exam approved by the\nCommission;\n\n3. Require Licensees to have a 60 semester-hour (or 90 quarter-hour)\nmaster’s degree in counseling or 60 semester-hours (or 90 quarter-hours)\nof graduate course work including the following topic areas:\n\t\t\ta. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice;\n\t\t\tb. Social and Cultural Diversity;\n\t\t\tc. Human Growth and Development;\n\t\t\td. Career Development;\n\t\t\te. Counseling and Helping Relationships;\n\t\t\tf. Group Counseling and Group Work;\n\t\t\tg. Diagnosis and Treatment; Assessment and Testing;\n\t\t\th. Research and Program Evaluation; and\n\t\t\ti. Other areas as determined by the Commission.\n\n4. Require Licensees to complete a supervised postgraduate professional\nexperience as defined by the Commission; and\n\n5. Have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about\nLicensees.\n\n B. A Member State shall:\n\n1. Participate fully in the Commission’s Data System, including using the\nCommission’s unique identifier as defined in Rules;\n\n2. Notify the Commission, in compliance with the terms of the Compact and Rules,\nof any Adverse Action or the availability of Investigative Information regarding\na Licensee;\n\n3. Implement or utilize procedures for considering the criminal history records\nof applicants for an initial Privilege to Practice. These procedures shall\ninclude the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by\napplicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant’s criminal history\nrecord information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency\nresponsible for retaining that State’s criminal records;\n\t\t\ta. A member state must fully implement a criminal background check\nrequirement, within a time frame established by rule, by receiving the results\nof the Federal Bureau of Investigation record search and shall use the results\nin making licensure decisions.\n\t\t\tb. Communication between a Member State, the Commission and among Member\nStates regarding the verification of eligibility for licensure through the\nCompact shall not include any information received from the Federal Bureau of\nInvestigation relating to a federal criminal records check performed by a Member\nState under Public Law 92-544.\n\n4. Comply with the Rules of the Commission;\n\n5. Require an applicant to obtain or retain a license in the Home State and meet\nthe Home State’s qualifications for licensure or renewal of licensure, as\nwell as all other applicable State laws;\n\n6. Grant the Privilege to Practice to a Licensee holding a valid Unencumbered\nLicense in another Member State in accordance with the terms of the Compact and\nRules; and\n\n7. Provide for the attendance of the State’s commissioner to the\nCounseling Compact Commission meetings.\n\n C. Member States may charge a fee for granting the Privilege to Practice.\n\n D. Individuals not residing in a Member State shall continue to be able to\n apply for a Member State’s Single State License as provided under the\n laws of each Member State. However, the Single State License granted to these\n individuals shall not be recognized as granting a Privilege to Practice\n Professional Counseling in any other Member State.\n\n E. Nothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a\n Member State for the issuance of a Single State License.\n\n F. A license issued to a Licensed Professional Counselor by a Home State to a\n resident in that State shall be recognized by each Member State as authorizing\n a Licensed Professional Counselor to practice Professional Counseling, under a\n Privilege to Practice, in each Member State.\n \t\t\t\tArticle IV. Privilege to Practice.\n\n A. To exercise the Privilege to Practice under the terms and provisions of the\n Compact, the Licensee shall:\n\n1. Hold a license in the Home State;\n\n2. Have a valid United States Social Security Number or National Practitioner\nIdentifier;\n\n3. Be eligible for a Privilege to Practice in any Member State in accordance\nwith subsections D, G, and H;\n\n4. Have not had any Encumbrance or restriction against any license or Privilege\nto Practice within the previous two (2) years;\n\n5. Notify the Commission that the Licensee is seeking the Privilege to Practice\nwithin a Remote State(s);\n\n6. Pay any applicable fees, including any State fee, for the Privilege to\nPractice;\n\n7. Meet any Continuing Competence\/Education requirements established by the Home\nState;\n\n8. Meet any Jurisprudence Requirements established by the Remote State(s) in\nwhich the Licensee is seeking a Privilege to Practice; and\n\n9. Report to the Commission any Adverse Action, Encumbrance, or restriction on\nlicense taken by any non-Member State within 30 days from the date the action is\ntaken.\n\n B. The Privilege to Practice is valid until the expiration date of the Home\n State license. The Licensee must comply with the requirements of subsection A\n to maintain the Privilege to Practice in the Remote State.\n\n C. A Licensee providing Professional Counseling in a Remote State under the\n Privilege to Practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations of the Remote\n State.\n\n D. A Licensee providing Professional Counseling services in a Remote State is\n subject to that State’s regulatory authority. A Remote State may, in\n accordance with due process and that State’s laws, remove a\n Licensee’s Privilege to Practice in the Remote State for a specific\n period of time, impose fines, and\/or take any other necessary actions to\n protect the health and safety of its citizens. The Licensee may be ineligible\n for a Privilege to Practice in any Member State until the specific time for\n removal has passed and all fines are paid.\n\n E. If a Home State license is encumbered, the Licensee shall lose the\n Privilege to Practice in any Remote State until the following occur:\n\n1. The Home State license is no longer encumbered; and\n\n2. Have not had any Encumbrance or restriction against any license or Privilege\nto Practice within the previous two (2) years.\n\n F. Once an Encumbered License in the Home State is restored to good standing,\n the Licensee must meet the requirements of subsection A to obtain a Privilege\n to Practice in any Remote State.\n\n G. If a Licensee’s Privilege to Practice in any Remote State is removed,\n the individual may lose the Privilege to Practice in all other Remote States\n until the following occur:\n\n1. The specific period of time for which the Privilege to Practice was removed\nhas ended;\n\n2. All fines have been paid; and\n\n3. Have not had any Encumbrance or restriction against any license or Privilege\nto Practice within the previous two (2) years.\n\n H. Once the requirements of subsection G have been met, the Licensee must meet\n the requirements in subsection A to obtain a Privilege to Practice in a Remote\n State.\n \t\t\t\tArticle V. Obtaining a New Home State License Based on a Privilege to\n Practice.\n\n A. A Licensed Professional Counselor may hold a Home State license, which\n allows for a Privilege to Practice in other Member States, in only one Member\n State at a time.\n\n B. If a Licensed Professional Counselor changes primary State of residence by\n moving between two Member States:\n\n1. The Licensed Professional Counselor shall file an application for obtaining a\nnew Home State license based on a Privilege to Practice, pay all applicable\nfees, and notify the current and new Home State in accordance with applicable\nRules adopted by the Commission.\n\n2. Upon receipt of an application for obtaining a new Home State license by\nvirtue of a Privilege to Practice, the new Home State shall verify that the\nLicensed Professional Counselor meets the pertinent criteria outlined in Article\nIV via the Data System, without need for primary source verification except for:\n\t\t\ta. A Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint based criminal background\ncheck if not previously performed or updated pursuant to applicable rules\nadopted by the Commission in accordance with Public Law 92-544;\n\t\t\tb. Other criminal background check as required by the new Home State; and\n\t\t\tc. Completion of any requisite Jurisprudence Requirements of the new Home\nState.\n\n3. The former Home State shall convert the former Home State license into a\nPrivilege to Practice once the new Home State has activated the new Home State\nlicense in accordance with applicable Rules adopted by the Commission.\n\n4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Compact, if the Licensed\nProfessional Counselor cannot meet the criteria in Article IV, the new Home\nState may apply its requirements for issuing a new Single State License.\n\n5. The Licensed Professional Counselor shall pay all applicable fees to the new\nHome State in order to be issued a new Home State license.\n\n C. If a Licensed Professional Counselor changes Primary State of Residence by\n moving from a Member State to a non-Member State, or from a non-Member State\n to a Member State, the State criteria shall apply for issuance of a Single\n State License in the new State.\n\n D. Nothing in this Compact shall interfere with a Licensee’s ability to\n hold a Single State License in multiple States, however for the purposes of\n this Compact, a Licensee shall have only one Home State license.\n\n E. Nothing in this Compact shall affect the requirements established by a\n Member State for the issuance of a Single State License.\n \t\t\t\tArticle VI. Active Duty Military Personnel or their Spouses.\n \t\t\t\tActive Duty Military personnel, or their spouse, shall designate a Home\n State where the individual has a current license in good standing. The\n individual may retain the Home State designation during the period the service\n member is on active duty. Subsequent to designating a Home State, the\n individual shall only change their Home State through application for\n licensure in the new State, or through the process outlined in Article V.\n \t\t\t\tArticle VII. Compact Privilege to Practice Telehealth.\n\n A. Member States shall recognize the right of a Licensed Professional\n Counselor, licensed by a Home State in accordance with Article III and under\n Rules promulgated by the Commission, to practice Professional Counseling in\n any Member State via Telehealth under a Privilege to Practice as provided in\n the Compact and Rules promulgated by the Commission.\n\n B. A Licensee providing Professional Counseling services in a Remote State\n under the Privilege to Practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations of\n the Remote State.\n \t\t\t\tArticle VIII. Adverse Actions.\n\n A. In addition to the other powers conferred by State law, a Remote State\n shall have the authority, in accordance with existing State due process law,\n to:\n\n1. Take Adverse Action against a Licensed Professional Counselor’s\nPrivilege to Practice within that Member State, and\n\n2. Issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the\nattendance and testimony of witnesses as well as the production of evidence.\nSubpoenas issued by a Licensing Board in a Member State for the attendance and\ntestimony of witnesses or the production of evidence from another Member State\nshall be enforced in the latter State by any court of competent jurisdiction,\naccording to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas\nissued in proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any\nwitness fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service\nstatutes of the State in which the witnesses or evidence are located.\n\n3. Only the Home State shall have the power to take Adverse Action against a\nLicensed Professional Counselor’s license issued by the Home State.\n\n B. For purposes of taking Adverse Action, the Home State shall give the same\n priority and effect to reported conduct received from a Member State as it\n would if the conduct had occurred within the Home State. In so doing, the Home\n State shall apply its own State laws to determine appropriate action.\n\n C. The Home State shall complete any pending investigations of a Licensed\n Professional Counselor who changes primary State of residence during the\n course of the investigations. The Home State shall also have the authority to\n take appropriate action(s) and shall promptly report the conclusions of the\n investigations to the administrator of the Data System. The administrator of\n the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the new\n Home State of any Adverse Actions.\n\n D. A Member State, if otherwise permitted by State law, may recover from the\n affected Licensed Professional Counselor the costs of investigations and\n dispositions of cases resulting from any Adverse Action taken against that\n Licensed Professional Counselor.\n\n E. A Member State may take Adverse Action based on the factual findings of the\n Remote State, provided that the Member State follows its own procedures for\n taking the Adverse Action.\n\n F. Joint Investigations:\n\n1. In addition to the authority granted to a Member State by its respective\nProfessional Counseling practice act or other applicable State law, any Member\nState may participate with other Member States in joint investigations of\nLicensees.\n\n2. Member States shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance\nmaterials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated\nunder the Compact.\n\n G. If Adverse Action is taken by the Home State against the license of a\n Licensed Professional Counselor, the Licensed Professional Counselor’s\n Privilege to Practice in all other Member States shall be deactivated until\n all Encumbrances have been removed from the State license. All Home State\n disciplinary orders that impose Adverse Action against the license of a\n Licensed Professional Counselor shall include a Statement that the Licensed\n Professional Counselor’s Privilege to Practice is deactivated in all\n Member States during the pendency of the order.\n\n H. If a Member State takes Adverse Action, it shall promptly notify the\n administrator of the Data System. The administrator of the Data System shall\n promptly notify the Home State of any Adverse Actions by Remote States.\n\n I. Nothing in this Compact shall override a Member State’s decision that\n participation in an Alternative Program may be used in lieu of Adverse Action.\n \t\t\t\tArticle IX. Establishment of Counseling Compact Commission.\n\n A. The Compact Member States hereby create and establish a joint public agency\n known as the Counseling Compact Commission:\n\n1. The Commission is an instrumentality of the Compact States.\n\n2. Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall\nbe brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the\nprincipal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive venue\nand jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate\nin alternative dispute resolution proceedings.\n\n3. Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign\nimmunity.\n\n B. Membership, Voting, and Meetings\n\n1. Each Member State shall have and be limited to one (1) delegate selected by\nthat Member State’s Licensing Board.\n\n2. The delegate shall be either:\n\t\t\ta. A current member of the Licensing Board at the time of appointment, who is\na Licensed Professional Counselor or public member; or\n\t\t\tb. An administrator of the Licensing Board.\n\n3. Any delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law\nof the State from which the delegate is appointed.\n\n4. The Member State Licensing Board shall fill any vacancy occurring on the\nCommission within 60 days.\n\n5. Each delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote with regard to the\npromulgation of Rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an\nopportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission.\n\n6. A delegate shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the\nbylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates’ participation in meetings by\ntelephone or other means of communication.\n\n7. The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional\nmeetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.\n\n8. The Commission shall by Rule establish a term of office for delegates and may\nby Rule establish term limits.\n\n C. The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:\n\n1. Establish the fiscal year of the Commission;\n\n2. Establish bylaws;\n\n3. Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws;\n\n4. Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this\nCompact and the bylaws;\n\n5. Promulgate Rules which shall be binding to the extent and in the manner\nprovided for in the Compact;\n\n6. Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the\nCommission, provided that the standing of any State Licensing Board to sue or be\nsued under applicable law shall not be affected;\n\n7. Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;\n\n8. Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not\nlimited to, employees of a Member State;\n\n9. Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties,\ngrant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the\nCompact, and establish the Commission’s personnel policies and programs\nrelating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other\nrelated personnel matters;\n\n10. Accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment,\nsupplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of the\nsame; provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of\nimpropriety and\/or conflict of interest;\n\n11. Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to\nown, hold, improve, or use, any property, real, personal, or mixed; provided\nthat at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety;\n\n12. Sell convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise\ndispose of any property real, personal, or mixed;\n\n13. Establish a budget and make expenditures;\n\n14. Borrow money;\n\n15. Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members, State\nregulators, State legislators or their representatives, and consumer\nrepresentatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this\nCompact and the bylaws;\n\n16. Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement\nagencies;\n\n17. Establish and elect an Executive Committee; and\n\n18. Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve\nthe purposes of this Compact consistent with the State regulation of\nProfessional Counseling licensure and practice.\n\n D. The Executive Committee\n\n1. The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the\nCommission according to the terms of this Compact.\n\n2. The Executive Committee shall be composed of up to eleven (11) members:\n\t\t\ta. Seven voting members who are elected by the Commission from the current\nmembership of the Commission; and\n\t\t\tb. Up to four (4) ex-officio, nonvoting members from four (4) recognized\nnational professional counselor organizations.\n\t\t\tc. The ex-officio members will be selected by their respective organizations.\n\n3. The Commission may remove any member of the Executive Committee as provided\nin bylaws.\n\n4. The Executive Committee shall meet at least annually.\n\n5. The Executive Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:\n\t\t\ta. Recommend to the entire Commission changes to the Rules or bylaws, changes\nto this Compact legislation, fees paid by Compact Member States such as annual\ndues, and any Commission Compact fee charged to Licensees for the Privilege to\nPractice;\n\t\t\tb. Ensure Compact administration services are appropriately provided,\ncontractual or otherwise;\n\t\t\tc. Prepare and recommend the budget;\n\t\t\td. Maintain financial records on behalf of the Commission;\n\t\t\te. Monitor Compact compliance of Member States and provide compliance reports\nto the Commission;\n\t\t\tf. Establish additional committees as necessary; and\n\t\t\tg. Other duties as provided in Rules or bylaws.\n\n E. Meetings of the Commission\n\n1. All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall\nbe given in the same manner as required under the Rulemaking provisions in\nArticle XI.\n\n2. The Commission or the Executive Committee or other committees of the\nCommission may convene in a closed, non-public meeting if the Commission or\nExecutive Committee or other committees of the Commission must discuss:\n\t\t\ta. Non-compliance of a Member State with its obligations under the Compact;\n\t\t\tb. The employment, compensation, discipline, or other matters, practices, or\nprocedures related to specific employees or other matters related to the\nCommission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;\n\t\t\tc. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;\n\t\t\td. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods,\nservices, or real estate;\n\t\t\te. Accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;\n\t\t\tf. Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is\nprivileged or confidential;\n\t\t\tg. Disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would\nconstitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;\n\t\t\th. Disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;\n\t\t\ti. Disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by\nor on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with\nresponsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant\nto the Compact; or\n\t\t\tj. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or Member State\nstatute.\n\n3. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision,\nthe Commission’s legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting\nmay be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision.\n\n4. The Commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters\ndiscussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions\ntaken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views\nexpressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be\nidentified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall\nremain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the Commission or\norder of a court of competent jurisdiction.\n\n F. Financing of the Commission\n\n1. The Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable\nexpenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.\n\n2. The Commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations,\nand grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.\n\n3. The Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each Member\nState or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and\nactivities of the Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount\nsufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is\nnot provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be\nallocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Commission, which shall\npromulgate a Rule binding upon all Member States.\n\n4. The Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the\nfunds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of\nany of the Member States, except by and with the authority of the Member State.\n\n5. The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and\ndisbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject\nto the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However,\nall receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be\naudited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of\nthe audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the\nCommission.\n\n G. Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification\n\n1. The members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of\nthe Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in\ntheir official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or\npersonal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual\nor alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that the person against\nwhom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the\nscope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that\nnothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from\nsuit and\/or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the\nintentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.\n\n2. The Commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director,\nemployee, or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to\nimpose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission\nthat occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or\nresponsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a\nreasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission\nemployment, duties, or responsibilities; provided that nothing herein shall be\nconstrued to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and\nprovided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not\nresult from that person’s intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.\n\n3. The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer,\nexecutive director, employee, or representative of the Commission for the amount\nof any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any\nactual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of\nCommission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a\nreasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission\nemployment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged\nact, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton\nmisconduct of that person.\n\t\t\tArticle X. Data System.\n\n A. The Commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, operation,\n and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing\n licensure, Adverse Action, and Investigative Information on all licensed\n individuals in Member States.\n\n B. Notwithstanding any other provision of State law to the contrary, a Member\n State shall submit a uniform data set to the Data System on all individuals to\n whom this Compact is applicable as required by the Rules of the Commission,\n including:\n\n1. Identifying information;\n\n2. Licensure data;\n\n3. Adverse Actions against a license or Privilege to Practice;\n\n4. Non-confidential information related to Alternative Program participation;\n\n5. Any denial of application for licensure, and the reason(s) for such denial;\n\n6. Current Significant Investigative Information; and\n\n7. Other information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as\ndetermined by the Rules of the Commission.\n\n C. Investigative Information pertaining to a Licensee in any Member State will\n only be available to other Member States.\n\n D. The Commission shall promptly notify all Member States of any Adverse\n Action taken against a Licensee or an individual applying for a license.\n Adverse Action information pertaining to a Licensee in any Member State will\n be available to any other Member State.\n\n E. Member States contributing information to the Data System may designate\n information that may not be shared with the public without the express\n permission of the contributing State.\n\n F. Any information submitted to the Data System that is subsequently required\n to be expunged by the laws of the Member State contributing the information\n shall be removed from the Data System.\n \t\t\t\tArticle XI. Rulemaking.\n\n A. The Commission shall promulgate reasonable Rules in order to effectively\n and efficiently achieve the purpose of the Compact. Notwithstanding the\n foregoing, in the event the Commission exercises its Rulemaking authority in a\n manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of the Compact, or the powers\n granted hereunder, then such an action by the Commission shall be invalid and\n have no force or effect.\n\n B. The Commission shall exercise its Rulemaking powers pursuant to the\n criteria set forth in this article and the Rules adopted thereunder. Rules and\n amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each Rule or\n amendment.\n\n C. If a majority of the legislatures of the Member States rejects a Rule, by\n enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the\n Compact within four (4) years of the date of adoption of the Rule, then such\n Rule shall have no further force and effect in any Member State.\n\n D. Rules or amendments to the Rules shall be adopted at a regular or special\n meeting of the Commission.\n\n E. Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final Rule or Rules by the\n Commission, and at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting at which\n the Rule will be considered and voted upon, the Commission shall file a Notice\n of Proposed Rulemaking:\n\n1. On the website of the Commission or other publicly accessible platform; and\n\n2. On the website of each Member State Professional Counseling Licensing Board\nor other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each State\nwould otherwise publish proposed Rules.\n\n F. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall include:\n\n1. The proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the Rule will\nbe considered and voted upon;\n\n2. The text of the proposed Rule or amendment and the reason for the proposed\nRule;\n\n3. A request for comments on the proposed Rule from any interested person; and\n\n4. The manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the Commission of\ntheir intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments.\n\n G. Prior to adoption of a proposed Rule, the Commission shall allow persons to\n submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which shall be made\n available to the public.\n\n H. The Commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it\n adopts a Rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by:\n\n1. At least twenty-five (25) persons;\n\n2. A State or federal governmental subdivision or agency; or\n\n3. An association having at least twenty-five (25) members.\n\n I. If a hearing is held on the proposed Rule or amendment, the Commission\n shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing. If\n the hearing is held via electronic means, the Commission shall publish the\n mechanism for access to the electronic hearing.\n\n1. All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the executive\ndirector of the Commission or other designated member in writing of their desire\nto appear and testify at the hearing not less than five (5) business days before\nthe scheduled date of the hearing.\n\n2. Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to\ncomment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing.\n\n3. All hearings will be recorded. A copy of the recording will be made available\non request.\n\n4. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing\non each Rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the Commission at\nhearings required by this subsection.\n\n J. Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the\n scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the Commission shall\n consider all written and oral comments received.\n\n K. If no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested\n parties is received, the Commission may proceed with promulgation of the\n proposed Rule without a public hearing.\n\n L. The Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on\n the proposed Rule and shall determine the effective date of the Rule, if any,\n based on the Rulemaking record and the full text of the Rule.\n\n M. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider\n and adopt an emergency Rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or\n hearing, provided that the usual Rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact\n and in this article shall be retroactively applied to the Rule as soon as\n reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety (90) days after the\n effective date of the Rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency\n Rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:\n\n1. Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;\n\n2. Prevent a loss of Commission or Member State funds;\n\n3. Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative Rule that is\nestablished by federal law or Rule; or\n\n4. Protect public health and safety.\n\n N. The Commission or an authorized committee of the Commission may direct\n revisions to a previously adopted Rule or amendment for purposes of correcting\n typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical\n errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the\n Commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a\n period of thirty (30) days after posting. The revision may be challenged only\n on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a Rule. A\n challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the chair of the\n Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the\n revision will take effect without further action. If the revision is\n challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the\n Commission.\n \t\t\t\tArticle XII. Oversight, Dispute Resolution, and Enforcement.\n\n A. Oversight\n\n1. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of State government in each\nMember State shall enforce this Compact and take all actions necessary and\nappropriate to effectuate the Compact’s purposes and intent. The\nprovisions of this Compact and the Rules promulgated hereunder shall have\nstanding as statutory law.\n\n2. All courts shall take judicial notice of the Compact and the Rules in any\njudicial or administrative proceeding in a Member State pertaining to the\nsubject matter of this Compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or\nactions of the Commission.\n\n3. The Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any such\nproceeding and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all\npurposes. Failure to provide service of process to the Commission shall render a\njudgment or order void as to the Commission, this Compact, or promulgated Rules.\n\n B. Default, Technical Assistance, and Termination\n\n1. If the Commission determines that a Member State has defaulted in the\nperformance of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact or the\npromulgated Rules, the Commission shall:\n\t\t\ta. Provide written notice to the defaulting State and other Member States of\nthe nature of the default, the proposed means of curing the default and\/or any\nother action to be taken by the Commission; and\n\t\t\tb. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the\ndefault.\n\n C. If a State in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting State may\n be terminated from the Compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the\n Member States, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this\n Compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the\n default does not relieve the offending State of obligations or liabilities\n incurred during the period of default.\n\n D. Termination of membership in the Compact shall be imposed only after all\n other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to\n suspend or terminate shall be given by the Commission to the governor, the\n majority and minority leaders of the defaulting State’s legislature, and\n each of the Member States.\n\n E. A State that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments,\n obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of\n termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of\n termination.\n\n F. The Commission shall not bear any costs related to a State that is found to\n be in default or that has been terminated from the Compact, unless agreed upon\n in writing between the Commission and the defaulting State.\n\n G. The defaulting State may appeal the action of the Commission by petitioning\n the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district\n where the Commission has its principal offices. The prevailing member shall be\n awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s\n fees.\n\n H. Dispute Resolution\n\n1. Upon request by a Member State, the Commission shall attempt to resolve\ndisputes related to the Compact that arise among Member States and between\nmember and non-Member States.\n\n2. The Commission shall promulgate a Rule providing for both mediation and\nbinding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.\n\n I. Enforcement\n\n1. The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce\nthe provisions and Rules of this Compact.\n\n2. By majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal action in the United\nStates District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where\nthe Commission has its principal offices against a Member State in default to\nenforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated Rules\nand bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In\nthe event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be\nawarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s\nfees.\n\n3. The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Commission.\nThe Commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or State\nlaw.\n\t\t\tArticle XIII. Date of Implementation of the Counseling Compact Commission and\nAssociated Rules, Withdrawal, and Amendment.\n\n A. The Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact statute\n is enacted into law in the tenth Member State. The provisions, which become\n effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the\n Commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of Rules. Thereafter, the\n Commission shall meet and exercise Rulemaking powers necessary to the\n implementation and administration of the Compact.\n\n B. Any State that joins the Compact subsequent to the Commission’s\n initial adoption of the Rules shall be subject to the Rules as they exist on\n the date on which the Compact becomes law in that State. Any Rule that has\n been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect\n of law on the day the Compact becomes law in that State.\n\n C. Any Member State may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute\n repealing the same.\n\n1. A Member State’s withdrawal shall not take effect until six (6) months\nafter enactment of the repealing statute.\n\n2. Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing\nState’s Professional Counseling Licensing Board to comply with the\ninvestigative and Adverse Action reporting requirements of this act prior to the\neffective date of withdrawal.\n\n D. Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or\n prevent any Professional Counseling licensure agreement or other cooperative\n arrangement between a Member State and a non-Member State that does not\n conflict with the provisions of this Compact.\n\n E. This Compact may be amended by the Member States. No amendment to this\n Compact shall become effective and binding upon any Member State until it is\n enacted into the laws of all Member States.\n \t\t\t\tArticle XIV. Construction and Severability.\n \t\t\t\tThis Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes\n thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase,\n clause, sentence, or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to\n the constitution of any Member State or of the United States or the\n applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is\n held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the\n applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall\n not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the\n constitution of any Member State, the Compact shall remain in full force and\n effect as to the remaining Member States and in full force and effect as to\n the Member State affected as to all severable matters.\n \t\t\t\tArticle XV. Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws.\n\n A. A Licensee providing Professional Counseling services in a Remote State\n under the Privilege to Practice shall adhere to the laws and regulations,\n including scope of practice, of the Remote State.\n\n B. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a Member State\n that is not inconsistent with the Compact.\n\n C. Any laws in a Member State in conflict with the Compact are superseded to\n the extent of the conflict.\n\n D. Any lawful actions of the Commission, including all Rules and bylaws\n properly promulgated by the Commission, are binding upon the Member States.\n\n E. All permissible agreements between the Commission and the Member States are\n binding in accordance with their terms.\n\n F. In the event any provision of the Compact exceeds the constitutional limits\n imposed on the legislature of any Member State, the provision shall be\n ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in\n question in that Member State.\n\nHISTORY: 2023, cc. 684, 685.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}