CHAPTER 136
An Act to require the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to amend regulations governing licensure of providers to include certain definitions.
Approved February 21, 2017
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. § 1. That the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (the Board) shall amend 12VAC35-105-20 of the Virginia Administrative Code to include (i) occupational therapists in the definitions of Qualified Mental Health Professional-Adult, Qualified Mental Health Professional-Child, and Qualified Mental Retardation Professional and (ii) occupational therapy assistants in the definition of Qualified Paraprofessional in Mental Health. In amending these definitions, the Board shall require educational and clinical experience for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants that is substantially equivalent to comparable professionals listed in current regulations.
2. That the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this act to be effective within 280 days of its enactment.