HARRY HUGHES, Governor

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(2) THE DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL
DISORDERS.

(I) (G) "PRACTICE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING" MEANS TO ENGAGE
PROFESSIONALLY AND FOR COMPENSATION IN COUNSELING AND APPRAISAL
ACTIVITIES WHILE REPRESENTING ONESELF TO BE A PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELOR.

(J) (H) "PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR" INCLUDES ANY INDIVIDUAL
WHO PRACTICES PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING.

15.5-102.

(A)  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS THAT THE PROFESSION OF
COUNSELING PROFOUNDLY AFFECTS THE LIVES AND HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE
OF THIS STATE.

(B)  THE PURPOSE OF THIS TITLE IS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC BY:

(1)  SETTING QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND
EXPERIENCE STANDARDS FOR PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS; AND

(2)  PROMOTING HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE
PRACTICE OF COUNSELING.

15.5-103.

THIS TITLE DOES NOT:

(1)  LIMIT THE RIGHT OF AN INDIVIDUAL TO PRACTICE A
HEALTH OCCUPATION THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS AUTHORIZED TO PRACTICE
UNDER THIS ARTICLE; OR

(2)  PROHIBIT OR AUTHORIZE THE PRACTICE OF
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING.

SUBTITLE 2. STATE BOARD OF
EXAMINERS OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS.

15.5-201.

THERE IS A STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELORS.

15.5-202.

(A) (1) THE BOARD CONSISTS OF 6 MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE
GOVERNOR WITH THE ADVICE OF THE SECRETARY AND THE ADVICE AND
CONSENT OF THE SENATE.

(2) OF THE 6 BOARD MEMBERS:

(I) 5 SHALL BE CERTIFIED AS PROFESSIONAL
COUNSELORS OR PERSONS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE CERTIFIED UNDER THIS
TITLE, INCLUDING: