To require psychologists to perform standardized pre and post testing on clients and offer evaluation of counseling sessions at their termination.

In accordance with Virginia law, the petition has been filed with the Register of Regulations for publication on April 4, 2016 with a request for comment to be received until May 2, 2016.  The petition will also be posted for comment on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov.

At the next meeting after the comment period, which is scheduled for May 4, 2016, the Board will consider the petition and any comment received to decide whether or not to initiate the rule-making process.

At its meeting on September 30, 2016, the first held since the close of comment, the Board decided not to initiate rulemaking.  While the Board agrees with the principles of screening and assessment in client care, members believe that psychologists should use professional judgment in the use of testing.  Research does not support the use of standardized testing as offering greater protection for the public.  Members were also concerned that benefits for such testing do not appear to outweigh costs, and they were concerned about the potential for security breaches with online assessments.