Outline for Continuing Education Course: Virginia Counseling Laws, Regulations, and Standards in Relation to Current ACA Code of Ethics

Course Title:

Understanding Virginia Counseling Laws and Regulations in Light of the ACA Code of Ethics

Duration:

3 hours

Course Objectives:

  1. Identify and explain key Virginia counseling laws and regulations.

  2. Analyze the relationship between Virginia laws and the ACA Code of Ethics.

  3. Apply ethical decision-making models within the context of Virginia counseling practices.

I. Introduction (15 minutes)

A. Overview of the course and objectives B. Importance of understanding local laws and ethical codes C. Brief introduction to the American Counseling Association (ACA)

II. Virginia Counseling Laws and Regulations (45 minutes)

A. Definition and scope of practice for counselors in Virginia 1. Licensure requirements (Virginia Board of Counseling, 2024) 2. Scope of practice for LPCs and other licensed professionals B. Key regulations relevant to counseling practice 1. Confidentiality and privileged communication (Va. Code § 54.1-2400) 2. Informed consent requirements (Va. Code § 54.1-2400.1) C. Mandatory reporting laws 1. Child abuse and neglect (Va. Code § 63.2-1509) 2. Duty to warn (Va. Code § 19.2-61) D. Recent changes or updates in the law 1. Overview of the latest legislative changes impacting counseling (Virginia General Assembly, 2024)

III. ACA Code of Ethics Overview (30 minutes)

A. Purpose and significance of the ACA Code of Ethics B. Key principles and standards of the ACA Code of Ethics 1. Autonomy 2. Nonmaleficence 3. Beneficence 4. Justice 5. Fidelity C. Ethical decision-making model

IV. Comparative Analysis of Virginia Laws and ACA Code of Ethics (45 minutes)

A. Areas of alignment 1. Confidentiality and informed consent standards 2. Ethical considerations in mandatory reporting B. Areas of potential conflict 1. Differences in privacy laws 2. Ethical dilemmas when state laws contradict ethical standards C. Case studies and real-world examples 1. Participants review case studies reflecting these principles

V. Ethical Decision Making in Practice (30 minutes)

A. Applying ethical decision-making models B. Group activities: Role playing and scenario analysis C. Steps for making ethical decisions in complex situations

VI. Q&A and Closing (15 minutes)

A. Open floor for questions and clarifications B. Summary and key takeaways C. Resources for further exploration

References

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.

Virginia Board of Counseling. (2024). Regulations Governing the Practice of Professional Counseling. Retrieved from Virginia Department of Health Professions website.

Virginia General Assembly. (2024). Current Legislative Updates Impacting Counseling Practices. Retrieved from Virginia Legislative website.

Va. Code § 54.1-2400. (2024). Confidentiality of communications between licensed professional counselors and their clients.

Va. Code § 54.1-2400.1. (2024). Informed consent and confidentiality in therapeutic settings.

Va. Code § 63.2-1509. (2024). Child abuse and neglect; reports. Duty to report; immunity from liability.

Va. Code § 19.2-61. (2024). Duty to warn; conditions under which warnings may be required.