Rule-Making Notices (Hearing Notices)

This rule combines the three current chapters on continuing education into one chapter which covers social workers, advanced practice social workers, independent social workers, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors.

Sections 1 and 2 delete the social worker and professional counselor continuing education requirements.

Section 3 repeals the marriage and family therapist continuing education requirements and recreates the new chapter which covers all professionals credentialed by Board.

The new chapter begins with definitions for the chapter.

The next section lists the continuing education requirement at 30 hours with at least 4 of those hours in ethics. As to ethics, marriage and family therapists would need to take ethics related to their profession only unless credentialed by another section and social worker ethics would need to be taken in an interactive learning format which is defined. Continuing education is not required during the initial licensure period. Continuing education may not be applied to a different credential period nor may continuing education taken as a result of a disciplinary action be counted.

The next section indicates how continuing education may be earned. Continuing education may be earned through approved program providers; postgraduate courses; in house trainings; presenting or developing professional materials for approved programs; postgraduate educators; authorship of published textbook or article; and authorship of alternative or electronic media or computer software.

The next section delineates the requirements for postponement and waivers for hardships and exemptions due to retirement. If a person retires and then returns to practice, continuing education would need to be completed.

The last section of the chapter provides for a record retention requirement of a minimum of 4 years and that audits may be conducted to determine compliance with the continuing education requirements.

Section 4 is the effective date of the rules which is the first day of the month following publication in the administrative register.

Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation

None

Comparison with rules in adjacent states

Illinois: In Illinois, each marriage and family therapist, professional counselor and social worker credential holder shall complete 30 hours of continuing education. Continuing education hours may be earned for attending programs, courses, and postgraduate training programs; teaching and presenting programs and courses; and authorship of papers or books. Professional counselors also have an 18 credit hours in clinical supervision training as a one time (lifetime) requirement for continuing education. Social workers have a 3 credit hours requirement in ethics every two years.

Iowa: In Iowa, each marriage and family therapist and licensed mental health counselor, shall complete 40 hours of continuing education of which 3 hours shall be in the area of ethics.. Continuing education may be earned by attendance at workshops, conferences and academic courses; presenting professional programs; and scholarly research which is published. Each social work credential holder shall complete 27 hours of continuing education of which 3 hours shall be in the area of ethics. Continuing education may be earned by attendance at sponsored activities and programs; pro-bono or volunteer work; instruction of a program or course; authorship of papers, publications; and preparation of presentations and exhibits before a professional audience. Those credential holders who provide supervision shall complete 3 hours of the required 27 hours in supervision.

Michigan: Michigan does not require continuing education for marriage and family therapists or professional counselors. In Michigan, social work credentials shall complete 45 hours continuing education in a three year period. At least 5 of the hours shall be in ethics and 1 hour in pain and pain symptom management.

Minnesota: In Minnesota, marriage and family therapists shall complete 30 hours of continuing education. Continuing education may be earned by attendance at workshops, seminars, symposia or postgraduate institutes; teaching a course, workshop, seminar, symposia or at a meeting of professional organizations; research; and authorship of a book or article. Professional counselors in the first four years shall complete 12 graduate semester credits and 40 hours of continuing education and after the first four years, only 40 hours of continuing education. Continuing education may be earned by attendance at approved programs or courses; teaching a postgraduate course; authoring, editing, producing or reviewing in the area of professional counseling; presentations at approved programs; and serving as a board or committee member of a major state or national professional counseling organization, national counselor certification board, a state counseling licensure board and a major counseling conference or convention. Each social worker credential shall complete 40 hours of continuing education and at least 2 hours in ethics. Continuing education may be earned by academic coursework; educational workshops, seminars or conferences offered by an approved organization; staff training offered by public or private employer; and independent study. Licensed independent clinical social workers are required to complete 24 hours in the clinical content area. Those providing supervision shall complete at least 6 hours in supervision.

Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies

The Board examined each Section's rules with the goal of having just one chapter on continuing education for all credentials granted by the Board. The Board also looked at recent audits which revealed confusion among credential holders who have more than one credential with the Board.

Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis

In preparation of the EIA, the rule was posted for economic comments for a period of 14 days and received no comments.

Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis

The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis is attached.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis or Summary

These proposed rules do not have an economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1), Stats.

Agency Contact Person

Sharon Henes, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708; telephone [phone]; email at [e-mail].

STATE OF WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION DOA-2049 (R03/2012)	Division of Executive Budget and Finance 101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor P.O. Box 7864 Madison, WI 53707-7864 FAX: [phone]
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES Fiscal Estimate & Economic Impact Analysis

1. Type of Estimate and Analysis
X Original   ⍽ Updated   ⍽ Corrected
2. Administrative Rule Chapter, Title and Number
MPSW 8, 14, 19
3. Subject
Continuing education
4. Fund Sources Affected			5. Chapter 20, Stats. Appropriations Affected
⍽ GPR   ⍽ FED   X PRO   ⍽ PRS   ⍽ SEG   ⍽ SEG-S			20.165(1)(g)
6. Fiscal Effect of Implementing the Rule
⍽ No Fiscal Effect ⍽ Indeterminate	⍽ Increase Existing Revenues ⍽ Decrease Existing Revenues		⍽ Increase Costs X Could Absorb Within Agency's Budget ⍽ Decrease Cost
7. The Rule Will Impact the Following (Check All That Apply)
⍽ State's Economy ⍽ Local Government Units		⍽ Specific Businesses/Sectors ⍽ Public Utility Rate Payers ⍽ Small Businesses (if checked, complete Attachment A)
8. Would Implementation and Compliance Costs Be Greater Than $20 million? ⍽ Yes   X No
9. Policy Problem Addressed by the Rule
This rule combines the three Sections of the Board's continuing education rule into one chapter as well as updating the requirements to create clarity and utilize current methods of delivery.
10. Summary of the businesses, business sectors, associations representing business, local governmental units, and individuals that may be affected by the proposed rule that were contacted for comments.
None
11. Identify the local governmental units that participated in the development of this EIA.
None
12. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Specific Businesses, Business Sectors, Public Utility Rate Payers, Local Governmental Units and the State's Economy as a Whole (Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
This rule will not have an economic nor fiscal impact on specific businesses, business sectors, public utility rate payers, local governmental units of the state's economy as a whole.
13. Benefits of Implementing the Rule and Alternative(s) to Implementing the Rule
The benefit is to create clarity and reduce the confusion which was revealed during the recent continuing education audits.
14. Long Range Implications of Implementing the Rule
The long range implication is clarity with the continuing education requirements. Credential holders will not be face disciplinary action for failing to complete the correct continuing education due to confusion with the requirements if they hold multiple MPSW credentials.
15. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Federal Government
None
16. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Neighboring States (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota)
Illinois requires credential holders in all three professions to complete 30 hours of continuing education. Iowa requires marriage and family therapists and licensed mental health counselors to complete 40 hours of continuing education and social workers to complete 27 hours of continuing education. Michigan only requires continuing education for social workers and the number of hours is 45 for a three year period. Minnesota requires marriage and family therapists to complete 30 hours of continuing education and the professional counselors and social worker credential holders to complete 40 hours of continuing educations. All states list the acceptable methods in which continuing education may be earned as well as any specific topic areas which must be address in their continuing education.
17. Contact Name				18. Contact Phone Number
Sharon Henes				[phone]

This document can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.

Notice of Hearing

Safety and Professional Services —
Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board

rulemaking_notices CR 13-118 CR 13-118

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to authority vested in the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board in s. 15.08 (5) (b), Wis. Stats., and interpreting s. 457.01 (8m), Wis. Stats., the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board will hold a public hearing at the time and place indicated below to consider an order to repeal sections MPSW 2.01 (14) and 10.01 (3m), relating to the definition of psychotherapy.

Hearing Information

Date:   Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Time:   9:00 a.m.
Location:   1400 East Washington Avenue
  Room 121C
  Madison, Wisconsin

Appearances at the Hearing

Interested persons are invited to present information at the hearing. Persons appearing may make an oral presentation but are urged to submit facts, opinions and argument in writing as well. Facts, opinions and argument may also be submitted in writing without a personal appearance by mail addressed to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708. Written comments must be received at or before the public hearing to be included in the record of rule-making proceedings.

Place where Comments are to be Submitted and Deadline for Submission

Comments may be submitted to Sharon Henes, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935, or by email to [e-mail]. Comments must be received at or before the public hearing to be held on February 4, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. to be included in the record of rule-making proceedings.

Copies of Rule

Copies of this proposed rule are available upon request to Sharon Henes, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708, or by email at [e-mail].

Analysis prepared by the Department of Safety and Professional Services

Statutes interpreted

Section 457.01 (8m), Wis. Stats.

Statutory authority

Section 15.08 (5) (b), Wis. Stats.

Explanation of agency authority

Each examining board shall promulgate rules for its own guidance and for the guidance of the trade or profession to which it pertains, and define and enforce professional conduct and unethical practices not inconsistent with the law relating to the particular trade or profession.

Related statute or rule

Section 457.01 (8m), Wis. Stats., and s. MPSW 1.02 (2m), Wis. Admin. Code

Plain language analysis

The rule repeals two definitions of psychotherapy. Section MPSW 1.02 (2) is a definition which applies to the all the MPSW chapters and is identical to s. 457.01 (8) statutory definition.

Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation

None

Comparison with rules in adjacent states

Illinois: The Illinois practice acts for marriage and family therapy, professional counseling and social work do not define the word psychotherapy.

Iowa: The Iowa practice acts for marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, and social work do not define the word psychotherapy.

Michigan: The Michigan practice acts for marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, and social work do not define the word psychotherapy.

Minnesota: The Michigan practice acts for marriage and family therapy, professional counseling, and social work do not define the word psychotherapy.

Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies

The Board is repealing two definitions for a word that is already defined by the MPSW code therefore eliminating conflicting definitions.

Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis

This rule was posted for 14 days for economic impact comments and none were received. This rule repeals 2 definitions which did not match the statutory definition of psychotherapy.

Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis

The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis is attached.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis or Summary

This rule does not have impact on small businesses.

Agency Contact Person

Sharon Henes, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708; telephone [phone]; email at [e-mail].

STATE OF WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION DOA-2049 (R03/2012)	Division of Executive Budget and Finance 101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor P.O. Box 7864 Madison, WI 53707-7864 FAX: [phone]
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES Fiscal Estimate & Economic Impact Analysis

1. Type of Estimate and Analysis
X Original   ⍽ Updated   ⍽ Corrected
2. Administrative Rule Chapter, Title and Number
MPSW 2.01(14) and 10.01(3m)
3. Subject
Psychotherapy definition
4. Fund Sources Affected			5. Chapter 20, Stats. Appropriations Affected
⍽ GPR   ⍽ FED   X PRO   ⍽ PRS   ⍽ SEG   ⍽SEG-S			20.165(1)(g)
6. Fiscal Effect of Implementing the Rule
X No Fiscal Effect ⍽ Indeterminate	⍽ Increase Existing Revenues ⍽ Decrease Existing Revenues		⍽ Increase Costs ⍽ Could Absorb Within Agency's Budget ⍽ Decrease Cost
7. The Rule Will Impact the Following (Check All That Apply)
⍽ State's Economy ⍽ Local Government Units		⍽ Specific Businesses/Sectors ⍽ Public Utility Rate Payers ⍽ Small Businesses (if checked, complete Attachment A)
8. Would Implementation and Compliance Costs Be Greater Than $20 million? ⍽ Yes   X No
9. Policy Problem Addressed by the Rule
The rule repeals two definitions for a word already defined in the MPSW code and eliminates the conflicting definitions.
10. Summary of the businesses, business sectors, associations representing business, local governmental units, and individuals that may be affected by the proposed rule that were contacted for comments.
None
11. Identify the local governmental units that participated in the development of this EIA.
None
12. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Specific Businesses, Business Sectors, Public Utility Rate Payers, Local Governmental Units and the State's Economy as a Whole (Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
There is no economic or fiscal impact on specific businesses, business sectors, public utility rate payers, local governmental units or the state's economy as a whole. In preparation of the EIA, the rule was posted for economic comments for a period of 14 days and received no comments.
13. Benefits of Implementing the Rule and Alternative(s) to Implementing the Rule
The benefit is to eliminate conflicting definitions.
14. Long Range Implications of Implementing the Rule
The long range implication is for clarity in the MPSW code.
15. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Federal Government
None
16. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Neighboring States (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota)
The four neighboring states do not define “psychotherapy" in the practice acts or rules for marriage and family therapy, professional counseling and social work.
17. Contact Name				18. Contact Phone Number
Sharon Henes				[phone]