Vermont considers Interstate Counseling Compact
The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation participated in a hearing before the House Committee on Health Care to advocate for Vermont's participation in the Interstate Counseling Compact. The Compact would create reciprocal licensure for licensed clinical mental health counselors and is currently supported by 17 states. The OPR noted the incrased access to mental health services. Concern was raised during the hearing about the impact on Vermont providers' ability to discuss abortion or gender-affirming care and potential discipline for such, since the Compact's rules require all states to take disciplinary action if there are sanctions on a license in the provider's home state. There is a possibility that the Interstate Commission could allow states discretion about pursuing reciprocal discipline action.