Lawmaker: LARA should not be involved in changes to scope of practice

State Rep. Michael Webber, of Rochester Hills, on Tuesday joined House colleagues from both sides of the aisle in unanimously approving a plan to update and clarify counseling practices under Michigan law. The law has not been updated since it was enacted in 1988.

Webber said updates are needed because the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has proposed striking the majority of the existing rules for the practice of counselors. This potential elimination will prevent many counselors from being able to practice if the proposed changes are adopted.

“Over the past three decades, standards and practices have changed significantly,” Webber said. “The Legislature is responsible for amending state law to update the scope of practice. We can’t allow LARA to simply issue and eliminate rules that would ultimately be detrimental to the industry.”

The most notable update to current law will clarify the current counseling techniques to include psychotherapy and diagnosis. Additionally, statute will be updated to reflect current training standards that have changed over the past three decades.

“I’ve received calls from dozens of counselors in our community who supported this change,” Webber said. “I share their concerns and I’m so pleased we were able to come together to help fulfill the needs of the counseling community. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do the same.”

House Bill 4325 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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