Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling

The board reviewed financial and legal reports, including investigator benefits and Investigative Committee recommendations. Key discussion points included updates on the Counseling Compact and efforts to draft legislation for background checks. The board addressed staffing by opting to hire an Education Reviewer as an employee due to lack of RFP responses, and approved the formation of a Rules Committee to review administrative rules. Additionally, the board approved various licensing applications, including initial ALC, provisional, LPC, supervisor, and inactive status requests, and rescinded a previous motion regarding a specific legal case.

The Board met to discuss the status of an emergency administrative management contract and to review proposals submitted in response to the RFP for Administrative Management and Logistical Support Services. Following the review, the Board resolved not to award a contract at this time, opting instead to pursue other bids and consider an interagency agreement, with the formation of a subcommittee to assist in this process. Additionally, the Board finalized plans for the upcoming meeting in November, including setting the agenda to feature an annual election of officers, approval of the 2026 meeting calendar, and an update on the counseling compact, alongside organizing a Q&A session for the annual meeting.

The board discussed legislative updates regarding background checks. Key new business included selecting a new database software provider, approving new license applicants, and adjudicating several special and extension requests, which included multiple denials and one referral to the Investigative Committee for further scrutiny. The board approved financial statements and budget revisions, filed a rule change, tabled a discussion concerning a deceased licensee, deferred a decision on hiring a vehicle investigator pending a cost analysis, and accepted the Investigative Committee's report.

The board discussed the hiring of an Education Reviewer with specific salary and hour constraints. Key business items included the review and acceptance of the financial statement and a discussion regarding database interaction with the Compact. Administrative decisions were made to grant staff authority to issue licenses and to authorize the hiring of an additional licensing specialist due to workload. The board reviewed recommendations from the Investigative Committee regarding two cases against a licensee, scheduling a revocation hearing. Other business included licensing three applicants who were omitted from a previous list, postponing the March meeting to April, and planning for upcoming quarterly trainings and a national conference.

The Board discussed various reports, including the Executive Director's update on licensee numbers, complaints, and the Wellness Program contract. Key agenda items included the adoption of Final Rule 255-X-3-.02, discussions regarding the Counselling Compact and potential criminal background check legislation, and the review of proposals for an Academic Reviewer consultant. The Board also reviewed an Interagency Agreement for administrative management services and addressed concerns regarding LPC-Supervisor responsibilities and liabilities. Additionally, the Board established the 2026 meeting calendar, conducted the annual election of officers, and approved various licensure applications, including initial, provisional, and endorsement requests.