Question 17. "Are LPCs in jeopardy of losing diagnostic abilities? I'm concerned our advocacy efforts are hindered due to internal conflict. I will support whoever supports or is at least looking into the Counseling Compact! Where do you stand on the Compact?"
6. Concerns about Professionalism and Advocacy:
Answer: At this time, there are no threats on the horizon to the capacity of counselors to diagnose. PA96, which was signed into law in 2019 and governs Counselors, leaves no room for interpretation, but instead solidifies our scope of practice legally.
We, the elected MMHCA Board, continue to regularly engage with our lobbyist, Acuitas, throughout each month and they are working at the same capacity and funding levels they have previously. Legislative advocacy is one of our Board’s and members’ highest priorities.
We are also monitoring the development of the Compact. We do have some concerns about how disciplinary matters would be handled among other things. For instance, is the Board of Counseling in other states going to treat issues differently if they happen to citizens of other states? As we get more specific details and make significant progress, we will keep LPCs informed.