CLARIFYING SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS FOR LLPCS

            Confusion continues concerning supervision requirements for Limited Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPCs). Any LLPCs who do not have supervisors are in violation of the Michigan Public Health Code. The Michigan Board of Counseling recently added language to its Rules to clarify supervision requirements:

            “ Effective January 1, 2005, the supervision shall begin upon the issuance of the limited license and continue until the licensed professional counselor license is issued.” Rule 338.1752 (3) (a) (i) and (ii).

While this language did not change requirements for LLPC supervision, it did seek to emphasize and clarify these requirements.

            The Rules promulgated by the Michigan Board of Counseling further require that LLPCs list the name of their supervisor on their Professional Disclosure Statements:

            “The limited licensed counselor’s professional disclosure statement shall identify the licensed professional counselor under whose supervision the limited licensed counselor’s practice shall be confined.” Rule 338.1754 (3).

            Many LLPCs are under the mistaken impression that they can wait to start supervision until they are “ready to begin working toward their full licenses.” Some believe that because they are not currently practicing, they do not need a supervisor. Many LLPCs who are practicing school counselors think that because they hold a school counselor endorsement or license and practice only in a school setting, that they do not need to have a LPC supervisor.

            All of these LLPCs are not only mistaken, they are in violation of licensing law. Anyone who holds a license as a LLPC must have supervision from the time their LLPC license is issued until they receive their full license as a LPC. There are no exceptions. Those who fail to follow these requirements put their licenses at risk and could face disciplinary action. It is important that all LLPCs understand these requirements so that they can make certain that they are in compliance.