Hello, SMHCA family.  A few days ago, FMHCA contacted the 491 board and requested that they issue an emergency rule related to the current COVID-19 pandemic and the related push to make telehealth available to clients.  In response, the 491 Board issued a new rule today that (a) allows registered mental health counselor interns to use their telehealth therapy hours towards their 1,500 face-to-face psychotherapy hours (but only if the intern and client had a therapeutic relationship prior to 3/19/20) and (b) permits qualified supervisors to conduct all supervision hours with interns via webcam.  We very much appreciate the efforts of the 491 Board to help ensure adequate client access to therapy appointments during this difficult time while also protecting supervisors and interns from unnecessary exposure risks.  See attached rule hot off the presses.