On Jan. 10, 2024, the Counseling Compact Commission held its Annual Business Meeting in-person with a virtual attendance option in Tucson, Arizona, at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa. The meeting followed the annual American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB) conference, and many state commissioners were present for the in-person meeting. The meeting was led by Chair, Jaime Doming with The Council of State Governments (CSG) staff providing support. The Meeting Packet, which contained the approved 2022 Annual Report, provided an overview of the compact and the commission across its inaugural year. The compact has seen tremendous growth as 33 states have now passed legislation to join the compact, with New Jersey and South Dakota passing legislation in early 2024.

The open meeting provided an opportunity for the commission to introduce the newly hired Executive Director, Greg Searls. Searls is the former executive director of Professional Licensing Boards for the Wyoming Department of Administration & Information.

The Executive, Finance, and Rules Committees provided reports. In addition, CSG staff provided compacts trainings and legal counsel provided commission legal training for newly appointed commissioners. Commissioners also voted on the “Rule on Data System Reporting Requirements.” This rule further defines terms pursuant to Section 9.C.5, Section 10 and Section 11 of the Counseling Compact.

Election procedures and calls for nominations for the executive committee were discussed. In addition, an update on the data system and joint Request for Proposal (RFP) with the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Commissions was given. The compact data system will be used by the commissions, compact member states, and licensed professionals to facilitate interstate practice and enhance public protection. The Joint Compact Commission Executive Committee held meetings on Feb. 14 and 16, 2024, to review final candidates.

All meetings are public, and notices and documents will be posted here.

NBCC is proud to be an ex-officio member of the Commission along with the American Counseling Association (ACA), American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), and the American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB). We will continue to represent and bring the latest updates to NCCs and the counseling profession as the compact evolves and moves even closer to counselors gaining privileges to practice in compact states. In addition, we are actively engaged in helping additional states and districts pass compact legislation. Learn more about the Counseling Compact and keep up with the latest news at our Grassroots Action Center.