State seeks public comment on new counselor licensing rules by May 26

The Alaska Board of Professional Counselors is accepting public comments through May 26 on proposed regulations for a new associate counselor license and updated supervisor certification requirements.

The changes would create licensing requirements for associate counselors, a new license type that took effect July 1, 2025, under state law. The regulations would also update rules for approved counselor supervisors, including certification, renewal, and supervision requirements.

The proposed regulations spell out how associate counselors must complete supervised experience, create supervision plans with certified supervisors, and renew their licenses. The changes also clarify continuing education requirements and add definitions for professional competency.

Application fees would be $200 for associate counselor licenses and $200 for supervisor certifications. Initial and renewal license fees would be $150 for associate counselors and $200 for supervisors.

Written comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 26, 2026. The public can submit comments by mail to Stefanie Davis, Regulations Specialist, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806, by email to [email protected], or through the Alaska Online Public Notice System at notice.alaska.gov/223525.

The full proposed regulations are available at commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/Regulations/PCO-0624.pdf. Questions must be submitted at least 10 days before the comment deadline. After the comment period closes, the board will either adopt the regulations as proposed, modify them, or take no action.