Title 201 | Chapter 032 | Regulation 035REG
PROPOSED
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PREVIOUS VERSION
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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists
(Amendment)
201 KAR 32:035.Supervision of marriage and family therapisttherapy associates.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Group supervision" means supervision of three (3) to six (6) supervisees with the supervisor.(2)
"Individual supervision" means supervision of one (1) or two (2) supervisees with the supervisor.(3)
"Qualified mental health professional" means a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed psychologist, licensed psychiatrist, licensed professional clinical counselor, or licensed clinical social worker.(4)
"Raw data" means video recorded sessions, live observation, or co-therapy with a board-approved supervisor. The purpose of raw data is to provide supervision focused on developing the clinical competencies and professional growth of the associate consistent with marriage and family therapy relational/systemic philosophy, ethics, and practices of the profession of marriage and family therapy by evaluating their work first-hand with individuals, couples, and families throughout their status as a marriage and family therapist associate.(5)
"Tracking Raw Data" means that for any portion of an hour of supervision with a board-approved supervisor, during which an associate provides and discusses the raw data, the entire hour shall be counted as one (1) hour of raw data toward the thirty-six (36) hour raw data requirement for licensure. If raw data is shown during provided Group Supervision, only the individual associate presenting the raw data shall count the raw data towards the thirty-six (36) hour raw data requirement for licensure.(6)(5)
"Two (2) years of post-licensure experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy" means a minimum of two (2) years of the practice of marriage and family therapy consisting of 1,000 hours of direct, face-to-face or telehealth contact with individuals, couples, families, and groups in the practice of marriage and family therapy under the supervision of an approved supervisor. Face-to-face for the purposes of this definition includes synchronous contact via technology assisted services for those who have met the training requirements of 201 KAR 32:110.Section 2.
Qualifications for Board-Approved Supervisor(1)
A Board-Approved Supervisor(a)
(b)
(c)
(2)
(a)
An American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) approved supervisor in good standing, who is licensed in Kentucky and has a minimum of two (2) years of post-licensure experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy;(b)
An AAMFT supervisor candidate in good standing who is licensed in Kentucky and has three (3) years of post-licensure experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy; or(c)
A marriage and family therapist in good standing, who is licensed in Kentucky and has a minimum of five (5) years of post-licensure experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy(3)
(2)(4)
To obtain initial Board-Approved Supervisor(a)
If the candidate at the time of application is an AAMFT Supervisor:1.
Completion of AAMFT Approved Supervisor training; and2.
One (1) continuing education hour in Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32.(b)
If the candidate at the time of application is an AAMFT Supervisor Candidate:1.
Enrollment in AAMFT Approved Supervisor training;2.
A letter of agreement of mentorship between the AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate and an AAMFT approved supervisor; and3.
One (1) continuing education hour in Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32.4.
Upon completion of all AAMFT supervisor training requirements, an AAMFT Supervisor Candidate shall submit their request for status change to AAMFT Approved Supervisor.(c)
If the candidate at the time of application is neither an AAMFT Supervisor nor an AAMFT Supervisor Candidate:1.
Six (6) continuing education hours of board-approved continuing education courses in supervision; and2.
One (1) continuing education hour in Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32.(d)(a)
Any continuing education (e)(b)
The educational (f)(c)
Each approved course shall be live or online and shall include:1.
Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32;2.
Theories of supervision;3.
Ethical issues involved in supervision; and4.
Supervisor responsibilities such as logs, treatment planning, and recording.(3)
Board-Approved Supervisor status shall last for one year, and is subject to renewal as follows:(a)
If the supervisor is neither an AAMFT Approved Supervisor nor an AAMFT Supervisor Candidate, they shall complete at least two (2) continuing education hours in supervision every year. These shall be included in the hours of continuing education hours required for licensure renewal. Each approved course shall be live or online, synchronous or asynchronous, and shall include:1.(a)
Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32;2.(b)
Theories of supervision;3.(c)
Ethical issues involved in supervision; and4.(d)
Supervisor responsibilities such as logs, treatment planning, and recording.(b)
If the supervisor isSection 3.
Clinical Supervision.(1)
Clinical supervision shall:(a)
Begin promptly when the supervisee and supervisor are notified of approval of:1.
The Marriage and Family Therapist Associate Permit application, or2.
A New Supervision Plan for Clinical Experience.(b)(a)
Be equally distributed throughout the qualifying period and shall average at least four (4) hours per month as specified in the supervision contract;(c)(b)
Be clearly distinguishable from psychotherapy, didactic enrichment, or training activities;(d)(c)
Focus on raw data from the supervisee's clinical work within in the last twelve (12) months;(e)(d)
Be direct, face-to-face contact between the supervisor and supervisee or be conducted via live video conferencing if both the supervisor and supervisee have met the educational requirements of 201 KAR 32:110, Section 3(1) and (2); and(f)(e)
Continue until the supervisee is licensed by the board.(2)
The supervision process shall focus on:(a)
Accurate diagnosis of client problems leading to proficiency in applying professionally recognized nomenclature and developing a plan for treatment as established in the most recent edition of(b)
Development of treatment skills appropriate to the therapeutic process;(c)
Development of sensitivity to context and issues relating specifically to the client receiving therapy(d)
Acknowledgment of an awareness of the use of the professional self of the therapist in the process of therapy;(e)
Increased theoretical and applied knowledge for the therapist;(f)
Acquisition of a greater depth of knowledge and range of techniques in the provision of marriage and family therapy; and(g)
Awareness of ethical issues in practice, in order to safeguard and enhance the quality of care available to marriage and family therapy clients.Section 4.
Annual Supervision Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist Associate Permit Renewal.(1)
An associate shall receive a minimum of 48 hours of qualified supervision in each year that they hold an associate permit, commencing with the issuance of the permit. An associate who does not meet this annual requirement shall not be eligible for a renewal of their permit, subject to subsection (2) and (3).(2)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an associate who did not receive a minimum of 48 hours of qualified supervision in a year may seek in writing, no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of their permit, a hardship waiver of this annual requirement for circumstances involving medical disability, illness, undue hardship, active military service, loss of a supervisor, or other extenuating circumstances that precluded the individual from attaining this requirement. Any written request shall include a detailed description of the reasons justifying such waiver along with documents or other proof evidencing same.(3)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), an associate who did not receive a minimum of 48 hours of qualified supervision in a year and does not qualify for a hardship waiver under subsection (2), may seek a one-time waiver from the Board by providing written notice of a request for a non-hardship waiver no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of their permit. The Board shall not grant more than one waiver under this subsection during the entire duration of the associate permit.(4)
Any associate who receives a hardship waiver under subsection (2) or a non-hardship waiver under subsection (3) shall make up the deficit in hours in the following year of their permit. Failure to satisfy this condition shall be grounds for denial of any future permit renewal.(5)
Any hardship waiver or non-hardship waiver granted by the Board shall not alter the requirement set forth in KRS 335.330(2)(b) for licensure as a marriage and family therapist.(6)
All clinical supervision relied upon by an applicant for a marriage and family therapist license to satisfy the requirements of KRS 335.330(2)(b), must comply with the requirements of this section and must be provided by a Board-Approved Supervisor. Any clinical supervision received by a supervisee while the supervisee does not hold a permit issued by the Board, shall not count toward either:(a)
the requirements set forth in KRS 335.330(2)(b); or(b)
the requirements set forth in subsection (1) of this section.Section 5.Section 4.
Standards for Raw Data Used for Supervision. The use of raw data in a supervision session shall constitute a minimum of thirty-six (36)Section 6.Section 5.
In a therapy session involving a board-approved supervisor and supervisee:(1)
The role of the Board-Approved Supervisor(2)
The supervisees shall receive credit for client contact hours and supervision hours.Section 7.Section 6.
Documentation Requirements.(1)
The Board-Approved Supervisor(a)
The frequency and type of supervision provided; and(b)
The method of supervision utilized, such as observation, dialogue and discussion, and instructional techniques employed.(2)
No more than 100 hours of supervision shall take place in group supervision.(3)
At least 100 hours shall take place in individual supervision.Section 8.Section 7.
Number of Supervisees.(1)
A Board-Approved Supervisor(2)
A request to supervise more than twelve (12) marriage and family therapistSection 9.Section 8.
Temporary Supervision.(1)
In extenuating circumstances, if a marriage and family therapist(2)
(a)
Within thirty (30) calendar days of a change in status of board-approved supervision, the supervisee shall:1.
Notify the board of these circumstances; and2.
Submit, in writing, a plan for resolution of the situation.(b)
The written plan shall include:1.
The name of the temporary supervisor;2.
Verification of the credential held by the temporary supervisor;3.
An address for the temporary supervisor; and4.
A telephone number for the temporary supervisor.Section 10.Section 9.
Board-Approved Supervisor's (1)
A Board-Approved Supervisor(2)
A Board-Approved Supervisor(3)
A Board-Approved SupervisorSection 11.Section 10.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
"Supervision(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Department of Professional Licensing, 500 Mero Street, Second Floor201 KAR 32:035
AMANDA BROMMER-VILLAVECES, Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: August 20, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: September 14, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on November 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. local prevailing time at the Mayo-Underwood Building, Room 127 CW, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through November 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person by using the PPC public comment portal at the address listed below.
CONTACT PERSON: Name: Matthew D. Ellison, Title: Staff Attorney III, Agency: Department of Professional Licensing, Office of Legal Services Address: 500 Mero Street, 2 NC WK#4 Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Fax: (502) 564-4818 Email: Matthew.Ellison@ky.gov Link to PPC public comment portal: https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Matthew D. Ellison, Staff Attorney III Phone: 502-782-0706 Email: matthew.ellison@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Licensing, Marriage and Family Therapy, Occupations and Professions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation creates certain definitions and criteria for the clinical supervision requirements of marriage and family therapist associates, that must be fulfilled under KRS 335.330(2)(b) before a person may be licensed as a marriage and family therapist. It also creates criteria for which a licensee may be approved by the board as a supervisor, and establishes certain requirements for both supervisors and supervisees.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary because it provides necessary definitions, guidelines and expectations for licensees who are either providing clinical supervision, or being supervised.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This administrative regulation amendment conforms with the Board’s authority in KRS 335.320(9) to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 335.300 to 335.399. Further, KRS 335.330(2)(b) permits the board to establish the criteria for clinical supervision toward the 200-hour statutory requirement.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation assists in the effective administration of the statute by i) providing clear definitions relevant to clinical supervision; ii) establishing qualifying criteria for licensees providing clinical supervision, along with minimum criteria and expectations for supervision for both the supervising license and the supervisee licensee; and iii) setting forth the requirements for supervision, for the annual renewal of a marriage and family therapist associate permit.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment enumerates a defined term and establishes a new definition relevant to clinical supervision. It also requires prospective action from a licensee wishing to become board-approved for clinical supervision, and it creates different continuing education requirements based upon the licensee’s status that relates to rendering clinical supervision, both for initial approval and renewal. This amendment also creates an express requirement of annual supervision for the renewal of an associate permit along with a process to request a waiver, and specifies that clinical supervision must take place while the associate holds a valid board-issued permit in order to count toward the statutory requirement under KRS 335.330(2)(b). Finally, this amendment lowers the minimum requirement of use of raw data in clinical supervision from 50 hours to 36, toward the 200-hour requirement in KRS 335.330(2)(b).
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This amendment is necessary to provide more detailed definitions, requirements and guidelines concerning clinical supervision required for marriage and family therapist licensure. These changes will result in a more effective realization of the aims and objectives of requiring clinical supervision of associates prior to full licensure.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This administrative regulation amendment conforms with the Board’s authority in KRS 335.320(9) to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 335.300 to 335.399. Further, KRS 335.330(2)(b) permits the board to establish the criteria for constituting clinical supervision required of applicants for a marriage and family therapist license.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes by providing clear and consistent definitions and enumerated examples for use by the licensees and the Board, as well as reflect appropriate criteria for obtaining board-approved status as a supervisor and for renewal of such status.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
No.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation will affect i) the approximately 180 current licensees of the board who currently hold a marriage and family therapist associate permit and who are therefore accruing clinical supervision hours toward statutory requirements for full licensure; and ii) the approximately 146 licensees who currently have board-approved supervisor status.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
No action will need to be taken by the licensees to comply with this amendment.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
There will be no increased cost for compliance with this amendment.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
All licensees will have a better and clearer understanding of the requirements and expectations for clinical supervision, with respect to both quality and quantity. Such should result in better training and skill development for all licensees within the profession.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be no initial cost to the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be no continuing cost to the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
The Board’s operations are funded by fees paid by license holders and applicants.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
No increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this change to this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation does not establish any new fees or increase any fees paid to the Board.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied because this regulation applies to all applicants equally.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
. KSR 335.320(9) authorizes the board to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 335.300 to 335.399. KRS 335.320(4) requires the board to license applicants who satisfy the experience and educational requirements and who have paid the fee. KRS 335.320(5) requires the board to review and approve supervision contracts between marriage and family therapist associates and their board-approved supervisors.
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
This administrative regulation is not expressly authorized by any act of the General Assembly, aside from the general enabling statute, see KRS 335.320(9).
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists is the promulgating agency.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
There are no expenditures anticipated in the first year.
For subsequent years:
There are no expenditures anticipated in subsequent years.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
There are no revenues anticipated for the first year.
For subsequent years:
There are no revenues expected for subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
No cost savings are anticipated in the first year.
For subsequent years:
No cost savings are anticipated in subsequent years.
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
None anticipated.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A (5)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts): None anticipated.
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
There is no fiscal impact of this administrative regulation for any entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a).
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
It is not anticipated that this administrative regulation will have an overall negative or adverse major economic impact to the entities identified.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists
(Amendment)
201 KAR 32:035.Supervision of marriage and family therapist associates.
Section 1.
Definitions.(1)
"Group supervision" means supervision of three (3) to six (6) supervisees with the supervisor.(2)
"Individual supervision" means supervision of one (1) or two (2) supervisees with the supervisor.(3)
"Qualified mental health professional" means a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed psychologist, licensed psychiatrist, licensed professional clinical counselor, or licensed clinical social worker.(4)
"Raw data" means video recorded sessions, live observation, or co-therapy with a board-approved supervisor. The purpose of raw data is to provide supervision focused on developing the clinical competencies and professional growth of the associate consistent with marriage and family therapy relational/systemic philosophy, ethics, and practices of the profession of marriage and family therapy by evaluating their work first-hand with individuals, couples, and families throughout their status as a marriage and family therapist associate.(5)
"Tracking Raw Data" means that for any portion of an hour of supervision with a board-approved supervisor, during which an associate provides and discusses the raw data, the entire hour shall be counted as one (1) hour of raw data toward the thirty-six (36) hour raw data requirement for licensure. If raw data is shown during provided Group Supervision, only the individual associate presenting the raw data shall count the raw data towards the thirty-six (36) hour raw data requirement for licensure.(6)
"Two (2) years of post-licensure experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy" means a minimum of two (2) years of the practice of marriage and family therapy consisting of 1,000 hours of direct, face-to-face or telehealth contact with individuals, couples, families, and groups in the practice of marriage and family therapy under the supervision of an approved supervisor. Face-to-face for the purposes of this definition includes synchronous contact via technology assisted services for those who have met the training requirements of 201 KAR 32:110.Section 2.
Qualifications for Board-Approved Supervisor Status.(1)
A Board-Approved Supervisor shall be:(a)
An American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) approved supervisor in good standing, who is licensed in Kentucky and has a minimum of two (2) years of post-licensure experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy;(b)
An AAMFT supervisor candidate in good standing who is licensed in Kentucky and has three (3) years of post-licensure experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy; or(c)
A marriage and family therapist in good standing, who is licensed in Kentucky and has a minimum of five (5) years of post-licensure experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy.(2)
To obtain initial Board-Approved Supervisor status, an applicant shall submit a written request to the Board and provide proof of completion of the following requirements:(a)
If the candidate at the time of application is an AAMFT Supervisor:1.
Completion of AAMFT Approved Supervisor training; and2.
One (1) continuing education hour in Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32.(b)
If the candidate at the time of application is an AAMFT Supervisor Candidate:1.
Enrollment in AAMFT Approved Supervisor training;2.
A letter of agreement of mentorship between the AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate and an AAMFT approved supervisor; and3.
One (1) continuing education hour in Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32.4.
Upon completion of all AAMFT supervisor training requirements, an AAMFT Supervisor Candidate shall submit their request for status change to AAMFT Approved Supervisor.(c)
If the candidate at the time of application is neither an AAMFT Supervisor nor an AAMFT Supervisor Candidate:1.
Six (6) continuing education hours of board-approved continuing education courses in supervision; and2.
One (1) continuing education hour in Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32.(d)
Any continuing education course shall be taken within the two (2) years preceding the date of initial application to become a board-approved supervisor.(e)
The educational requirement for obtaining board approval as a supervisor shall be in addition to the hours of continuing education required for licensure renewal.(f)
Each approved course shall be live or online and shall include:1.
Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32;2.
Theories of supervision;3.
Ethical issues involved in supervision; and4.
Supervisor responsibilities such as logs, treatment planning, and recording.(3)
Board-Approved Supervisor status shall last for one year, and is subject to renewal as follows:(a)
If the supervisor is neither an AAMFT Approved Supervisor nor an AAMFT Supervisor Candidate, they shall complete at least two (2) continuing education hours in supervision every year. These shall be included in the hours of continuing education hours required for licensure renewal. Each approved course shall be live or online, synchronous or asynchronous, and shall include:1.
Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy, both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32;2.
Theories of supervision;3.
Ethical issues involved in supervision; and4.
Supervisor responsibilities such as logs, treatment planning, and recording.(b)
If the supervisor is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or AAMFT Supervisor Candidate, the supervisor shall complete at least one (1) continuing education hour every year in Kentucky law governing the practice of marriage and family therapy found both in KRS 335.300 to 335.399 and 201 KAR Chapter 32. The course shall be attended live or online. The one (1) hour shall be included in the hours of continuing education required for licensure renewal.Section 3.
Clinical Supervision.(1)
Clinical supervision shall:(a)
Begin promptly when the supervisee and supervisor are notified of approval of:1.
The Marriage and Family Therapist Associate Permit application, or2.
A New Supervision Plan for Clinical Experience.(b)
Be equally distributed throughout the qualifying period and shall average at least four (4) hours per month as specified in the supervision contract;(c)
Be clearly distinguishable from psychotherapy, didactic enrichment, or training activities;(d)
Focus on raw data from the supervisee's clinical work within in the last twelve (12) months;(e)
Be direct, face-to-face contact between the supervisor and supervisee or be conducted via live video conferencing if both the supervisor and supervisee have met the educational requirements of 201 KAR 32:110, Section 3(1) and (2); and(f)
Continue until the supervisee is licensed by the board.(2)
The supervision process shall focus on:(a)
Accurate diagnosis of client problems leading to proficiency in applying professionally recognized nomenclature and developing a plan for treatment as established in the most recent edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM);(b)
Development of treatment skills appropriate to the therapeutic process;(c)
Development of sensitivity to context and issues relating specifically to the client receiving therapy ;(d)
Acknowledgment of an awareness of the use of the professional self of the therapist in the process of therapy;(e)
Increased theoretical and applied knowledge for the therapist;(f)
Acquisition of a greater depth of knowledge and range of techniques in the provision of marriage and family therapy; and(g)
Awareness of ethical issues in practice, in order to safeguard and enhance the quality of care available to marriage and family therapy clients.Section 4.
Annual Supervision Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist Associate Permit Renewal.(1)
An associate shall receive a minimum of 48 hours of qualified supervision in each year that they hold an associate permit, commencing with the issuance of the permit. An associate who does not meet this annual requirement shall not be eligible for a renewal of their permit, subject to subsection (2) and (3).(2)
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an associate who did not receive a minimum of 48 hours of qualified supervision in a year may seek in writing, no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of their permit, a hardship waiver of this annual requirement for circumstances involving medical disability, illness, undue hardship, active military service, loss of a supervisor, or other extenuating circumstances that precluded the individual from attaining this requirement. Any written request shall include a detailed description of the reasons justifying such waiver along with documents or other proof evidencing same.(3)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), an associate who did not receive a minimum of 48 hours of qualified supervision in a year and does not qualify for a hardship waiver under subsection (2), may seek a one-time waiver from the Board by providing written notice of a request for a non-hardship waiver no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of their permit. The Board shall not grant more than one waiver under this subsection during the entire duration of the associate permit.(4)
Any associate who receives a hardship waiver under subsection (2) or a non-hardship waiver under subsection (3) shall make up the deficit in hours in the following year of their permit. Failure to satisfy this condition shall be grounds for denial of any future permit renewal.(5)
Any hardship waiver or non-hardship waiver granted by the Board shall not alter the requirement set forth in KRS 335.330(2)(b) for licensure as a marriage and family therapist.(6)
All clinical supervision relied upon by an applicant for a marriage and family therapist license to satisfy the requirements of KRS 335.330(2)(b), must comply with the requirements of this section and must be provided by a Board-Approved Supervisor. Any clinical supervision received by a supervisee while the supervisee does not hold a permit issued by the Board, shall not count toward either:(a)
the requirements set forth in KRS 335.330(2)(b); or(b)
the requirements set forth in subsection (1) of this section.Section 5.
Standards for Raw Data Used for Supervision. The use of raw data in a supervision session shall constitute a minimum of thirty-six (36) hours of the 200 hours of required supervision. In a group setting, raw data can only be used for an individual presenting or conducting the raw data, not the entire group.Section 6.
In a therapy session involving a board-approved supervisor and supervisee:(1)
The role of the Board-Approved Supervisor as a supervisor or co-therapist shall be clearly defined prior to beginning a therapy session; and(2)
The supervisees shall receive credit for client contact hours and supervision hours.Section 7.
Documentation Requirements.(1)
The Board-Approved Supervisor and marriage and family therapist associate shall maintain copies of the completed Supervision Log, which shall document:(a)
The frequency and type of supervision provided; and(b)
The method of supervision utilized, such as observation, dialogue and discussion, and instructional techniques employed.(2)
No more than 100 hours of supervision shall take place in group supervision.(3)
At least 100 hours shall take place in individual supervision.Section 8.
Number of Supervisees.(1)
A Board-Approved Supervisor shall not supervise more than twelve (12) marriage and family therapist associates at the same time, unless approved by the board.(2)
A request to supervise more than twelve (12) marriage and family therapist associates shall be submitted to the board for approval and shall demonstrate in writing the supervisor's plan and ability to supervise additional marriage and family therapist associates.Section 9.
Temporary Supervision.(1)
In extenuating circumstances, if a marriage and family therapist associate is without supervision, the associate may continue working up to ninety (90) calendar days under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional while an appropriate Board-Approved Supervisor is sought and a new supervision contract is submitted to the Board . Extenuating circumstances include situations such as death or serious illness of the Board-Approved Supervisor , a leave of absence by the supervisor, or the termination of the supervisor's employment.(2)
(a)
Within thirty (30) calendar days of a change in status of board-approved supervision, the supervisee shall:1.
Notify the board of these circumstances; and2.
Submit, in writing, a plan for resolution of the situation.(b)
The written plan shall include:1.
The name of the temporary supervisor;2.
Verification of the credential held by the temporary supervisor;3.
An address for the temporary supervisor; and4.
A telephone number for the temporary supervisor.Section 10.
Board-Approved Supervisor's Responsibilities to Clients and Supervisees.(1)
A Board-Approved Supervisor shall be responsible for ensuring the proper and appropriate delivery of marriage and family therapy services to clients.(2)
A Board-Approved Supervisor shall be responsible for fostering the professional competence and development of the marriage and family therapist associates under their supervision.(3)
A Board-Approved Supervisor shall be responsible for compliance with the code of ethics established in 201 KAR 32:050 and take steps to ensure that supervisees comply with the code of ethics as well.Section 11.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
"Supervision Log", DPL-MFT-04, July 2026 , is incorporated by reference.(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Department of Professional Licensing, 500 Mero Street, Second Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.201 KAR 32:035
AMANDA BROMMER-VILLAVECES, Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: August 20, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: September 14, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on November 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. local prevailing time at the Mayo-Underwood Building, Room 127 CW, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through November 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person by using the PPC public comment portal at the address listed below.
CONTACT PERSON: Name: Matthew D. Ellison, Title: Staff Attorney III, Agency: Department of Professional Licensing, Office of Legal Services Address: 500 Mero Street, 2 NC WK#4 Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Fax: (502) 564-4818 Email: Matthew.Ellison@ky.gov Link to PPC public comment portal: https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Matthew D. Ellison, Staff Attorney III Phone: 502-782-0706 Email: matthew.ellison@ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Licensing, Marriage and Family Therapy, Occupations and Professions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation creates certain definitions and criteria for the clinical supervision requirements of marriage and family therapist associates, that must be fulfilled under KRS 335.330(2)(b) before a person may be licensed as a marriage and family therapist. It also creates criteria for which a licensee may be approved by the board as a supervisor, and establishes certain requirements for both supervisors and supervisees.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary because it provides necessary definitions, guidelines and expectations for licensees who are either providing clinical supervision, or being supervised.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This administrative regulation amendment conforms with the Board’s authority in KRS 335.320(9) to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 335.300 to 335.399. Further, KRS 335.330(2)(b) permits the board to establish the criteria for clinical supervision toward the 200-hour statutory requirement.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation assists in the effective administration of the statute by i) providing clear definitions relevant to clinical supervision; ii) establishing qualifying criteria for licensees providing clinical supervision, along with minimum criteria and expectations for supervision for both the supervising license and the supervisee licensee; and iii) setting forth the requirements for supervision, for the annual renewal of a marriage and family therapist associate permit.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment enumerates a defined term and establishes a new definition relevant to clinical supervision. It also requires prospective action from a licensee wishing to become board-approved for clinical supervision, and it creates different continuing education requirements based upon the licensee’s status that relates to rendering clinical supervision, both for initial approval and renewal. This amendment also creates an express requirement of annual supervision for the renewal of an associate permit along with a process to request a waiver, and specifies that clinical supervision must take place while the associate holds a valid board-issued permit in order to count toward the statutory requirement under KRS 335.330(2)(b). Finally, this amendment lowers the minimum requirement of use of raw data in clinical supervision from 50 hours to 36, toward the 200-hour requirement in KRS 335.330(2)(b).
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This amendment is necessary to provide more detailed definitions, requirements and guidelines concerning clinical supervision required for marriage and family therapist licensure. These changes will result in a more effective realization of the aims and objectives of requiring clinical supervision of associates prior to full licensure.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This administrative regulation amendment conforms with the Board’s authority in KRS 335.320(9) to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 335.300 to 335.399. Further, KRS 335.330(2)(b) permits the board to establish the criteria for constituting clinical supervision required of applicants for a marriage and family therapist license.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes by providing clear and consistent definitions and enumerated examples for use by the licensees and the Board, as well as reflect appropriate criteria for obtaining board-approved status as a supervisor and for renewal of such status.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
No.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation will affect i) the approximately 180 current licensees of the board who currently hold a marriage and family therapist associate permit and who are therefore accruing clinical supervision hours toward statutory requirements for full licensure; and ii) the approximately 146 licensees who currently have board-approved supervisor status.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
No action will need to be taken by the licensees to comply with this amendment.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
There will be no increased cost for compliance with this amendment.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
All licensees will have a better and clearer understanding of the requirements and expectations for clinical supervision, with respect to both quality and quantity. Such should result in better training and skill development for all licensees within the profession.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be no initial cost to the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be no continuing cost to the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
The Board’s operations are funded by fees paid by license holders and applicants.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
No increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this change to this administrative regulation.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation does not establish any new fees or increase any fees paid to the Board.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied because this regulation applies to all applicants equally.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
. KSR 335.320(9) authorizes the board to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 335.300 to 335.399. KRS 335.320(4) requires the board to license applicants who satisfy the experience and educational requirements and who have paid the fee. KRS 335.320(5) requires the board to review and approve supervision contracts between marriage and family therapist associates and their board-approved supervisors.
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
This administrative regulation is not expressly authorized by any act of the General Assembly, aside from the general enabling statute, see KRS 335.320(9).
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists is the promulgating agency.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
There are no expenditures anticipated in the first year.
For subsequent years:
There are no expenditures anticipated in subsequent years.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
There are no revenues anticipated for the first year.
For subsequent years:
There are no revenues expected for subsequent years.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
No cost savings are anticipated in the first year.
For subsequent years:
No cost savings are anticipated in subsequent years.
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
None anticipated.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A (5)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts): None anticipated.
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
N/A
For subsequent years:
N/A
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
There is no fiscal impact of this administrative regulation for any entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a).
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
It is not anticipated that this administrative regulation will have an overall negative or adverse major economic impact to the entities identified.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.