Title 201 | Chapter 038 | Regulation 031REG
PROPOSED
This document is not yet current.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Licensure for Pastoral Counselors
(New Administrative Regulation)
201 KAR 38:031.Equivalent course of study.
Section 1.
To qualify as an equivalent course of study as referenced in KRS 335.620(1)(d), a master's or doctoral degree shall consist of a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of graduatelevel coursework. The coursework may include, or extend beyond, the professional degree in a theological or spiritual discipline or a mental health discipline, and may include unlimited graduatelevel hours earned in either:(1)
A pastoral counseling training program approved by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Pastoral Counselors, such as the Kentucky Association of Pastoral Counselors Academy (hereinafter "KAPC Academy"); or(2)
Another educational institution or program that meets the requirements stipulated by the Board.Section 2.
A master's or doctoral degree in an equivalent course of study shall include the following:(1)
Theological foundations. This area shall consist of a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours in any of the following areas:(a)
Scripture;(b)
Theology;(c)
Religious history;(d)
Theological and social ethics;(e)
Spirituality;(f)
World religions; and(g)
Non-degree theological formation, subject to the following:1.
Qualifying nondegree theological formation may include, but is not limited to:a.
Completion of an ordination preparation process recognized by a denomination, faith community, or ecclesiastical body;b.
Completion of one or more units of clinical pastoral education which are accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (hereinafter "ACPE");c.
Completion of a structured theological curriculum offered by a board-approved training program, such as the KAPC Academy, where the content is substantially equivalent to graduate-level theological coursework; ord.
Other theological formation, as reviewed and approved by the board on a case-by-case basis, with documentation of such to be provided by one or more of the following:2.
Ordination certificates and documentation of ordination process;3.
Clinical pastoral education unit completion records, program curricula, syllabi, and certificates of completion; or4.
A written statement from a supervising clergyperson, bishop, or denominational authority attesting to the nature and scope of the formation.(2)
Core clinical theory. This area shall consist of graduate level coursework in each of the following core clinical theory areas:(a)
Pastoral Counseling Theory. Coursework may include theological and psychological integration models, pastoral counseling frameworks, spiritually-oriented therapeutic approaches, religious coping theory, and the application of pastoral identity within clinical practice.(b)
Counseling Theory and Techniques. Coursework may include foundational and contemporary counseling theories, models of change, therapeutic processes, and evidencebased intervention techniques applicable to individual counseling practice.(c)
Group Dynamics and Techniques. Coursework may include theories of group development, group leadership styles, facilitation skills, therapeutic factors, and methods for conducting psychoeducational and therapeutic groups.(d)
Couples and Family Systems. Coursework may include systemic theories, relational patterns, family development, couple and family assessment, and intervention strategies grounded in family systems approaches.(e)
Social and Cultural Diversity. Coursework may include multicultural counseling theory, cultural humility, identity development, social justice frameworks, and the impact of culture, power, and context on the counseling relationship.(f)
Professional Ethics. Coursework may include ethical decisionmaking models, professional standards of practice, legal considerations, confidentiality, boundaries, and application of the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, or comparable professional codes.(g)
TraumaInformed Care and Neuroscience. Coursework may include the neurobiological foundations of trauma, principles of trauma-informed practice, the impact of adverse experiences, including complex and relational trauma, on development and functioning, and evidence-based approaches to trauma recovery.(3)
Where a single graduate-level course addresses the content requirements of more than one of the core clinical foundation areas described in subsection (2) of this section, the Kentucky Board for Licensure for Pastoral Counselors may, in its discretion, accept such a course as satisfying the requirement for each area addressed, provided the applicant submits a course syllabus or description that in the Kentucky Board for Licensure for Pastoral Counselors' discretion, demonstrates that the relevant content was substantively covered.(4)
Additional Applicable Coursework. The following graduatelevel coursework may also be applied toward the sixty (60) semester hour requirement set forth in Section 1, provided the content is consistent with the knowledge, skills, and competencies expected of a clinically trained pastoral counselor and is documented through an official transcript or other means of verification suitable in the discretion of the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Pastoral Counselors.(a)
Advanced Pastoral Counseling Theory. Coursework may include graduatelevel study that deepens the integration of clinical mental health practice with theological reflection, spiritual assessment, pastoral identity formation, and spiritually informed approaches to trauma, grief, crisis, and ethical decisionmaking within therapeutic practice.(b)
Professional Identity. Coursework may include the history and philosophy of the counseling profession, roles and functions of professional counselors, professional organizations, credentialing, and advocacy.(c)
Theories of Human Behavior, Learning, and Personality Development. Coursework may include developmental theories, learning theories, personality theory, and the study of human growth across the lifespan.(d)
Career Development. Coursework may include career development theories, vocational assessment, career counseling techniques, and the impact of work on mental health and wellbeing.(e)
Diagnostic Assessment. Coursework may include diagnostic interviewing, use of the DSM, differential diagnosis, case formulation, and assessment strategies used in clinical mental health settings.(f)
Abnormal Behavior. Coursework may include the study of psychopathology, symptom patterns, etiology of mental disorders, and evidencebased approaches to treatment planning.(g)
Substance Use Disorder Assessment and Treatment. Coursework may include screening and assessment of substance use disorders, models of addiction, cooccurring disorders, and evidencebased treatment approaches.(h)
Specialized Technical Studies. Coursework may include advanced or specialized clinical approaches such as family systems theory, marriage and family therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapies, cognitivebehavioral therapy, brief therapy models, and group therapy methods, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or other counseling theories and techniques.(i)
Assessment and Testing. Coursework may include principles of psychological testing, test selection, administration, scoring, interpretation, and ethical use of assessment instruments.(j)
Research and Program Evaluation. Coursework may include research methods, statistics, evidencebased practice, program evaluation, and the use of research to inform clinical decisionmaking.(k)
Human Sexuality. Coursework may include psychosexual development, sexual functioning, sexual ethics, and counseling approaches related to sexuality and relationships.(l)
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention. Coursework may include crisis theory, risk assessment, crisis stabilization, suicide prevention, and emergency response strategies.(m)
Grief, Loss, and Bereavement. Coursework may include theories of grief, complicated grief, spiritual dimensions of loss, and counseling interventions for bereavement.(n)
Pastoral or Spiritual Care Practices. Coursework may include spiritual assessment, pastoral care methods, religious coping, and integration of spirituality in counseling practice.(o)
Psychopharmacology. Coursework may include basic knowledge of psychotropic medications, indications, side effects, and collaboration with prescribing professionals.(p)
Technology, Telehealth, and Digital Ethics. Coursework may include the ethical and legal dimensions of technology-assisted counseling, telehealth delivery standards and best practices, electronic health record management, HIPAA compliance in digital clinical environments, informed consent for remote services, and the clinical limitations and contraindications of telehealth modalities.(q)
Ordination Preparation. Coursework may include supervised formation processes, denominational ordination requirements, ministerial identity development, ecclesial leadership, and vocational discernment, but no more than six (6) semester hours in Ordination Preparation may count toward the sixty (60) semester hours required for an equivalent course of study in Section 1.(r)
Clinical Pastoral Education. Coursework may include supervised clinical ministry, pastoral assessment, spiritual care interventions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and reflective practice consistent with the training models of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, but no more than six (6) semester hours in Clinical Pastoral Education may count toward the sixty (60) semester hours required for an equivalent course of study in Section 1.(s)
Practicum, internship or residency. Coursework may include any supervised hands-on activities, practical experience, or other activities relating to the rendering of pastoral counseling services, but no more than three (3) semester hours in a practicum, internship or residency course may count toward the sixty (60) semester hours required for an equivalent course of study in Section 1.HISTORY: COMPILER'S NOTE: 2025 RS HB 6, enacted by the General Assembly on March 27, 2025, altered the information to be provided at the time an administrative regulation is filed. Aside from formatting changes necessary to upload the regulation into the LRC's publication application, this regulation has been published as submitted by the agency.
201 KAR 38:031
MARGARET BROOKS, Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: August 31, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: October 13, 2026 at 11:13 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on December 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EST at the Mayo-Underwood Building, Room 127CW, 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 December 31, 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) 782-0706 (office), Fax: (502) 564-4818, Email: Matthew.Ellison@ky.gov, Link to PPC public comment portal: https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx, Email: Matthew.Ellison@ky.gov
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, Mental Health, Occupations and Professions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes the requirements for an alternative course of study, in order for applicants to satisfy the statutory educational requirements for licensing.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary because KRS 335.620(1)(d) provides an alternative pathway to obtaining a master of divinity for applicants to satisfy the educational criteria for licensure, but it requires the Board to define such alternative course of study via promulgation of administrative regulations.
(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 335.615(6) to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 335.600 to 335.699. Further, KRS 335.620(1)(d) requires the Board to establish the criteria for an alternative course of study through promulgation of an administrative regulation.
(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 setting forth the criteria for an alternative course of study for applicants who do not hold a master of divinity, to satisfy the educational criteria.
(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:
N/A.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
N/A.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
N/A.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
N/A.
(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 potential applicants for licensure; it is not expected that the number of applicants will exceed 10 to 15 in a given year at the absolute maximum.
(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:
Applicants for licensure who do not hold a master of divinity will need to make sure that their educational background satisfies the requirements of this regulation.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
The Board does not anticipate that there will be any additional cost to potential applicants, by promulgation of this administrative regulation; it will instead require them to ensure that their educational background does contain the listed subject matter and designated credit hours.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
A pathway to licensure will exist for potential applicants who do not hold a master of divinity.
(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 new 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 335.615(6) requires the Board to promulgate administrative regulations to implement the purposes of KRS 335.600-.699. KRS 335.620(1)(d) permits the Board to promulgate an administrative regulation setting forth the definition of an equivalent course of study required of licensure applicants, other than a master of divinity from a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
(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 335.615(6).
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Pastoral Counselors 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 any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
None anticipated.
(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
Board of Licensure for Pastoral Counselors
(New Administrative Regulation)
201 KAR 38:031.Equivalent course of study.
Section 1.
To qualify as an equivalent course of study as referenced in KRS 335.620(1)(d), a master's or doctoral degree shall consist of a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of graduatelevel coursework. The coursework may include, or extend beyond, the professional degree in a theological or spiritual discipline or a mental health discipline, and may include unlimited graduatelevel hours earned in either:(1)
A pastoral counseling training program approved by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Pastoral Counselors, such as the Kentucky Association of Pastoral Counselors Academy (hereinafter "KAPC Academy"); or(2)
Another educational institution or program that meets the requirements stipulated by the Board.Section 2.
A master's or doctoral degree in an equivalent course of study shall include the following:(1)
Theological foundations. This area shall consist of a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours in any of the following areas:(a)
Scripture;(b)
Theology;(c)
Religious history;(d)
Theological and social ethics;(e)
Spirituality;(f)
World religions; and(g)
Non-degree theological formation, subject to the following:1.
Qualifying nondegree theological formation may include, but is not limited to:a.
Completion of an ordination preparation process recognized by a denomination, faith community, or ecclesiastical body;b.
Completion of one or more units of clinical pastoral education which are accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (hereinafter "ACPE");c.
Completion of a structured theological curriculum offered by a board-approved training program, such as the KAPC Academy, where the content is substantially equivalent to graduate-level theological coursework; ord.
Other theological formation, as reviewed and approved by the board on a case-by-case basis, with documentation of such to be provided by one or more of the following:2.
Ordination certificates and documentation of ordination process;3.
Clinical pastoral education unit completion records, program curricula, syllabi, and certificates of completion; or4.
A written statement from a supervising clergyperson, bishop, or denominational authority attesting to the nature and scope of the formation.(2)
Core clinical theory. This area shall consist of graduate level coursework in each of the following core clinical theory areas:(a)
Pastoral Counseling Theory. Coursework may include theological and psychological integration models, pastoral counseling frameworks, spiritually-oriented therapeutic approaches, religious coping theory, and the application of pastoral identity within clinical practice.(b)
Counseling Theory and Techniques. Coursework may include foundational and contemporary counseling theories, models of change, therapeutic processes, and evidencebased intervention techniques applicable to individual counseling practice.(c)
Group Dynamics and Techniques. Coursework may include theories of group development, group leadership styles, facilitation skills, therapeutic factors, and methods for conducting psychoeducational and therapeutic groups.(d)
Couples and Family Systems. Coursework may include systemic theories, relational patterns, family development, couple and family assessment, and intervention strategies grounded in family systems approaches.(e)
Social and Cultural Diversity. Coursework may include multicultural counseling theory, cultural humility, identity development, social justice frameworks, and the impact of culture, power, and context on the counseling relationship.(f)
Professional Ethics. Coursework may include ethical decisionmaking models, professional standards of practice, legal considerations, confidentiality, boundaries, and application of the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics, or comparable professional codes.(g)
TraumaInformed Care and Neuroscience. Coursework may include the neurobiological foundations of trauma, principles of trauma-informed practice, the impact of adverse experiences, including complex and relational trauma, on development and functioning, and evidence-based approaches to trauma recovery.(3)
Where a single graduate-level course addresses the content requirements of more than one of the core clinical foundation areas described in subsection (2) of this section, the Kentucky Board for Licensure for Pastoral Counselors may, in its discretion, accept such a course as satisfying the requirement for each area addressed, provided the applicant submits a course syllabus or description that in the Kentucky Board for Licensure for Pastoral Counselors' discretion, demonstrates that the relevant content was substantively covered.(4)
Additional Applicable Coursework. The following graduatelevel coursework may also be applied toward the sixty (60) semester hour requirement set forth in Section 1, provided the content is consistent with the knowledge, skills, and competencies expected of a clinically trained pastoral counselor and is documented through an official transcript or other means of verification suitable in the discretion of the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Pastoral Counselors.(a)
Advanced Pastoral Counseling Theory. Coursework may include graduatelevel study that deepens the integration of clinical mental health practice with theological reflection, spiritual assessment, pastoral identity formation, and spiritually informed approaches to trauma, grief, crisis, and ethical decisionmaking within therapeutic practice.(b)
Professional Identity. Coursework may include the history and philosophy of the counseling profession, roles and functions of professional counselors, professional organizations, credentialing, and advocacy.(c)
Theories of Human Behavior, Learning, and Personality Development. Coursework may include developmental theories, learning theories, personality theory, and the study of human growth across the lifespan.(d)
Career Development. Coursework may include career development theories, vocational assessment, career counseling techniques, and the impact of work on mental health and wellbeing.(e)
Diagnostic Assessment. Coursework may include diagnostic interviewing, use of the DSM, differential diagnosis, case formulation, and assessment strategies used in clinical mental health settings.(f)
Abnormal Behavior. Coursework may include the study of psychopathology, symptom patterns, etiology of mental disorders, and evidencebased approaches to treatment planning.(g)
Substance Use Disorder Assessment and Treatment. Coursework may include screening and assessment of substance use disorders, models of addiction, cooccurring disorders, and evidencebased treatment approaches.(h)
Specialized Technical Studies. Coursework may include advanced or specialized clinical approaches such as family systems theory, marriage and family therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapies, cognitivebehavioral therapy, brief therapy models, and group therapy methods, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or other counseling theories and techniques.(i)
Assessment and Testing. Coursework may include principles of psychological testing, test selection, administration, scoring, interpretation, and ethical use of assessment instruments.(j)
Research and Program Evaluation. Coursework may include research methods, statistics, evidencebased practice, program evaluation, and the use of research to inform clinical decisionmaking.(k)
Human Sexuality. Coursework may include psychosexual development, sexual functioning, sexual ethics, and counseling approaches related to sexuality and relationships.(l)
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention. Coursework may include crisis theory, risk assessment, crisis stabilization, suicide prevention, and emergency response strategies.(m)
Grief, Loss, and Bereavement. Coursework may include theories of grief, complicated grief, spiritual dimensions of loss, and counseling interventions for bereavement.(n)
Pastoral or Spiritual Care Practices. Coursework may include spiritual assessment, pastoral care methods, religious coping, and integration of spirituality in counseling practice.(o)
Psychopharmacology. Coursework may include basic knowledge of psychotropic medications, indications, side effects, and collaboration with prescribing professionals.(p)
Technology, Telehealth, and Digital Ethics. Coursework may include the ethical and legal dimensions of technology-assisted counseling, telehealth delivery standards and best practices, electronic health record management, HIPAA compliance in digital clinical environments, informed consent for remote services, and the clinical limitations and contraindications of telehealth modalities.(q)
Ordination Preparation. Coursework may include supervised formation processes, denominational ordination requirements, ministerial identity development, ecclesial leadership, and vocational discernment, but no more than six (6) semester hours in Ordination Preparation may count toward the sixty (60) semester hours required for an equivalent course of study in Section 1.(r)
Clinical Pastoral Education. Coursework may include supervised clinical ministry, pastoral assessment, spiritual care interventions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and reflective practice consistent with the training models of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, but no more than six (6) semester hours in Clinical Pastoral Education may count toward the sixty (60) semester hours required for an equivalent course of study in Section 1.(s)
Practicum, internship or residency. Coursework may include any supervised hands-on activities, practical experience, or other activities relating to the rendering of pastoral counseling services, but no more than three (3) semester hours in a practicum, internship or residency course may count toward the sixty (60) semester hours required for an equivalent course of study in Section 1.HISTORY: COMPILER'S NOTE: 2025 RS HB 6, enacted by the General Assembly on March 27, 2025, altered the information to be provided at the time an administrative regulation is filed. Aside from formatting changes necessary to upload the regulation into the LRC's publication application, this regulation has been published as submitted by the agency.
201 KAR 38:031
MARGARET BROOKS, Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: August 31, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: October 13, 2026 at 11:13 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on December 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EST at the Mayo-Underwood Building, Room 127CW, 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 December 31, 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) 782-0706 (office), Fax: (502) 564-4818, Email: Matthew.Ellison@ky.gov, Link to PPC public comment portal: https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx, Email: Matthew.Ellison@ky.gov
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, Mental Health, Occupations and Professions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes the requirements for an alternative course of study, in order for applicants to satisfy the statutory educational requirements for licensing.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary because KRS 335.620(1)(d) provides an alternative pathway to obtaining a master of divinity for applicants to satisfy the educational criteria for licensure, but it requires the Board to define such alternative course of study via promulgation of administrative regulations.
(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 335.615(6) to promulgate administrative regulations to carry out the provisions of KRS Chapter 335.600 to 335.699. Further, KRS 335.620(1)(d) requires the Board to establish the criteria for an alternative course of study through promulgation of an administrative regulation.
(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 setting forth the criteria for an alternative course of study for applicants who do not hold a master of divinity, to satisfy the educational criteria.
(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:
N/A.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
N/A.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
N/A.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
N/A.
(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 potential applicants for licensure; it is not expected that the number of applicants will exceed 10 to 15 in a given year at the absolute maximum.
(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:
Applicants for licensure who do not hold a master of divinity will need to make sure that their educational background satisfies the requirements of this regulation.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
The Board does not anticipate that there will be any additional cost to potential applicants, by promulgation of this administrative regulation; it will instead require them to ensure that their educational background does contain the listed subject matter and designated credit hours.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
A pathway to licensure will exist for potential applicants who do not hold a master of divinity.
(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 new 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 335.615(6) requires the Board to promulgate administrative regulations to implement the purposes of KRS 335.600-.699. KRS 335.620(1)(d) permits the Board to promulgate an administrative regulation setting forth the definition of an equivalent course of study required of licensure applicants, other than a master of divinity from a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
(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 335.615(6).
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Pastoral Counselors 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 any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
None anticipated.
(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.