Short answer
On July 6, 2026, Florida clarified that a licensed mental health professional can be available to an intern through live electronic contact in a private practice setting. The update also added supervisor paperwork duties and made conflict rules more precise. It did not remove the in-person supervision requirements.
We compared the May 2026 Florida Administrative Register proposal and the final rule history. The three amended rules took effect July 6, 2026. Rule 64B4-31.007 is relevant to who may supervise counseling interns, but its latest effective date is December 7, 2009.
What changed for an intern in private practice?
The 2026 amendment to Rule 64B4-2.002, F.A.C., clarifies when a licensed mental health professional is available through telehealth or other live electronic contact. The rule’s “on the premises” language includes that availability when the intern and qualified supervisor’s written telehealth protocol and safety plan address it. An intern still needs to follow the Board’s registration and supervisor-approval process. Discuss the actual setting and backup plan with your supervisor.
What changed in a supervisor’s paperwork duties?
The July 2026 update to Rule 64B4-2.0025, F.A.C., makes submitted supervision information complete and accurate and adds a response duty. A qualified supervisor must respond to Board staff requests for more information or corrections within seven days. The proposed text also lists Form DH-MQA 1181 and seven-day reporting after supervision ends. Keep your own log current so the final verification can be checked.
Who is barred from supervising under the clarified conflict rule?
Rule 64B4-2.003, F.A.C., now expressly names a current or former therapist, spouse, employee, or romantic, sexual, domestic, or family relationship. It also bars parents, siblings, children, and anyone sharing the intern’s home. The update makes current and former relationships clearer. Paying someone only for actual supervisory hours does not, by itself, make that supervisor your employee under the rule.
How did the rules read before July 6, 2026 and now?
This table summarizes the Board’s proposed-change notice and the adopted rule histories. It is a guide to the changed points, not a substitute for the full rule text.
| Topic | Before July 6, 2026 | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Private practice availability, Rule 64B4-2.002 | “On the premises” language lacked the new live electronic availability clarification. | Live electronic availability can meet that definition when the written telehealth protocol and safety plan address it. |
| Supervisor responses, Rule 64B4-2.0025 | The new seven-day Board correction response duty was not stated. | The supervisor must answer Board staff requests for added information or corrections within seven days. |
| Conflicts, Rule 64B4-2.003 | The wording did not expressly cover all listed former relationships. | Current and former therapist, spouse, employee, and listed personal relationships are spelled out. |
What are the current rules at a glance?
Rule 64B4-2.002 still requires at least half of supervision in person, an in-person first meeting, and in-person group supervision alternating with individual meetings. It defines individual as one or two interns and group as three to six. Its subsection (7) allows a stated exception. Rule 64B4-2.0025 covers qualified supervisors’ duties and paperwork. Rule 64B4-31.007 sets qualifications for an LMHC or equivalent who supervises counseling interns; it was not newly amended in July 2026.
What should you ask your supervisor this month?
- Does our written telehealth plan match our actual practice setting?
- Which supervision meetings must we hold in person?
- Who keeps the log and checks the final form for accuracy?
- Who will answer a Board request, and how quickly?
- Could any current or past relationship create a conflict under Rule 64B4-2.003?
Did Florida change counseling degree accreditation in 2025?
Yes. Section 491.005(4)(b), Florida Statutes, says that beginning July 1, 2025, a counseling licensure applicant must have a master’s degree from a program accredited by CACREP, MPCAC, or an equivalent accrediting body, with at least 60 semester or 80 quarter hours. This is a statute change for the counseling application path, separate from the July 2026 supervision-rule amendments. Ask the Board to review your particular degree record.
Official sources reviewed: Florida Administrative Register proposal; 64B4-2.002; 64B4-2.0025; 64B4-2.003; 64B4-31.007; section 491.005. Reviewed September 30, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can all supervision be online now?
No. Rule 64B4-2.002 still requires at least half in person. The first meeting must be in person too. Check subsection (7) if you think its exception applies.
Did Rule 64B4-31.007 change in July 2026?
No. The official history lists December 7, 2009 as its latest effective date. It still matters when checking who qualifies to supervise counseling interns.
What if the Board asks my supervisor to fix a form?
The July 2026 text gives the supervisor seven days to answer a Board staff request for added information or a correction. Keep copies of your records and ask the supervisor to confirm submission.
Can my former therapist supervise me?
No. Rule 64B4-2.003 expressly bars a current or former therapist from providing countable supervision. Check the rule’s other relationship restrictions before choosing a supervisor.
Is the 2025 degree rule part of the July 2026 changes?
No. Section 491.005’s counseling degree accreditation language begins July 1, 2025. The July 2026 changes concern supervision definitions, supervisor duties, and conflicts.