In 1985, the Mississippi Legislature passed an Act "to provide for the licensing and regulation of licensed professional counselors" in Mississippi (Section 73-30-1 et. Seq. of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated). The intent of the Legislature in passing this law was to provide for the regulation and practice of counseling as well as the use of the title "Licensed Professional Counselor" to ensure the protection of the "public heath, safety and welfare" of the citizens of the State of Mississippi.
The establishment of the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors emerged from this Act. The Board consists of five members, one representing each congressional district and a member at large, which are nominated from the Mississippi Counseling Association (MCA), appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. Members' five year terms of service are staggered to ensure continuity and professional oversight of the regulation of Licensed Professional Counselors within the state. The Board elects officers to maintain the organizational integrity of the Board and to adequately distribute the workload. Being a Board member is a professional responsibility each member takes very seriously.
