There are tens of thousands of licensed professional counselors throughout Michigan whose profession was recently threatened by a proposed rule change from the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

The rule change would have revised the profession’s scope of practice. It would have removed counselors’ ability to diagnose and treat their clients at clinics and would have been a terrible disservice to more than 100,000 patients who rely on the profession.

Last week, I joined with my Senate colleagues to pass legislation that will put into law the existing rules to ensure counselors may continue practicing in their current capacity. The bill has been sent to the governor, and I am hopeful she will sign it into law soon.

There are few topics around the capitol that have received as much attention in such a short period of time as this issue.

I was amazed by the outpouring of letters, emails and phone calls that my office received from counselors and their supporters encouraging me to support House Bill 4325, which was sponsored by my colleague from Sturgis, Rep. Aaron Miller. The concerted effort made a difference in explaining what could be considered a confusing issue. To me, it was obvious that this bill needed to be passed to prevent the department’s proposed rule change.

The effort made by so many counselors and supporters was also an excellent demonstration of democracy in action, and I appreciate all who took the time to contact me to voice their opinions. This type of engagement is what our country is all about. I encourage people to get involved and to stand up for what they believe in.