This regulatory change will help protect the public in VIrginia and ensure client welfare. Many agencies, including the Institute of Medicine, have concluded that CACREP graduates should be the baseline for independent practice. This sort of external evaluation is valuable as it is generated by a group being able to assess preparation without any biases. Being CACREP accredited ensures that graduates are prepared, as the accreditation process requires demonstration of student learning outcomes.

Virginia has very inclusive policies that allow anyone with two years of licensure experience in another state, to relocate to Virginia and get licensed by endorsement. Please support this regulatory change, and thank you for your consideration.