I am extremely disappointed to hear that this regulation is even being considered! In a day and age where we DESPERATELY need compassionate, mental health providers, why would VA EVER want to restrict those who are eligible to being validated by a single governing body! Where is the research that says CACREP accredited counselors are better listeners, advocates, educators, supporters than counselors from other accredited programs? I certainly don't see any credible research out there! It's time for government officials to stop listening to big business organizations and listen to their constituents! Please ask my students and clients about CACREP and how it had positively affected my practically counseling skills? When they look at you confused, and tell you how I and other counselors who are NOT from CACREP accredited programs have positively impacted their lives, it might make you think twice about implementing such a restrictive, discriminatory and unnecessary law. Please listen to the majority of us in the field and DO NOT pass this bill!