Sociology should continue to be an approved degree due to the scope of practice for a QMHP. Individuals working as a QMHP are providing collaborative mental health services and not engaging in independent or autonomous practice. Historically, many of those who have filled roles of the QMHP have been/are individuals with a Sociology degree. Removing the Sociology degree from the approved list without substantial factual review and reporting could affect service delivery for those in Virginia. This degree should be added back to the list.
Individuals who were not employed prior to 12/31/17 as a QMHP, requiring that the experience be within the past five years, is discriminatory for those who may have stepped out of an employed role for family matters. This is unfair and should be removed.
