To Whom It May Concern,

As a Certified Pediatric RN in Virginia, I have grave concerns about these changes to regulations for social workers. I have seen the extensive psychological damage and suicide attempts related to gender confusion in my practice. Denying social workers the freedom to provide assistance to these children who may prefer their physiologic gender can cause significant psychologic injury. Many children have some issues with gender confusion that can be remedied with talk therapy and family counseling. If they would like to overcome or clarify those feelings, social workers should be allowed to help as the child or parent wishes. There is a wide body of evidence that suggests that we could be causing irreparable harm by insisting on some of the regulations you are proposing-- gender identification and same-sex attraction are NOT IMMUTABLE and treating patients using false data is not just negligent, it’s potentially life-threatening. Parents have the right to help their minor child and make decisions for them by law as well. Thank you for you consideration. 

Tammy Scott RN, BSN, Certified Pediatric Nurse.