I am in favor petition #371. I support this change in regulatory rules for the following reasons: it will make Virginia regulations consistent with 80% of the US states; it will help Virginia participate in the Interstate Compact for Social Work licensure. (This will aid social workers in having portability in our mobile workforce. I am an example- I have been licensed in Virginia since 1978 as an LCSW; I retired and moved to Maryland in January of 2020. I cannot practice in MD.) I am in favor of this rule change as it will make Virginia social work regulations consistent with the Virginia Board of Counseling regulations. Finally, I support this petition to make mental health care  delivery amongst the contiguous states (MD, NC, TN, KY, WVA, and Washington, DC) to Virginia less of an obstacle and to allow LCSW's the ability to easily cross state boundaries. Thank you for your consideration.

  Wayne A. Martin, LCSW.  Member of the Virginia Board of Social Work (7/2004-6/2012);    Chair of the Virginia Board of Social Work (7/2010-4/2012)