We represent Clinical Social Workers from Northern Virginia, in addition to DC and Maryland. The proposal that VA change its rule to require licensure for recent graduates who are in supervision working toward the LCSW will help protect the public and ensure the integrity of the social work profession. The requirements for obtaining an LMSW license prior to earning supervised hours towards a Clinical license will be in line with 80% of the states that already require this. It also provides protection for the public and for supervisors, who, at present, assume risk for the supervisee under their own licenses.

The petition will make Virginia social work regulations consistent with the Virgina Board of Counseling regulations. The Virginia Behavioral Science Boards should maintain parity on this issue. 

Additionally, it will help Virginia to participate in the Interstate Compact for Social Work. This helps Social Workers to have portability of their license. 

For all these reasons, we urge that the petition be approved.