I am disappointed to learn that if a social worker from another state moves to Virginia and, if they were not employed as a social worker for more than 2 years or more any time in the 5 years preceding their application for licensure in Virginia--no matter the reason--they cannot be granted licensure through simple reciprocity.  There are a variety of valid reasons why any professional may take an extended leave of absence from their field.  The fact that many professional women take extended leaves of absence to raise their small children is a primary cause of such absences suggests this legislation has a sexist bias.  Additional and equally valid reasons for extended absences from a profession include caring for an older or elderly family member, illness (such as prolonged cases of cancer), and military service.  The fact that they could have been working, practicing their profession, for 3 years prior to seeking licensure but have licensure delayed and complicated beyond simple reciprocity because they took 2 years off prior to that three year period seems ridiculous.

Care-giving professions--especially those that serve needy populations, like children, the elderly,  and the underemployed or unemployed--have been underfunded in this state, not to mention the country in general, due to the terrible economy.  In this context, the fact that Virginia is limiting the number of social workers that can practice due to poorly considered legislation is particularly disappointing and should be remedied quickly for the benefit of the Commonwealth and its citizenry.