Misguided current regulations are restricitng services to Virginia residents who need mental health services. 

I write to urge you to approve and sign the revised regulations proposed by the Virginia Board of Social Work, which, among other things, would make it easier for persons fully trained, licensed and aproved for profressional social work in other states, to practice in Virginia.

In almost any professional field, persons who are well-educated and trained and fully licensed in their home state are eligible through reciprocity to nmove and work in another state.

As a former college dean, I am a big supporter of high academic and professional standards.  However, there is no logical reason for denying well-trained persons with top references from practicing social work in Virginia.  I urge you to approve and sign off on the new standards proposed by the Virginia Social Work Board.