There have been some comments regarding "people dying" and the safety of clients declining if changes are made to licensure requirements. To those that have made those comments, do you know the Virginia state code for someone who is a danger to themselves, others or is unable to independently care for themselves due to mental illness? Do you know what requirements are needed to hospitalize someone involuntarily for mental health reasons? The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) does not require a person to be licensed by the Board of Counseling or Board of Social Work. DBHDS has educational and certification requirements/trainings to make decisions regarding involuntary inpatient admission. The notion that changes to licensure requirements will cause more deaths or a decline in the safety of clients is illogical. The state has checks and balances that protect clients from harm.