I am an ASHA certified SLP who fully suports the continued regulation of recognition of ASHA Certification in initial licensure for Virginia's Speech Language Pathologists. ASHA Certification ensures that speech language pathologists are adhering to the highest standards both ethically, and academically and have participated in a rigorous clinical fellowship year. These requirements ensure that SLPs in Virginia continue to meet high standards of care.

Regardless of the setting that a speech language pathologist works in requirements for licensure and the SLP licence should be the exact same. Many SLPs work in both the schools and in private practice / health care. There should only be one type of SLP license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on this important matter.