I am writing regarding the need to revise the wording of regulations pertaining to Oxford housing in Virginia. Virginia currently has 186 Oxford Houses (52 house women) all of them would have to close if these regulations are approved as written. This would be devastating.

As a health professional and volunteer, I have worked for years with the Livin It Women's Prison Project and other recovery organizations. Women in our state desperately NEED quality sober housing. Oxford Houses provide a service that has benefited countless women I have known.  The legislation, as currently worded, will endanger the existence of Oxford Houses in VA where there are so FEW resources for women already.

Please be aware of the following points and rewrite the regulations:

1. Change the rules that require paid staff so self-governing houses can follow them.
2. Say clearly whether the members of an Oxford House are considered the "operator," because many of the rules apply to the operator.
3. Stop assuming that every recovery home is a commercial business. Please do NOT require business insurance or State Corporation Commission registration from homes that are unincorporated associations. People should be able to self-govern in these houses!