I am writing in strong support of the proposed changes to remove the Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) requirement for initial licensure in Virginia.

The state license is sufficient to ensure that SLPs meet the educational and clinical requirements necessary to provide high-quality services. In fact, the state licensing process already includes robust standards that align with the qualifications evaluated by the CCC. By maintaining a focus on state licensure alone, we can remove unnecessary barriers that currently hold back our profession and limit access to care for our clients.

The CCC is a redundant and costly product that adds no additional value to an already comprehensive licensure process. Requiring the CCC for initial licensure creates an artificial bottleneck in our field, preventing many capable and qualified professionals from entering the workforce. This restriction is particularly concerning given the ongoing shortage of SLPs, especially in underserved and rural areas.

Access to care is a fundamental right for individuals with communication and swallowing needs, and these changes will open the door for many more licensed SLPs to serve our communities. Removing the CCC requirement will allow highly trained professionals to begin their careers sooner, increase the availability of services, and reduce wait times for patients who need our support.

I urge the Board to move forward with these changes and eliminate this unnecessary hurdle. By doing so, we can improve access to care for Virginians and ensure that the focus remains on the skills and qualifications that truly matter for our profession.