An individual should be eligible for admission to PT/PTA programs if they have a non-violent criminal felony history (not on the Barrier list) and has rehabilitated themself as evidenced by:

1) A length of time since the criminal offense occurred;
2) Evidence of rehabilitation;
3) Letters of recommendation;
4) Current sobriety as proven by testing,     if appropriate;
5) Any other evidence of extenuating circumstances.

The Board of Physical Therapy determines on a case-by-case basis whether a prior criminal conviction should be a bar to licensure in Virginia. As of 2008, an estimated 92 million people in the U.S. had a criminal history record. This number continues to grow. Thus, rehabilitation of people with a criminal record, allowing them to learn from their previous poor judgment and contribute to society, is becoming more relevant. Are all these people to be thrown away? It has been argued that current Barrier Laws, applied to all individuals, are prohibitive. Are not some individuals able to learn from their poor judgment and go on to lead a productive lawful life?

There has been some movement in recognizing these ideas. I hope you will allow the reasonable next step of considering individuals for PT/PTA school on a case by case basis.

Several states (FL, NJ, AK, IL) already have provisions to review individuals with a felony for different job applications on a case by case basis, or to receive an exemption from the Barrier Laws. Virginia community services boards have also advocated a case by case review of individuals with a felony, recognizing the need to assimilate selected individuals, and not isolate them. 

I hope you will take the next step and vote to pass this reasonable petition. 

Respectfully Yours

McClellan Walther