We feel that the requirements of gaining 1,500 hours under the supervision of a social worker or other licensed mental health provider in Virginia are burdensome for a professional with a master degree or higher. In our graduate work, our studies of mental health are extensive and of high importance. 

We are asking that the Part II Requirements for Registration regulation 18VAC115-80-40 B.5. Requirements for registration as a QMHP-A and 18VAC115-80-50 B.4. Requirements for registration as a QMHP-C be changed from the current Emergency Regulations to the following replacement:

Licensure as an occupational therapist by the Board of Medicine (§ 54.1-2900 of the Code of Virginia) with a master’s or doctoral degree, and an internship or practicum of at least 500 hours with persons with mental illness or one year of experience in a mental health setting.