Bill > H208

This bill aims to ensure parity in social work licensure. It proposes several key changes to the existing laws governing social work licensure in Massachusetts: 1. It removes the requirement for passing an examination as a condition for obtaining a social work license. 2. It changes the language from "he" to "they" to be more gender-inclusive in referring to licensed social workers. 3. It introduces a new "provisional license" for applicants who have failed the social work examination by less than 15 points. This provisional license would allow them to practice under supervision and complete additional requirements within one year to obtain a full license without the examination. 4. It establishes a special legislative commission to investigate the feasibility of creating a new certification for child welfare workers at the Department of Children and Families, exploring alternatives to the current social work licensure requirements that may better serve the needs of this workforce and the families they serve. The overall intent of the bill is to increase access and remove potential barriers to social work licensure, particularly for communities that are disproportionately involved with the child welfare system.