Bill > S01727

This bill authorizes the commissioner of mental health to establish up to three three-year pilot programs within community behavioral health organizations to support the recruitment and retention of licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). The pilot programs will provide supervised post-graduate clinical social work experience at no cost to participants, helping them meet licensure requirements. The commissioner must develop standards for the programs and create evaluation criteria that include measuring the organization's ability to recruit new LCSWs, utilizing evidence-based clinical models, offering continuing education opportunities (at least one day per week), tracking the percentage of participants who become licensed, and monitoring the average employment length of LCSWs. These programs aim to address potential workforce challenges in the behavioral health sector by creating structured pathways for social work professionals to gain necessary clinical experience and potentially remain employed in community health organizations. The bill will take effect immediately and is set to expire six years after its implementation.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1727