Bill > A05570

This bill authorizes the commissioner of mental health to establish up to three three-year pilot programs in community behavioral health organizations aimed at supporting the recruitment and retention of licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). The programs will provide supervised post-graduate clinical experience for social workers at no cost to participants, helping them complete the clinical experience required for LCSW licensure. The commissioner must develop standards for the programs and establish evaluation criteria, including metrics such as the organization's ability to recruit newly licensed clinical social workers, use of evidence-based clinical models, provision of weekly continuing education opportunities, the percentage of participants who become licensed, and average employment length for LCSWs. These pilot programs are designed to address potential workforce challenges in behavioral health by creating a structured pathway for social work professionals to gain the necessary experience and potentially remain employed in community behavioral health organizations. The bill will take effect immediately and expire six years after its enactment.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5570