Bill > S218

This bill introduces several significant changes to social work licensing and support in Massachusetts. It removes the requirement for social workers to pass a board-prepared examination for licensure, potentially making it easier to enter the profession. The bill establishes a paid practicum placement grant program specifically for Master of Social Work (MSW) students attending Massachusetts-accredited schools, with a focus on recruiting and retaining students from historically marginalized and low-income communities. Additionally, the bill allows licensed independent clinical social workers to receive up to 8 continuing education credits for providing one-on-one supervision to other social work professionals and interns. The legislation also mandates that the executive office of health and human services conduct an evaluation of the licensing examination removal, analyzing potential impacts on social worker shortages, service access, workforce diversity, and patient care. The evaluation will involve consulting with various stakeholders in the social work and behavioral health communities and must be submitted to relevant legislative committees, reflecting a comprehensive approach to understanding and improving social work professional practices.

Education, Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S218