Bill > S2590

This bill introduces several significant changes to social work licensing and support in Massachusetts. It eliminates the requirement for social workers to pass an examination to become licensed, specifically removing language about examination requirements from existing law. The bill establishes a paid practicum placement grant program for Master of Social Work students, with a specific focus on recruiting and retaining students from historically marginalized and low-income communities. The program will be administered by the state and requires collaboration with higher education institutions to track applicant data and evaluate the program's effectiveness. 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 students. The legislation mandates that the executive office of health and human services conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the examination requirement removal by July 31, 2028, assessing impacts on social worker shortages, patient care quality, service access, and workforce diversity. The changes to examination requirements will take effect on January 1, 2026, with a sunset provision for the related sections on December 31, 2030, demonstrating a measured approach to implementing these significant reforms in social work licensing.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Higher Education (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2590