Bill > H4650

This bill proposes several changes to social work licensing and professional development in Massachusetts. First, it removes the requirement for social workers to pass an examination for licensing, specifically for Licensed Certified Social Workers. The bill establishes a paid practicum placement grant program for Master of Social Work (MSW) students, with a focus on recruiting and supporting students from historically marginalized and low-income communities who are attending Massachusetts-based, accredited social work programs. The legislation also 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. Additionally, the bill requires the executive office of health and human services to conduct an evaluation of the examination requirement removal, analyzing potential impacts on social worker shortages, access to behavioral health services, workforce diversity, and patient care. The changes to examination requirements will take effect on January 1, 2027, with a sunset provision for those specific sections on December 31, 2030, signaling a potential temporary policy experiment to assess the impact of removing licensing examination requirements.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Higher Education (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4650